Favorite Sistertime Activities
It’s not what you say, it’s what you do that often reveals to the world who you are. If this snippet is true, what does what I do with my sister Eileen reveal about us?Phone Talking
Even if I have seen her the day before, my younger sister and I can still talk for over an hour on the phone, guaranteed. Ask our husbands. When we were little and shared a room, my mom would hear us talking when the lights were out and we were supposed to be asleep, and we’d get in trouble. Was it the lure of forbidden fruit? Is it still? If you ask my husband, who keeps upping my cell phone minutes, he’d give you an emphatic “yes.”
Donut Eating
Let me first say that I am not a regular donut purchaser. I love them, but my butt doesn’t need additional padding. My sister, who recently had a baby, also loves them. Her husband loves her and buys them because he knows she loves them. When I go to visit her and the baby, I can’t resist those Krispy Kremes. I think it all started with some other sisters—my mom’s family. Tradition was donuts after mass. My family also partook of that tradition. It may not be good for us, but we love a good yeast donut, especially with chocolate frosting.
Beach Walking or Hiking
If we travel to the beach, which we do on family vacations, Eileen and I like to take long walks along the shore. We talk, we take in the salty breeze, we get our feet wet, and all of a sudden it’s been an hour. When we were in Folly Beach (where we stayed for my brother’s Charleston wedding), my mom sent my uncle out to find us because we’d been walking so long. When we went to North
Carolina last summer, we did a short hike because she was preggers and in the throws of morning sickness, but I assure you we would have taken a longer hike under normal circumstances.Board Game Playing
Maybe it was because we didn’t have cable as kids, but a lot of down time was spent playing board games in my family, especially during summer vacation. In fact, during one particular summer, my mother banned my older sister and brother from playing Parcheesi because their play would inevitably escalate into accusations of cheating and shouting. Our family favorites are Scattagories, Pictionary, Star Trek UNO, Trivial Pursuit, Life and the card game War. When we were younger, we played Payday, Battleship, and Risk, too. My older sister liked Monopoly, but I found it too long and boring. I guess I was never cut out to be a real estate mogul.
Clothes Shopping
I love going clothes shopping with Eileen because really it’s like having a living, breathing paper doll. She was always the skinny sister, so clothes look fabulous on her. She also would try on anything I asked her to. How cool is that? Another great thing about shopping with my sister is that she might suggest that I try on something I wouldn’t normally go for. An added bonus is that she’s completely honest when a pair of pants looks hideous. I provide the same honesty for her, but like I said, most everything looks good on her.
Baby Birthing 
This was probably the highlight of my year—being in the delivery room with Eileen and her husband as their son was born. I liked being able to encourage her and provide the leverage for her to push. I so enjoy watching her as a new mom and answering her questions. She doesn’t always take my advice, but that’s okay. She has to forge a path that’s right for her.
Okay, so what we’ve learned from this informal evaluation is that Eileen and I have a bond forged on late night talks, board games, and donuts. We remain close because we live near one another (on purpose) and spend time with each other, if not in person, then by talking on the phone. She is my best friend.
Who is your best friend? What do you do with him or her?
This was probably the highlight of my year—being in the delivery room with Eileen and her husband as their son was born. I liked being able to encourage her and provide the leverage for her to push. I so enjoy watching her as a new mom and answering her questions. She doesn’t always take my advice, but that’s okay. She has to forge a path that’s right for her.
Okay, so what we’ve learned from this informal evaluation is that Eileen and I have a bond forged on late night talks, board games, and donuts. We remain close because we live near one another (on purpose) and spend time with each other, if not in person, then by talking on the phone. She is my best friend.
Who is your best friend? What do you do with him or her?
Labels: Maureen Hardegree, sister time activities
posted by Mo H @ 9:26 AM
7 Comments:
Yes, you're right. A donut after Mass is a must! Coupled with hot coffee, nothing is better. That is the only time I will allow myself the indulgence.
This was a great post... I, too, talk with my sister, I have three now, but one in particular every day. It would feel strange if I didn't.
Here's to sisters!
~Caroline
Caroline,
Glad I'm not the only one out there with that craving for a donut after mass! Thanks for posting.
What a wonderful post! I am so happy for you, Mo, and trying not to be envious! :-) I live in AZ and my best friend lives in FL. We talk almost every day on her drive home (a long commute and my job is to help keep her awake). We have attended LOTR events in L.A. and FL on two occasions. We've written together (fanfic) and even watched programs together, with the phone connecting us. She's the only person I know, with absolute certainty, I can tell anything or ask anything. No subject is taboo, and we share a similar interests and sense of humor. I thank God every day for her.
Coming from a military family, then marrying a military man, I don't have the pleasure of living close to my family (all of whom are either in the military and/or married to a military member).
Thanks to cell phone plans we all stay in touch. Rarely does a day go by that I don't touch base with family, usually while one or both of us is driving to/from work or chauffering our kids.
We like to have fun together, whether it's cooking in the kitchen, singing karaoke, going for a run or playing tennis, dancing, spending family time together... whatever.
I know my sister is there for me, whatever and whenever. It's a powerful reassuring presence, knowing that my sister has my back, no matter what.
Mo, what a wonderful relationship you two have! Fun pictures.
Judy,
Your BFF sounds wonderful!
Pris,
I think cell phones make staying in touch so much easier. Like you, I'm often on the phone while in car pool lane or taxi duty.
Karaoke, now that sounds like a fun family activity!
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