GIRL CODE: A SISTERHOOD NOT TO BE BROKEN

 I'm not quite sure that writing about GIRL CODE is not breaking GIRL CODE, but here we go. 

GIRL CODE [referred to as GC from now on]:  Plain and simple is the sisterhood that women share that shall not be broken.  Or, not? What prompted me in writing about this sacred topic is that recently I experienced the loose lips of a 'girl' friend who sorely broke our confidence.  She betrayed my trust after my flatly saying to her that I was about to tell her a story requiring GC.  Yes, I actually used the phrase, 'Girl Code' as if I needed to firmly ask for the utmost silence [as if I were still in high school] which should simply be a 'given' with a friend.  24-hours later I received a text from a 4th party indicative of the fact the trust had been broken.  She had immediately, and without hesitation, from my understanding, hung up the phone with me and went on the phone with the next releasing the confidential story from my lips to hers to the next and so on and so on. [Oh, for clarity, the story I divulged involved me. I was not gossiping about someone else.] Immediately following the circle back to me I immediately confronted her and confirmed, in fact, it was her lips that spewed the betrayal.  I won't divulge the future existence [or none] of our friendship, but sadly, it's definitely broken. 

With all of that said, I went to a beach fest the following day inclusive of 9 women with a 20 year [or so] age span.  I brought my notebook to take notes.  With all the women in attendance and situated in their beach chairs I posed two questions.  1. What does GC mean to you?  2. What would you do if GC is broken?

Well! I cannot tell you what can of worms these two questions opened.  It was a full day of discussion.  Periodically, I left the 'circle' to jump into the ocean, fetch more Sangria [ :) ], or eat.  Upon returning I found the women still discussing the issues of the code.  We discussed others who had been affected by 'broken' trust; whether being the actual cause or the victim.  Apparently, GC is strong on all levels. It extends beyond the simplicity of confidence.  Not that confidence is by any means, simple.  

Don't be fooled by age.  GC affects girls and women of all ages; from youth to the old and wise.  I'm not sure when it actually begins and/or ends [if ever].  I do know that my daughters, when they were teenagers, experienced wrath and drama, the good and the bad, of GC.  Furthermore, my mother and her friends have their drama, as well.  There is no escaping GC.  It surrounds all women whether invited or not. The bottom line is that it's a part of our makeup.  Men; beware.  You all are just bystanders.  [Stand by.  There maybe an addendum to this topic.]

FOR THE LOVE OF G-D WHERE ARE YOU RITA!

Let's just clarify that I was raised a nice Jewish girl.  However, nowadays, if I even glance at a synagogue as I drive, walk, or run past, it's a miracle.  Without getting too detailed of my faith, beliefs or convictions, I haven't yet figured out what I believe; but, it's not aliens, Jesus as someone to pray to for guidance [although, I do believe he was a real person], the catholic church, at all with the exception of a few good stories just like the old Jewish Testament-fables or feeding Buddha after noon [?].

With that said, I am missing my St. Rita's medal. Yes, this nice Jewish girl wears, holds or carries a St. Rita's medal; if I can find it. She is the finder of lost souls [that's my interpretation and it works for me].  Currently, she is lost. I can't find her and it's driving me insane. Good thing I am back to purging my house. Perhaps, as I toss and rummage through drawers and boxes she will appear offering me instant gratification.

During two years of a painful period in my life I couldn't seem to get out of a psychological 'funk.' I tried everything to make me feel better.  Therapy.  Disaster.  The therapist ended up crying; hence, the end of the therapy.  Exercise. Too thin I was told by my family, but I felt fit.  Running, pilates followed by bike riding. Perfect.  If I could only do that now. Gave it up and gained weight from eating too many Mrs. Fields chocolate chip oatmeal cookies that nowadays I bake and ship to everyone else. Baking and cooking are definite forms of calming therapy for me. 

Finally, I called my Irish Catholic sister-in-law and asked her where to get a St. Rita's medal.  Following her laughing fit, she picked me and took me to a Catholic trinket shop.  Wall to wall religious paraphernalia.  Literally.  I walked to a case on the counter and saw my options.  I bought the least expensive silver medal.  What a beauty.  Believe it or not, wearing this medal around my neck instantly made me feel at ease.  I need her now, but can't find her.  She probably rests with other Jewelry I have hidden for safe keeping and now can't find those pieces, as well.  Dilemma.  

What do I do.  I know!!!  I pray to St. Anthony!  Another G-dsend.  Trust me.  He works.  My friend, E, introduced me to St. Anthony several years ago.  St. Anthony finds lost things.  E swears by the mystery of St. Anthony.  She told me several stories of miracles for her own needs.  Lost diamonds in the snow [2x], keys and other items.  Of course, I have used St. Anthony in the past.  However, I have not been able to get him to help me find St. Rita.  Perhaps, the two saints clash and are unable to work together.  Perhaps, I have to step higher to find a Saint. Who knows, but, I need her now.  Please send her back!