Joie de Vivre

One thing that has been on my list of things to do for quite some time now is to watch all of the Sex and the City episodes. Mission accomplished! I never watched the show because I thought it was about exactly what it sounds like. But what I learned is that it's a show based on a strong bond of friendships. The hurt and disappointments that arise from men and how a solid group of girlfriends can get you through anything.

I recently received some "old school" boxes that I had still at my mom's house. I was so eager to read the old letters from friends in high school and middle school. First I noticed how times have really changed. I laughed because one letter from an ex boyfriend said, " I'm sorry, please page me later." Pagers!? We were so cool! :) Another letter, from a grade school friend, stated how excited she was because she purchased some really cool stuff from Woolworth over the weekend. I completely forgot that place existed (along with Service Merchandise!) But through this old box of memories, I was sad to see how I lost touch with some that were close to me, happy to see some go that were not true friends, and even happier to see how I remained friends with some, and how I've built new friendships.

Friends got me through times that I thought were tough. Oh the high school years....the unnecessary drama! Crushes, girl drama, boyfriends, more drama, etc. I'm sure you were one who drew hearts in so many letters with your name and the boy you wanted or had and thought you were going to marry. I look back and have no idea why I put myself through the stress! I should've just waited until I was older and dated MEN!! But you live and learn....
As long as it took for the boys to grow up and become men, that is how long it took for me to establish the friendships I have now that are going to last a lifetime.

I've had great, crazy, and emotional times with my "besties" as they call it now. A real friend is someone who you can be yourself around. Someone who doesn't compete with you and is genuinely happy for you. Someone who listens, asks questions, and wants to know about you. Don't you despise when you are sitting there just listening to that one person who loves the spotlight?! Or what about those that say hurtful things out of jealousy or only to make themselves feel better about what their possibly lacking? Back to good things.....newbies have been added and I'm thankful to see how much our friendship is growing (Lynn, Joanna...aka "Fazio", Betty, and Nicole G!). Love ya girls!

You know that saying if you wrote a book about your life will someone want to read it? I think if you have lived it up to the fullest then your answer would be yes. And I have my friends and of course others to thank for the best times that I think could be in my book. Just to name a few........
(Had to be there moments to fully appreciate it).

-South Beach-meeting Tommy Hilfiger on the stairs of the Delano hotel. We had no idea who he was. My friend told Tommy- you are just some old man trying to pick up young girls. He laughed and we hung out with him, his models, Pauly Shore, and Fred Durst during that trip.
- Vegas-all three of the trips! We rarely slept and met Pauly Shore again!
- Nicole throwing up in a champagne bin at our table after she met the man of her dreams!!
- Ann and I had no idea how to get back from Chicago back in the early days of "clubbing" and we ended up in Indiana.
-Valet crashing Ann's new Mustang. We ended up leaving the police car to take pictures in Cabrini Green. (Charlie's Angels poses, of course)!
- "The Nightriders"-top secret, can't say more about that one!
- A friend who will remain nameless lost her stick on boobies (that we called jelly patties) on the dance floor and we then proceeded to slap them against anything they stuck on. Including the car window!
- Missing the Chicago fireworks in July (pretty much above our head) because we were drinking for about 13 hrs. straight.

-And many more........

These are some of the crazy times I remember and I would not change! Like Sex and the City, I have my group of girls I've created lifelong memories with. Not only were we out having fun with one another, we were always there for each other. I feel blessed. Conversations with a girlfriend reminds me of writing-it's very therapeutic.

Yes it took me a while to grow up, but I had fun sooo much fun! I can look back without regret because I have boxes filled with memories and now I'm creating a whole new one. Life is changing. People are more mature, have gotten married, and have had babies. I'm thankful for that because it's a whole new, exciting chapter. I'm in a good place right now (married, more responsible, and enjoying low key events with friends) and the timing is just right!

I look forward to the many more good times we are going to share together!