........

Hi, Rachel.  This never happened.  I'm sorry, but anyone who knows me knows that I don't think Mary is "grossly skinny," nor do I find her particularly wrinkled.  I think she's beautiful (and yes, I like her hair AND her shoulders, too!) and I tell her - and everyone else - so frequently.  I've never been accused of being stingy with compliments.

I also don't trashtalk behind people's backs.  If I have something to say, I say it out loud, to their face, or on my blog.  In fact, I sometimes get in trouble for it.

Mary, Meghan and I are real friends.  That means we're not perfect, we don't like EVERYTHING about each other, and that's normal!  What we have is a sister-like love, which transcends any daily difficulties.

Mary's the FIRST to admit she can be bitchy as all hell.  Her temper and mood swings are legendary.  And I'm the first to admit that I can be bossy and loud and overbearing. Also, I'm rarely, if ever, on time to anything, which drives everyone, especially Mary, nuts.

Mary spells everything wrong, but the girl gets shit done, whereas I'm a procrastinator and a bit of a dreamer.  People have described me (accurately) as "flakey" - I tend to double and triple book myself and zone out and totally miss appointments, whereas she's reliable and dependable and does things when she says she will.

And Miss Meghan, while being one of the sweetest people I know, is also a massive procrastinator, due to her perfectionist tendencies.  Plus, she's a pleaser, which means that you never know what she's really thinking. At least with Mary you know where you stand.  It's like, if she's pissed at you, you fucking know it.  It's in your face.  Meghan could want to murder you and she'd still smile and nod and you'd walk away thinking she was your bff.

What I've just written is quite forthright, but it's honest - and the goal was always for people to really get to know us.  I find that - contrary to popular internet belief - people don't USUALLY hate us in person ;)  Although I'm going to have to make an exception for ex boyfriends, but I feel that's a justifiable exception, you know?

Whatever you say, JA. Getting nervous, are we? Realizing just HOW MANY people are onto you? 

By the way, what a GREAT way to start the new year! Calling your supposed best friend a "bitch" in e-mail and then posting the exchange to your blog for people to read. Classy and so mature. And now you're holding it up here as though there is something virtuous about it. And you wonder why people think you're ill? 

I don't know about how it works at TLC, but I am sure my boss appreciates my discretion and professional attitude when it comes to decisions made at the work place.  

Posting about the details of TLC inner workings on a website in order to discredit someone doesn't seem very professional to me. Talking about unemployable...pot meet kettle. 

It's really okay, but thanks for your concern. My boss is on the same page.

Jill, I'm sorry you've found me to be so unlikable.  As many have noted over the course of my career - and life - I tend to be polarizing.

Perhaps we'd never be friends (although I'd bet just about anything you'd like me in person), but saying that the way I act - silly, vulnerable, and yes - loud - is "career suicide" just doesn't make any sense. I wouldn't HAVE a career were I not these things!

Listen, I'm not asking you to employ me - or even to like me! - but I am asking you to treat me like a human being, and to realize that this is just four minutes three times a week.  It's not the entirety of who I am.  You may not like the performance - that's your prerogative - but please don't presume to call me "possibly mentally ill."

Thank you.  I really appreciate it.

Forgive me for being obtuse, but what exactly *is* your career again? From what I see, you write an occassional"column" for a magazine which must take all of about 10 hours a month. Beyond that, it's unclear to me and a lot of other people what it is you actually do. Mary herself admitted she was broke, so it's clear this site isn't earning you girls a living. Your career, from what I can see, is writing a blog and taking pictures of yourself. Which to me isn't a career but rather an obsession.

Julia, you have mentioned numerous times that if people "really knew you" or "met you in person" that they would like you. Are you saying that you are not putting your authentic self or your best face forward on your blog/life cast/web career? Isn't your career your platform to get people to "really know you?" If it is, why not put your real self - the self that you claim people would like - out there? 

Hi Jill!

I'm not sure that a JA reality show would be good TV, but it certainly would make you, your boss, and the network a lot of money.  Unlikeable, erratic, crazy people who create conflict  is what draws viewers in! (Have you seen Intervention? Rock of Love? The Real World? Um... any reality TV show?) You and Ms. O'Neill should

*A lovely Suprise I mean...hehe