This is my 100th post! I thought I would make it extra special. HA! Who am I kidding, I've been "blogging" for 2+ years and I am just now at 100. What the heck did I ever talk about and how are you still reading!? My intent was to write a really sweet post, which it will be, I just find it adorable that this happens to be number 100.
This is all about 2010 and the people who got me through it. I am not asking for a pity party in any way. 2010 was very much less than stunning for me and I would just like to thank the people who got me through it, whether they know it or not. (this will probably be long)
My heart is exceptionally full for/over these phenomenal people. And for them, I am forever loving and grateful (in no order):
Jen - Is there a description that excels "best friend"?! I feel there just are no words. Partially due to the fact that in 2010 we were going through the exact same thing but moreso for the fact that she just knows me. She kicked me into gear, gave me a dose of reality/advice/support, all exactly when I needed it. And all without my asking and completely selflessly, thats how A+ relationships should be. I could not have done any of 2010 without her, including opening a business.
Mom - She is the most fantastic woman I have ever known. Always making me laugh without knowing (the BEST kind of laughter). And she aways knew just what to say...so much so that I quickly ended many a phone-call with her cos I was more than misty over her supportive and encouraging words.
Dad - I always strive to make him proud of me. And the fact that I do make him proud has shone through this past year more than it ever has. He's a golfer, and I went to his club and his friends houses a couple of times in 2010. He always introduced me to his friends and was so excited when he did. I have always had a good relationship with him and to hear him say he is proud of me makes me misty just thinking about it.
My brother, Justin - in 2010 he was in Iraq/Afghanistan with the Airforce (I honestly forgot cos I was trying not to think about it) for 6 months. Now he is in South Korea. This kid. There are few people who know he and I and actually understand our relationship or just the fact that we are even related. But those who do, i hope, completely understand it. I love him. And I am so proud of what he is doing. He encourages me to give a shit about a lot of things. And his ridiculous words of wisdom at the end of our Skype dates are amazing.
Krissy - She got married in 2010, and we all know how I love a good wedding. I love her, and hers was a nice distraction from unemployment. I really enjoyed making her wedding special on a crafty budget. And to be her Maid of Honor (alongside the Matron of Honor, Jen) was truly an honor. I would not accept the position if I wasn't honored to have it. Honor honor honor. She is really one of the sweetest people I know and I love her for not getting sick of me (and other reasons, of course).
Christen - This beautiful girl was a new friendship for me in 2010. And I recently told her I was shocked she wanted anything to do with me cos I disliked 2010 so much. But she is amazing. Our weekly dates were something I really looked forward too. I especially love that she embraced my lame trivia name "Team Team." And we had many a long talk about life, nonsense and crafty things.
Mandi - My crafty soulmate. I fear we have drifted apart in the last 6 months or so but I still love her as much as ever. I visited her (6 hrs away) in one of my most vulnerable times. I needed her and she was there, despite how pathetic and annoying I was. She introduced me to red lipstick, I still fit into and rocked my super skinny jeans and she made me feel fearless. We danced our asses off with her cute husband and miscellaneous boys. And then a few months later, she came to visit me (with a new friend, HI CANCAM!) and even though I felt I was an awful hostess, she/they had a great time. We drank, danced, crafted, took pictures, ate chili, and it was just what I needed. And then in August, when I felt all hope was lost, she didn't even flinch when I said I was going to visit for a week. (a few days before (and after) we had an incredible weekend including several unbelievably awesome ladies...you know who you are, especially if you've read this far).
Joe - I was terrified that after he and I broke up (after 3 years together) that I would lose him in my life. Fortunately, after a 6+ month break in January 2010, we became friends again. And we are truly better off as friends. I would NEVER recommend this unless you were GOOD friends for longer than you dated. Otherwise, forget it. Anyway, Joe Joe remains my favorite person to go to shows with (I adore him for other reasons as well). Loud as the show may be, I can shoot him a look and he knows exactly what I have nicknamed the annoying person in front of me. He also keeps me modest and honest. And I love that. And he drinks and plays Golf, the card game, with me.
GOLF - the card game The BEST card game in the world.
Katie and Steven (and P!) - This was the worst 2 years to get to know me. But they both still love me. For me to go to their house and frantically clean is not even giving back a fraction of what they have done for me for 1.5 years. I am SHOCKED that they even like me at all after I mysteriously clean and kinda boss them (and their 3 yr old) around. They make me laugh at myself and I love it. Not to mention, I don't personally know any other couple who is more creative and appreciative (techgeek counts as creative, Steven!). They also appreciate my story-telling, which is a quality of myself I have always striven to excel.
Micah - For encouraging my spontaneity. That afternoon we got drunk and rafted down a river will forever remain one of my favorite summer afternoons. Also laying on my roof (which you have to go upstairs, through my super creepy attic to get to the roof) watching random fireworks and talking for hours. And loads of thanks to him for loving me but never making a move on me. A long time friend for sure, and even weirder that I've known him since he was 16-17. haha
KT - A fearless, gorgeous woman. We haven't always been in constant contact but we have always been there for eachother. And then she up and moves to Australia and I miss her terribly. Can't wait to talk to her next and can't wait until she is home.
Scott - I love him and hate him all at once. It's weird when we don't text for a few days cos I feel we are the same person, just different sexes. I would love and hate myself if I texted me everyday. I feel we keep each other in line. And his antics this past year have really amused me. He was born a day before me, I feel that is enough to explain the likenesses.
Kevin - He never gave up or naysayed my and Jen's dream/goal of opening a coffee shop. He is a true, genuine person who's sense of humor I can always relate to and laugh with. For the rest of forever I will strive to surprise Rick Roll him. If we are tallying points, I think I'm winning!
Jeremy - for driving umpteen hours from Canada to visit me, whom he'd never met, and surprise Katie and Steven for their baby shower. He and I have always related to each other on the internet and it was so incredible for him to visit, even though I felt I was a horrible hostess. I miss him, and I enjoy our random Twitter chatter.
And to random friends/family, Laura (gf), Kevin (HS bf), Michelle, Godfather Al, Ian, Miranda, TIA Ashley, Josh, Liz/Matt, AJ, Kira/Matt/Willa, Alex (OUTWARDBOUND!), Uncle Jim/Trudi, Shilvoski, Chez, MandyKay, Dorie, Kathy, JenRenee, Cococricketsmama, Steph W. I love you all so much. Thank you for being there for me in ways you may not have even known.
I told you this would be a long one. And if you are a person I love, then I am sure you have read this far. And I don't even mind if you read all of it just to see if you were mentioned. I'll allow it. I love you anyway.
Bottom Line: HOORAY 2011!!! I am very excited about it. (ps, I am NOT on my death bed...this is just a lovefest farewell to 2010)
This was not expected to be read completely, this was mostly for me. You know, writing this stuff down is important. Thank you for reading this far, I love you too! LOVE LOVE LOVE
XOXO
(all CAPS cos I mean it!)
