Cheers to a fantastic friend!

I have decided to feature a few of my favorite people in upcoming posts. And for fun, I will add a theme song to some of the posts. So let's get started.

Have you ever become friends with someone the instant you meet them? That is exactly what happened when I met Shelly Spangler. I was setting set up for a PreGame (an epic Coug fan experience before away football games) a few years ago. When Shelly walked down the hall, I was cursing at a roll of logos that was not cooperating with me as I tried to tape it to the wall. Almost before we introduced ourselves, Shelly helped me be the boss of the unwieldy mess. Fast forward a few hours, and the two of us made eye contact from across the room when we were singing "Don’t Stop Believin’” way too loud with equally matched amounts of joy. And neither one of us understood why we were the only ones singing. We knew we were meant to be friends.

And it only got better from there.

Shelly is an amazing WSU Alumni Association volunteer, but she is an even better person. She is incredibly intelligent. I am jealous of her quick wit and incredible sense of humor. She is always willing to help. She is so caring. I think (if it is possible) she loves the Cougs more than I do.

I could go on and on (and would love to do so), but I think the best thing I can say is that my life is better with Shelly in it. The world is better with Shelly in it.

I asked Shelly to come over for drinks (food may have been involved, but honestly, I don’t remember) after she spoke at December Commencement last year. She told me her favorite cocktail was a Vieux Carré. I had never heard of it—a perfect excuse for a bit of research and experimentation. Shelly said my version was delicious. We tried a few…you know, for the sake of research. I think Kevin’s (Shelly’s husband) version might be better. Shelly says it chases away her stress when he makes them for her. Maybe we could peer pressure him into sharing his recipe and add it to this post.

We were too busy having fun that night, so this post has no drink photos—instead, a photo of me, Shelly, and Kevin at a WSU Foundation Gala. I lovingly refer to it as adult prom. I have tons of fun whenever I am with Shelly, but adult prom was the best!

Shelly, you know I love you and feel so lucky to call you a friend. Thanks for connecting at just the right times, always making me laugh, and being a fantastic person that makes everyone around you better!

The Song...of course, Don't Stop Believin'

 

Vieux Carré
1 oz. rye whiskey
1 oz. cognac
1 oz. sweet vermouth
1 tsp. Bénédictine
2 dashes Angostura bitters
2 dashes Peychaud's bitters

Garnish: lemon twist

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass and fill with ice. Stir until well chilled. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass and garnish with a lemon twist.