So it has been a week. And when I say that, I do not mean it has been amazingly wonderful or graphically horrible. I take either one better than I can handle both – which is pretty much what this week has been. Kingda Ka ain’t got nothing on my week.

There was wonderful family time and a tragic death of a beautiful woman. My grandma called to tell me I was “spectacular” after reading my article in the local newspaper. Someone else thinks I suck for the same article. There were professional wins and losses. I had an exhaustive day getting the kids ready for school then got the four out the door the following morning – the oldest a high school freshman, the baby beginning pre-k. I am feeling a bit emotional.

I am searching deep for my inner snark, who is usually always available and on call. Smart assed humor always helps to calm the fear of releasing my inner cheese and writing the next reject show for Lifetime.

Not really feeling it. So instead, I have decided to pare down the number of Follow Fridays today, embrace the cheddar, and hope somebody has a big box of Ritz.

You make me want to be better

@PhxREguy: When I got out of the Navy and started my real estate career, I was no fish and couldn’t spell pond. It was absolute hell trying to figure out my way, my style, my money after the startling realization that real estate does not have auto payday on the 1st and the 15th with additional benefits for sick kids.

I started blogging because writing was the one thing I could do myself without having to pay anybody. Blogging wasn’t huge yet, but it was well on its way – there were already some emerging cool kids.

Jay and I, through ways I can’t remember now, crossed paths. For whatever reason, he invited me under his wing, into his circle and offered what he knew. I had nothing to offer and still cannot repay the kindness. But he is still offering that support and friendship nearly 6 years later. That kind of heart makes me want to be a better person.

@headmutha: I have never had any problem telling the world just how I feel about the Turner family. But my fascination with Rocky has always felt stalkerish. Don’t look at me like that – if you don’t know at least one real person who makes you goofy star struck, you need cooler people to know.

I realized that I feel that way because I always focus on the cool stuff Rocky does – not the person I think she is. I feel like I know her – I realize I might be all wrong and wish I knew her better. But, I am pretty good at this kind of thing (makes up for the fact that I can’t sing), so I am just gonna put it out there.

Rocky makes it easier for me to be comfortable with the crazy, twisted, wonderful scary thing that is my own skin. She seems eclectic, smart, beautiful, confident and strong. That by itself would be intimidating as hell – it’s like an airbrushed super model. And there are few things about airbrushed I can relate to.

But airbrushed she is not. She has shown herself to have fears, hurts, and questions just like, well, me. And she has demonstrated that fear, overwhelming moments, and general real life stuff is not what defines her – it is how she reacts to those things that are important.

In this display I find a renewed understanding in the idea that I am not flawed or broken – I am beautifully woman. I get back to wanting to be a better person.

@TheRealClint: I wish I could tell you that I know Clint and his family. I wish I could tell you that we connected and have communicated online for years and I am proud to now introduce you to him. I wish I could tell you all the quirky things about him that real friends know. I don’t, we haven’t, and I can’t.

Clint is currently kicking cancer’s ass. Through this epic display of strength and family unity, Clint’s friends have rallied around him. We have some of the same friends and the battle cry could not go unnoticed. What I found was inspiring.

Clint is a real guy, with a real wife, with real children with a real life or death situation. I can’t even begin to imagine. And what you will find about Clint is he is a positive, strong individual – but he ain’t no show off. He hurts and, while he doesn’t wallow, he appreciates the support. He is proud, but no so prideful that he doesn’t know when to reach out. He is strong, but he is quick to give credit to his wife, children and friends for shoring him up . He is challenged, but he refuses to be overrun.

I watch this example from a distance. I watch as instead of focusing on himself, he is quick to return that support to others that need it. I watch as he takes a completely suck situation and turns it into something that is enriching the lives of so many. I watch as what would shatter many has emboldened and solidified. Who am I when I whine about the chores, the job or the weather? I watch the love displayed from and around Clint and I want to be a better person.

