If we had a dime for every time we heard this, we'd be millionaires. If we had a dime for every time someone actually followed our advice -- well, we'd be sitting on a nicer couch than this one, anyway.
OK, we hear it mostly from each other. But we do hear it a lot, which got us thinking. Maybe we should do this? Might the greater Milwaukee area, if not the world at large, benefit from our pearls of wit and wisdom?
We ran the idea past our friends at OnMilwaukee.com: a Dear Abby meets Sex in the City with a little Click and Clack of NPR's Car Talk thrown in for good measure. Much to our surprise, they agreed with us. This caught us off guard; it was too easy. Sure, we know we're brilliant, but what do they know? We decided that if we're really going to give this a go, we need to ask people who really know us - those who love, hate, fear and laugh at us on an almost daily basis. Friends, family, coworkers, former mates, no one was left out. Here are some of the reactions we got:
"I've always adored your wisdom on Life's journey. Hell, I've even repeated some of your advice in the past to others. I look forward to it!"
"Oh dear God ..."
"This is perfect for the two of you and who better to be writing an advice column!!!"
"Is it true that people who give advice tend to be the people who need advice the most?"
"This is GREAT!!! I can't think of a better team!!!! I'll be a faithful reader!"
"IS THERE NOTHING THESE WOMEN WON"T TRY? I wish I had your ...well I can't think of any other word to use but BALLS!"
Anjl: When I called my mom and told her what we're doing, she told me that she belonged to a women's club when I was a baby. When a club member needed medical advice, they went to Betty, who ran the elevator at the local hospital. I couldn't have come up with a better analogy.
Like Betty, we're not really professionals. But this won't stop us from giving advice generously. Now might be a good time to mention the disclaimer.
Marilynn: Ah, yes. The disclaimer. Please keep in mind when asking your questions that we are not licensed therapists, so taking our advice is like swimming without a lifeguard present.
AR: This column is for entertainment purposes only. We're not experts at advice or oil changes - or anything, for that matter - so doing as we say and not as we do is done at your own risk. Then again, doing as we do is even riskier ...
MM: The one thing that could help this column be a success is if people would actually write in questions for us to answer.
AR: Yes! We won't use names, and no subject is off limits- as long as it won't get us in trouble with the Internet police. We have a team of professionals standing by to help us with anything that might be outside of our expertise, from lawyers to interior designers.
MM: We have experts on one night stands and stubborn stain removal and tenant/landlord issues ...
AR: We do?
MM: My mom.
AA: Well, there you have it. And Delia also makes a killer cup of tea.
Anjl Rodee is a jack of all things right-brained. After a variety of odd jobs, from singing telegrams to ballroom dance instructor to weekend overnight DJ on Lazer 103, Anjl earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Mary College and settled down to a nice career as an award-winning artist. At night Anjl can be found playing with a variety of local bands. She currently fronts a classic band called Radio Doctors, and plays bass and accordion with her friend Chris Demay.
Marilynn Mee has been a fixture on Milwaukee radio for most of her adult life. After a short stint on WQFM, she joined Lazer 103 at its inception. After several years as a Bob and Brian sidekick, Marilynn became midday host and music director, earning national recognition from the likes of Billboard magazine and Radio & Records. She is currently the midday host on 96.5 WKLH. Marilynn is a well-known animal lover, lending her name and free time to humane societies and animal rescue groups.
Anjl is a mother and grandmother and is in a committed relationship. Marilynn is single and mom to 2.5 dogs and a one-eyed cat. Anjl and Marilynn both hail from the greater Milwaukee area and have been best friends for 20 years.
