The way beyond cool hard_knocks

Yes, the hunt begins........

Even though he didn't ask to read it, and I knew he wouldn't, how could I possibly leave out Mikel on this little meme thing? It just wouldn't be right. Of course, I don't have enough room to write everything about him that's cool, so I'll hit the high spots.

Mikel has been my strength for a few years now. He's so much more than my best friend, and he keeps me sane. I can't possibly go into everything he's done for me, but suffice it to say that he's saved my life, both literally and figuratively. It's kind of amazing how you go for years and years without knowing someone, but once you meet that person, you can't imagine life without them. That's how it is with Mikel. I could very easily have lost him this past summer when he got an infection that left him fighting for his life, and it was at that point that I realized just how devastating his loss would be to me. I'm glad beyond words that he's as strong as he is and was able to fight back the ol' Grim Reaper to stay with us.

Strength is, I would say, the cornerstone of Mikel's being. He's amazingly strong in every possible way, and he lends that strength to others when they need it. He really never ceases to amaze me, I'll say that. He's just one of those people that is so much himself and so unafraid of being that way, and if people don't like it, tough shit. He doesn't put on any false pretenses, and accepts himself for who he is, faults and all. He's just very comfortable in his own skin. I wish more people could be that way. The rest of society seems so concerned with outward appearances that you never know where you stand with them. It's not that way with Mikel. He lets you know.

Another really important thing with Mikel is his sense of humour. Like me, he's sarcastic and quick-witted, and I've never seen him speechless, and I've watched him turn idiots who might try to best him into little puddles of goo. It's an amazing talent, I'll say that. Hmm. I've noticed that I've used the word amazing a lot with this. Fitting, though.

Mikel is a risk taker who has no doubt in his mind that he'll make it through whatever gets thrown at him. Some people might call him foolhardy, but he's just so confident in himself that he can't possibly envision himself failing. He's had a hell of a lot of close calls in his life, but he still doesn't let that stop him. Fear is an emotion that is totally unknown to him. He scares me sometimes with the things he does, but I wouldn't try to stop him for all the world. It's like trying to stop a comet in its path; it simply wouldn't work. Even if it did work, the whole idea of trying to stifle him is just wrong.

I guess I could go on and on about him, but he does know how I feel. Mere words cannot express the depth of my feelings for him, but I had to at least try to give an idea. I'd highly recommend adding him to your friends lists if you haven't already, because he's most definitely worth knowing.

dj_rabid_angel's Cool Factor

It somehow seems fitting that I write about Jim after writing about Mikel, even though Jim didn't ask for me to do it, either. The two of them have a lot in common, and I find it interesting to see just how well they seem to know each other even though they've never met face to face and have only known each other a short time.

Like Becky, I could write a novel on what makes Jim so damn cool. I wish that everyone could know someone like him, because having him in your life just makes life all that much better. He's one of those people I haven't known all that long, but I am infinitely happier that he's in my life now.

He's had his share of hard times, just like a lot of people, and while he could try and justify some of the things in his past, he doesn't even try. He's the kind of person who admits when he makes a mistake, and uses that to help others learn from what he's experienced. He's been in some dark places, and does what he can to be the light so others don't end up going there as well, or so others can get out of their own personal darkness. It boggles my mind to think of all he's gone through and not only survived, but come out of having reined in the beasts he's fought. He's like Mikel in that facing challenges only brings out more strength in him and helps him to come out victorious.

I can't express just how much I've come to love him. He has made me smile on more than one occasion when I've needed it. There have been times that I've felt like I was falling apart, but Jim's been there to make sure I stayed together. He's someone who's great to lean on, and you just know that he'd take any blows for you so you could be spared. If you need to be picked up, he's right there to do what he can, and I've taken advantage of this inclination more than once. Someday I will go and meet him and sample those cuddles I've seen that he freely and happily gives out. Of course, I might not ever let go.

The Cool ravenscanary

Okay, one more for now, because I feel like doing this one. No, she didn't ask for it, but she's getting it nonetheless. So there.

Kristen is one of those people that I really wish I knew better. I've gotten to know her a little better recently, and hope that it continues.

She reminds me of myself in a lot of ways. I've fought the same issues with low self-esteem that she has, so I know where she's coming from. She kicks herself far too much, and hopefully someday she can get over this, because she seriously is very cool.

Kristen is a very smart person, and one who is quite defensive of her friends. I really like her no nonsense attitude, and how she doesn't put up with shit from people. I'd love to watch her in person, really. In fact, there are some people I'd love to steer her toward just to watch the show. I have no doubt she'd come out on top.

She's got a great way with words, which probably comes at least in part with her experiences with debate. I love to read it when she debates issues with people, even if there are times I don't agree with her. She makes you think, which is the point of a good debate, after all. She's articulate and knowledgeable, and that makes it a joy to read what she has to say, especially since she actually knows what she's talking about instead of just talking out of her ass like so many others do. And hey, she's open-minded and happy to listen to the other side as well. How cool is that?

As I think I told her before, if there was one gift that I could give Kristen, it would be that she could see herself through the eyes of the people who love her. She couldn't help but see her true worth then.