This blogging thing makes me a better grown up. I learn lessons without someone having to sit down and school me in how I’m wrong – I learn via watching and the light bulb A-HA moment.

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I had a light bulb moment about friendship and favors about a year ago.

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Back when I started blogging (way back in ought seven) I met Mrs Flinger. She was all cool and together (snort) and awesome. She had a great looking site, lots of experience, and a shiny new job with a web design company.

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I thought, “Ooooo, she’s my buddy, I bet she’d cut me a deal on a great looking site for ME!!!!”

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I never did ask her about it – probably saw something bright and shin….oooo butterfly ….

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ahem.

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Then we were talking about life, and money (the lack of), the money troubles in the Flinger house condo, the pressure of deadlines and people asking for work for free – when she needed paying jobs to keep the family in the black less in the red.

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Ugh. A rock sat in my stomach. The light bulb turned on – and the lamp smacked me upside the head. I’d totally missed the point of friendship in looking out for a deal for myself.

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I wish I would have always thought, “Ooooo, she’s my buddy, I’d love to support her and pay her to build a great looking site for ME!!!!”

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I learned. I got the point. I’m learning to apply that point in my life. I’m learning to support my friends rather than looking for a handout from my friends.

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The hardest person to raise is myself. *shakes head*