It's dusty in here.

Dear Catharine,

Do you remember this thing? It seems to have been one of our many best friend projects that have gone by the wayside, like making New Year's Resolutions together every year and writing that screen play. It's a good thing the two of us never decided to get a dog or a plant together. We are not good at sustaining things. At least we have managed to sustain our friendship. Good for us.

I feel like we've grown and changed so much since we first made the decision to try a blog together. I'm now in an internship with my grad program and you're about to move to a new city with your husband. Where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday we were sitting in your dining room playing Sims and having your little brother make us snacks. I would like one and 1/2 oreos in my ice cream please, here are some quarters.

Maybe when you are far away, we could try this thing again. You know, kind of like a KC vs STL battle blog. At least until I finish up with school and make my big move to Austin. Then it can be a TX vs MO blog. Of course, when I move there it will become TXXX. You know how I roll. The eagle soars in the moonlight only to rest as the sun rises.

Love,
Marissa

PS: I forgot to answer your 4 questions for my magic iPod. 1.What will I be when I grow up? - Unique is my Dove by Matisyahu. I think this means you will be crazy. Don't worry though, crazy is awesome.

2. Where will Richie and I move after Dental School? - Don't Wanna Lose You Now - BSB... obviously away from KC and me and soon and that makes me sad.

3. Will I have children? Sound Effects & Overdramatics - The Used. Kids are noisy and very drama filled. I think this means yes.

4. How did all this lint get on my pants? - Careless Whisper - Gossip. Did you lean too close to someone wearing wool to tell a secret? That's my only guess.

Yes I do

Dear Riss,

How kind of you to share with me the services of your omniscient iPod. I would like to ask it a few questions:

1. What will I be when I grow up?

2. Where will Richie and I move after Dental School?

3. Will I have children?

4. How did all this lint get on my pants?

Love,
Cate

Do you have a question you would like to ask my iPod?

Dear Cate,

I have been equally as remiss as you and therefore suspend judgment for any lack of blog updating on your part as long as you promise to do the same for me.

I would like to share something very special with you.

I have an omniscient iPod.

No, really! Remember back in the old days when I had that ghetto cell phone? The only cool thing about it was this gadget on it called “The Mystic Chi.” You were supposed to ask it a question and then it would say something really insightful and deep in response. It had wondrous powers, the Mystic Chi.

Well, I had originally thought that I had lost those powers when I moved on to bigger, better phones. I mean, now I’m among the throngs of smart phone users with my new Blackberry. Yet, even the ability to update my facebook status from virtually anywhere does not make up for the lack of mystical fortune telling powers. I believed that they were lost from me forever.

Then, out of nowhere, I had a hankering to ask a question once only reserved for the fat Buddha-esque man inside my old phone. So, I thought, my iPod has over 10 thousand songs. Songs often have meanings that are insightful and deep. What if I asked my iPod a question and let it answer me in a song? Here are a few questions I asked:

Q: Will I ever get married?

A: “Walking Her Home” by Mark Schultz – a song about a couple that has been married for 60 years. Woah.

Q: Will I finish grad school with a 4.0?

A: “See the Glory” by Steven Curtis Chapman – sounds pretty promising

Q: Will my 1984 themed birthday party be a success?

A: “Every Moment” by Rogue Wave – wow, things are looking good for me.

Q: Will we have a safe trip to Louisiana?

A: “Like a Prayer” by Madonna – Ok… so we’ll have some heavenly protection.

Then I thought, why stop there? Why keep this wonder all to myself? I asked my mom if she had any questions for my iPod. She asked if her stomach would stop hurting. Answer: “Today’s the Day” by America. Nice! Madi asked if she would ever marry Nick Jonas, to which my iPod replied “Sunday Morning” by No Doubt. That one was a little concerning… but maybe it means a Sunday morning in the distant future.

Anyhow, now I offer this service to you because we are best friends. My iPod knows all. See what it can tell you!

Did the distance make your heart grow fonder?

Dear Riss,

My devotion to blogging seems to be lacking luster. Please don't doubt that I'm fully 100% loyal to my commitment to the Good Company Blog. I know I can't just leave it up to you to entertain the masses!!!?? Although you've done quite well over the last two months. But I understand this is a team effort- something to celebrate our friendship and not something I expect you to shoulder on your own. I'm not quite sure why but sometimes I have a hard time coming up with topics to blog about.

Is it because I am not a good writer? I do use a thesaurus sometimes.

Is it because my life is boring? I could blog about how my parents came over for dinner last night so they could pick up the electric toothbrush we ordered for them. Or I could not blog about that. Seems like there is a obvious choice.

Is it because I don't have strong opinions? In general I really don't, unless the issue is something of no real consequence- for example I am a passionate advocate for using letter openers instead of ripping the envelope, and I refuse to eat american cheese.

Is it because I've never watched Jon and Kate + 8?

So many questions. What I just said right there, "So many questions"- reminds me of a t-shirt I used to have when I was little. It said "So many flavors. So little time." It was a Baskin Robbins t-shirt. I always have liked ice cream.

Love,
Cate

p.s. thanks for the eyebrow grooming suggestions but was that a cancer patient in the last picture?

