For some reason, I'm actually really surprised at all these memories of intimidating/challenging disagreements because I don't remember ever disagreeing with her. But then I remember that she literally created the Pink Gingham Junta because she wanted to lead a junta, and thus required a nemesis, so she nominated me for the position (I wasn't given a say so), which is why it went from the "junta I want to start," to the more tailored "Pink Gingham Junta" because Alibelle.

And yet, every time she threatened to break my thumbs, it just felt like a warm hug, you know? Which sounds weird. But it really was a very loving experience to be ita's chosen fair weather nemesis for those times when she was bored, I swear.

And thanks for thinking of me, Brenda! (And thanks, Tom!)

I will need to draw something in her memory. I don't know what, yet. But it will happen.

Aims mentioned the spice cake ita made. I was one of the victims.

Totally classic. "Chocolate cake!" I thought, cutting myself a piece. My first bite...absolute Chandler. Trying to keep as straight a face as I could as the unexpected...spice cake...*happened* in my mouth.

"Good!" I eventually mumbled around that bite. And it *was*, make no mistake, but when you *expect* chocolate...

And ita stood there, with that look on her face. That "Yeah...gotcha." look on her face.

But the cake was good. Once you stopped expecting chocolate.

And yet, every time she threatened to break my thumbs, it just felt like a warm hug, you know?

If she never threatened you with bodily harm, she couldn't be bothered with you. And you totally wanted her to bother with you.

How does this happen? that's all my brain can come up with.

there is a moon-sized hole in the world now.

ita was the scary, cool kid you wanted to be friends with but were afraid of embarassing yourself in front of.

I can't even....how?

Exactly, "Aimee!" But her superpower was that she had the capacity to bother with everyone, individually.

Yup.

It occurred to me a few hours ago that ita is the one who made me The Empress.

And if nothing else, once I get good enough, I'll be able to defend myself if I'm ever attacked by slow motion ninjas

It's what ita would have wanted, just slower.

I disagreed with her a lot over the years. Less than we agreed but substantial. And it just sharpened my debate and general conversation skills. It wasn't ever personal and I enjoyed that. We could spar and it wasn't personal. I learned to not just feel or be right, I could cite and back it up.

Gar, ita encouraged me to go back to Tai Chi because she knew I liked it, I think she would be pleased you are doing it.

A long time ago Nilly said something about the giddy joy of belonging and acceptance that came with ita telling you how very wrong you were about something. I'm glad I have enjoyed that on occasion.

I was so scared of ita when I was first posting here. One night I had a dream about her, and I woke up feeling sure she knew, in a "Who said you can dream about me?" way.

Then SPN happened. I have the Winchesters to thank for a lot of years of friendship with her.