I got a lot of crap packed yesterday. My back is sore from lifting boxes. Just proved how badly I need to get back into a regular gym routine again. I’ve only lived in this house what, 4 years? How did I manage to accumulate so much crap? People need to stop giving me Christmas decorations (MOM!) and dishes (Regina and Pam!)
In the process of moving, I found a few old journals and sketchbooks back from a few years ago. I started flipping through and came across an entry I wrote back in June of 2007, recapping my last trip to see my friends in NJ. Seriously, it’s been that long since I’ve been there? I feel like such a crap friend. Over 2 years! That’s like…almost unacceptable. I swear I tried to visit. But yeah, this entry hit the nail on the head. A lot of things have changed since then with all of my friends, but everything I’m about to rewrite on here still holds true about these guys. I meant it then and I mean it even more now.
The actual entry was fairly long so I’m just taking out excerpts from it. You get the gist…
“…Saturday night we all headed to the party at Napa. Thanks to Neil, everyone kept calling me “The World Famous Barb”. I felt slightly like a celebrity. I finally met Gop. If I had to describe Gop, I would say he was a real life Van Wilder. Kid knows how to throw a hell of a party. There was lots of beer pong and flip cup. I met a girl named Karen who we nicknamed “Awesome Karen” and some guy named Carl kept falling down Gop’s stairs. At one point of the night, Tom either hugged this guy or was trying to prevent him from cracking his head open. Still not sure, but it had me laughing for a few minutes straight. Review of the Napa party= A+. Only bad thing was that Nadine never showed up. She might’ve been too hungover from the night before…”
“…Tom and I drove the Harley to Wildwood Sunday. He’s one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met. We spent the day walking up and down the boardwalk, something I haven’t done in forever since Florida doesn’t understand the concept of boardwalks. You can talk to Tom about anything because he’s done so much. I often wonder how he’s not dead yet. Even though it’s caused some drama between friends, I’m so glad I met this kid because he’s been such an awesome friend. He helped make this trip happen. None of this would have happened if he didn’t pull it all together. I’m seriously so, so thankful. I know I’ve said it a bunch, but thanks again. Thanks so much…”
“…Nadine rocks. If I lived here still, I could see us hanging out all the time. She made us this awesome dinner Sunday night and then we went to get Rita’s Water Ice. She’s always making sure people are fed and comfortable. She’s like Mom, but she knows how to have a good time too. And she’s blunt, honest, and won’t take your crap. I like people like that…”
“…Brittany. OMG Brittany. I went with Alissa, Doug, and Sarah to see her the day I left. She is 6 months pregnant and is as cute as ever! I know how badly she wanted a baby and I’m so happy for her and Brian. They will make such good parents. She deserves this…”
“…Neil is an awesome friend. I feel like I can tell him anything and he won’t judge me. He’s cool and laid back about things. The past few months I’ve realized who my TRUE friends are, and Neil is definitely a true friend. He listened to me when no one else would. He helped make this trip happen. Thanks for letting me stay at your house. Thanks for everything. You’re the best and I freakin’ love you…”
You guys are all still awesome friends. I’m so thankful and lucky to know each and every one of you. Most people aren’t as lucky as i am to have friends like I do. I miss you all.