Haikus.

One time we only used haiku form in our email communications with each other for the day. We are way too cool for our own good. Read on below.

Riss:
I’ve decided to
Just communicate haiku
Would you like to join?

At last it's Friday
I thought it would never come
Oh, TGIF

Cate:
Lacking brain power
This is really challenging
But I will play too

Riss:
Hurray, it’s a game!
I welcome the distraction.
Work stresses me out.

Cate:
Wow it is lunch time
This morning was so busy
Brad is at my desk

Riss:
Lunchtime, delicious
What did you decide to eat?
Brad taking you out?

Cate:
I eat here alone
Hard boiled egg and a orange
what are you eating?

Riss:
Had granola bar
Waiting for Bart to take off
He’s here until 1.

Think I’ll grab lunch out
I feel like eating BD’s
Will have a late lunch

Cate:
This orange is sticky
Did you know I am leaving
around 3:30?

Riss:
I did not know that.
What are you going to do?
Bart’s flight got cancelled.

Cate:
It's Corporate Challenge
Kick Off Party is today
Don't want to go ugh

Where was Bart going?
What are your plans this weekend
I miss playing Sims

Riss:
Philadelphia
Had to go to funeral
Morning flight instead

2 more papers left
My house is a disaster
Homework and cleaning

Sims possible Sat.
If I get enough finished
And house straightened up

Cate:
I was just saying
I don't need to play the Sims
killers concert sat

rest of weekend is
full of prep for hawaii
boo for 2 papers

now in other news
all these haikus have gotten
very annoying

Riss:
Haikus annoying?
Definitely not to me.
Proud we’re creative.

I’ve been back an hour
And have not seen either one
I’m feeling left out.

Cate:
do not despair friend
they might not be together
or maybe they are

either way you win
because you are marissa
queen of all haikus

Riss:
They were together.
Went to out to lunch without me
Must have been impulse

Oh well. Could be worse.
I’ll just have to up my game.
I am very tired.

Cate:
I am tired too
let's take a nap together
haha that is weird

Riss:
We’ve done that before
I remember calling mom
And telling her that

“Catharine and I
Are going to take a nap
Together here now”

She didn’t question.
She had learned by then not to.
We are such good friends.

But really you look fine.

Dear Best Friend,

You are so right. I abandoned you in your time of need, after you were so wonderful to me in finding a career.

So, in an attempt to make up for it, I have a variety of eyebrow styles available for you to peruse. Now you can choose the one that is right for you and groom accordingly!

First, a look to prepare you for the red carpet. I chose this because of your background in television fame at Kearney High School. I call it "The Bratz Doll"


Next, may I present to you "The Wooly Willy." This eyebrow set is most complete with a mustache, but I think you can pull it off. It's named after that magnetic drawing toy that they had when we were kids. Remember? The one where you could give facial hair to the bald man using a magnet pen? That was a good time.



If you're looking for more respect at work, then this next eyebrow set is for you. Check out "The Silver Fox." No one would dare question you about your Corporate Challenge planning techniques when you have eyebrows like these.


If you're looking for a lower grooming and maintenance plan, allow me to introduce you to the "Paint By Number" look. In this look, you simply remove that pesky hair and use provided stencils to perfect your brows! And, by what I see here, there's a whole makeup kit!


Of course, the least maintenance at all title belongs to "Au Naturale." This is for the full flavor lady who wants to just be herself.



And finally, for a surprising look that will definitely stand out in the crowd, try "Naked Face." Hair is for people who aren't pretty enough without it.



So there. I've helped you with your eyebrow crisis. Please be my friend again. And help me with my need for adventure.

Love,
Riss

And now, a word from our sponsors.

Gather ‘round and don’t be late
To hear all about Riss & Cate
Their story is quite first rate.

Two young women who are very pretty
College made them smart and witty
But they've moved back home to Kansas City

Each to the friendship brings her own skills
Cate saves her money to pay the bills
And Riss bakes cookies to give men thrills

Cate is married so her life is tame
Riss is single and has more than one flame
Both wonder if they're destined for fame

“We do what we want” you hear them cry
They love Kate Walsh and Lorelai
To have fun all they do is try

Even though they're now adults
They aren't crazy or in any cults
So don't try out any old lady insults

So what if they prefer staying in to going out?
Or they prefer milk and cookies to vodka and stout?
They can have a night in and smile, not pout.

They like to watch Walker, Rectangle Ranger
Rather than get in trouble with strangers
They remember the baby from the manger

They may have seemed like losers in their earlier years
They’ve been mocked by others and felt the sneers
In wittiness and charm they’ve now surpassed their peers

All dorkiness they learned how to reverse
They're snarky and funny and sometimes curse
Always with great outfits and a matching purse

Wherever they go they’re sure to be seen
They’re liked so much because they’re rarely mean
Others around them with envy are green

They both like shopping for clothes and shoes
They listen to good bands like Brand New and Muse
They both are Christians and not Jews

They’re known to woo waiters wherever they go
They try to avoid sledding in the snow
To peanut butter M&Ms they never say “no”

They like watching football on the couch
The Chiefs sometimes cause them to be a grouch
But for Tony G they'll always vouch