WWAD?

I joke that Alison is my heterosexual life partner but in fact, she's more than that. She's often my hero. To paraphrase a bloated Jack Nicholson in "As Good as It Gets," she makes me want to be a better woman. We met through publishing circles in Philadelphia but our friendship really blossomed next to the buffet at a New Year's party. We were staking out the ham, I think, and started talking about bawdy female issues. Before long, we had attracted a throng of people eager to participate in the energized conversation she and I were having.

The rest is history.

Since then, Alison and I have shared tears, laughter, outrage, and amusement over work and play. We both are eager to grow our businesses and ourselves, and know we can absolutely rely on the other to support us in whatever capacity is necessary, be it a financial loan, blunt advice, or empathetic listening. I was recently at an event in Portland, Oregon, for women wanting to launch or expand a business. And during a keynote speech about marketing and promoting yourself via technology, I wondered what the hell kind of blog I could create that would keep me engaged and engaging. What would people most want to read and what could potentially be the most helpful? I naturally thought of Alison and our conversations, which last from several minutes (we are busy women) to several hours. We cover it all—pets, our unborn children, cramped apartment/work spaces, men, sex, love, the extra bagel we just shoved down our piehole, challenging friendships, challenging relationships with our families, the new shoes I just bought but feel guilty about, asking for the financial compensation we deserve (so we can buy more boots!)—and as we get started chronicling some of this, I believe we'll be able to cover some valuable and highly entertaining ground.

Alison is the voice in my head when I'm confused or unwilling to trust my instincts. And so far, she hasn't led me astray. If only I would listen to that voice when shoe shopping...