During the past holidays I've had a lot of time to think about the new year that is around the corner.

I wonder what 2008 holds for me. Certainly, a major shift - at least geographically - will take place by the end of February. Up to now I have shared an apartment with 2 fellow students. As two of us will graduate in early 2008 we are going to part companionship.

One of the guys, let us call him Ben, has been a dear friend of mine for over three years. We have had good times as well as bad times.

Like I said, I consider him to be a very dear friend of mine. And as it goes with bosom buddies, my relationship to him has been affected by pride, prejudices, distrust, envy, and yealousy.

A theme song from the movie Mame precisely describes such a relationship in a quaint manner.



Bosom Buddies
by Bea Arthur and Angela Lansbury

Vera and Mame:
[singing]
We'll always be bosom buddies,
Friends, sisters and pals;
We'll always be bosom buddies,
If life should reject you,
There's me to protect you.

Vera:
If I say that your tongue is vicious,

Mame:
If I call you uncouth;

Vera and Mame:
It's simply that who else but a bosom buddy
Will sit down and tell you the truth.

Vera:
[speaking]
Tho' now and again I'm aware that my candid opinion may sting,

Mame:
Tho' often my frank observation might scald;
I've been meanin' to tell you for years
You should keep your hair natural like mine.

Vera:
If I kept my hair natural like yours, I'd be bald.
[singing]
But darling,

Vera and Mame:
We'll always be dear companions,

Vera:
My crony,

Mame:
My mate;

Vera and Mame:
We'll always be harmonizing,

Vera:
Orphan Annie and Sandy,

Vera and Mame:
Like Amos and Andy.

Vera:
If I say that your sense of style's as far as off as your youth;
It's simply that who else but a bosom buddy
Will tell you the whole stinkin' truth.

Mame:
[speaking]
Each time that a critic has written, "Your voice is the voice of a frog!"
Straight to your side to defend you I rush;
You know that I'm there ev'ry time that the world makes and unkind
remark.
When they say "Vera Charles is the world's greatest lush!"
[singing]
It hurts me!

Vera:
And if I say your fangs are showing,
Mame, pull in your claws,
It's simply that who else but a bosom buddy
Will notice the obvious flaws!

Mame:
[speaking]
I feel it's my duty to tell you it's time to adjust to your age;
You try to be "Peg O' My Heart", when you're "Lady Macbeth."
Exactly how old are you, Vera? The truth!

Vera:
Well, how old do you think?

Mame:
I'd say somewhere in between forty and the death!

Vera and Mame:
[singing]
But sweetie,

Vera:
I'll always be Alice Toklas,
If you'll be Gertrude Stein.
And tho' I'll admit I've dished you,
I've gossiped and gloated,
But I'm so devoted.

Mame:
And if I say that sex and guts made you into a star,
It's simply that who else but a bosom buddy
Will tell you how rotten you are.

Vera and Mame:
Just turn your bosom buddy
For aid and affection,
For help and direction,
For loyalty, love and for sooth!
Remember that who else but a bosom buddy
Will sit down and level
And give you the devil,
Will sit down and tell you the truth!