National Sister Appreciation Day

I've been feeling the need for some time now to visit Big Bend National Park, one of the most beautiful places in Texas. Granted, that might be sort of like winning the "Prettiest Girl in the Room Full of Only Moderately Attractive Females" contest, but still. Sorry, Texas lovers, but I'm just being honest here. Texas is a lot of things, but gorgeous is not one of them, so when gorgeousness raises its head, I figure it's worth checking out. But I don't want to go alone, I want company. But who? I called up my sister Umulu the other day and mentioned that there were a few empty days between when I get back to the States and when I can move myself into the Elf Palace. Days in which it might be a good time to go check out Big Bend? Bracing myself for an immediate no ("Camping? With you? Are you nuts?"), I floated the idea to Umulu, being careful to include key words like "car camping" and "rum" and "marshmellows," and to my absolute surprise, shock, and delight, she was immediately enthused. "Sure! I can take those days off! I'll put it on my schedule right now!" Oh, I am so happy! After an episode in our shared history that Umulu still refers to as "The Nazi Death March Across Patagonia," I wasn't counting any chickens before they hatched. But it turns out that she's either a) forgotten, or b) forgiven me for the leaky tent, gale-force winds, and insufficient food stores of 2003. I'm going to Big Bend, and I'm going with my sister! Hooray!

In honor of this momentous moment, I would like to declare today, Monday, February 23 the First Annual National Sister Appreciation Day. Because without sisters, I would only have brothers. Because without my sisters, I wouldn't be half the person I am today. Because without sisters, I still wouldn't know how to apply mascara or use a blow dryer. Because without my wise and intelligent sisters, who else would tell me when I was being an ass? Who else would let me know when the guy I'm dating is insufficiently awesome for me? Who else would forgive me for Nazi Death Marches Through Patagonia and bravely sally forth once more?

Umulu and I have a favorite song. Anybody else out there a classic movie fan? Here's "our song" from the wonderful (read: cheesy and terrible and wonderful) Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera Ellen movie "White Christmas." Most times Umulu and I get drunk together the night ends with a rousing rendition of this fantastic little number.



We love the song so much that this Christmas we were impulse shopping at Target (always a tremendous mistake) and we bought these outfits. Not only because they were onesie pajamas, and not only because they matched and how effing cute are we!!! Also, we bought them because they match the dresses from our song. Yes we are that lame. And yes, we have our eyes peeled for large blue ostrich feather fans.



And for all you men out there who are outraged - "Sisters Day? Sisters?! Well I like that, and what are we, chopped liver?" So for my brothers, who are just as awesome in their own ways as my sisters, here's a special song for you. See? Bing and Danny love sisters, too!



Happy National Sister Appreciation Day, Umulu (and all sisters everywhere). Yes, we do look silly. I hope you forgive me for posting these photos on the internet! Though, knowing you, you're probably more annoyed that I just revealed to the world your secret love for a cheesy musical. Mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!! No secrets are safe with me!!!