Distressed

Distressed: Defined by the dictionary as "suffering from anxiety, sorrow or pain". For me and Cynthia it was our moniker, our nickname; Acquired very early in our friendship. We joked about always being distressed, stressed out. We, in fact, had vanity license plates made for our cars. Mine said "Distressed", Hers "Distress". For those who knew us and know us still, especially Cynthia, this needs no explanation. For those who don't, it's simple. Everything was a crisis to us, especially Cynthia! She was such a drama queen! No matter how small or big or inconsequential, it was soooo distressing! The words "You wouldn't believe......" could captivate you for an hour of drama with her animated tale of whatever had happened. Early on it was usually school,men and parents. As our lives evolved it became, men, work, family, children, just life in general. But we were always on the phone to each other lamenting about our day or night or whatever. As we got older, it became lunches and after work drinks and the latest, our favorite the "dirty martini happy hour". "You will not believe the day I have had!", is often how she started a conversation, even if I had been the one to call. I smile, now, remembering, no matter what my "crisis" was, Cynthia could always top it with her "crisis". We spent hours/years bitching, moaning, problem solving, politicking, sympathizing and just plain laughing out loud at life. The moniker still fits but it feels different now.