I appreciate the three of you very much. Just felt like there was no better time than now to tell you. Hope everyone else will excuse the sap. I won’t apologize for it, but I understand it ain’t always comfortable. I promise I will return to the regularly scheduled program in a bit.

This was the question posed by my very confused – and obviously sheltered – children during their first trip to the family home in the country.

“I have to go pee.”

“There’s somebody in there. You’ll have to wait.”

“Can’t I just go use the other one?”

“There is no ‘other’ bathroom.”

**Cue twisted up confused face and cricket sounds.

Once the idea sunk in that this was a normal feature of homes this age, they became quite comfortable with the fact and proceeded to have a wonderful weekend. In fact, we had such a good time, we are leaving again today.

So before I sign off for another weekend sans internet (way cooler than it sounds) I leave you with

Chicks I Would Share a Bathroom With
*sorry fellas…you understand

@RealLifeSheri – Coached me to 1,000th tweet which took WAY longer than it should have (my fault – no hers). Besides being completely encouraging, an outstanding real estate professional and a great mom, Sheri has great shoes. I hope she leaves a pair in the bathroom because I will lie and swear I haven’t seen them.

@MauraNeill – From baseball hat to bad ass evening wear, this hottie rocks it all. Always a lady, don’t mistake her goodness for weakness – she is a strong female. Amazingly warm, incredibly giving, The Braves and Maura make Atlanta a little brighter.

@PhotoShirlz – While I will insist that camera does not make it into the potty, with Shirley around, you will want it everywhere else. Shirley encourages people to be better and women to empowered. She sees beauty everywhere and captures it to share with others.

@LisaArcherRE – 1/2 of The Geeky Girls. The other half being Laurie Davis, who is also welcome to share a bathroom. These chicas rock the “Geeky” shirt like nobody’s business. Their clients appreciate it too. So do the rest of us who get to learn from their insight. Not only is Geek sexy, it is downright useful too. Oh, and they drink their beer from the bottle, sans cup – right on.

@peachy92 – Watched the Casey Anthony trial so I didn’t have to. I don’t think I have ever properly thanked her for that. And who doesn’t love a woman who adores our Atlanta Braves?

@OutdoorLori – Another one of my treasured IRL mets this year. Her Twitter tag – “I have guns,dogs, skis, saddles, & boots.” I love her.

First, let me say and big “thank you” for all the support that has been given to my Twitter #FollowFriday format. My little blog had a ton of company last week. I appreciate it very much and I am thrilled to be introducing, highlighting and really patting on the back some really awesome people who deserve it.

None of us can do it alone. I love the way Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and other various social media sites have allowed geographically challenged collaboration, education and relationships to really flourish.

I, however, will be unable to participate in these activities for a day or so. It has been a while since I have been totally off the grid, but it will happen later today. Super stoked about taking the family for a little together time out at the farm-house. No internet, no cable and spotty cell service – there is, however, indoor plumbing.

So, on this #FF, I give you

Folks that can Hold Down Twitter in My Absence

@MikeMueller – Said I was “better than bacon.” Who cares what else he has to say. Just know that he said that. Ok, he says a lot of other cool stuff too.

@LennarAtlanta – King of Sharpies. Don’t let the corporate-builder-nonpersonal looking twitter facade fool you. There is a real person and tons of personality.

@savtweetup – One of the coolest new social groups to hit Savannah. If you are a Coastal Georgia local or plan to visit, this is a must follow. Cool venues, cool people, hot city.

@JasonCrouch – Yet another reason I think Texas is so cool. I swear if I didn’t LOVE Coastal Georgia, I would move West. Jason is the perfect example of good, smart and awesome to know. Seems to be a trait in the Lone Star State.

@JoshCantwell – Always good for a non-cheesy motivational moment with a side of real estate sales information. Great follow for those of us hanging tough in this amazing market.

@Gahlord – One of the smartest. people. ever. You name it and this guy can make it interesting. I feel smarter ever time I see him. Heck, I GET smarter every time I see him.