Showing posts with label Friendship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friendship. Show all posts

Saturday, August 15, 2009

A Weekend of Friends

From 9/4/2007
I had a great Labor Day weekend!! Why? It consisted of the ultimate "get-a-way" for me emotionally, socially, physically, and mentally. To start off, my boss granted us an extra day off on Friday, making it a 4-day weekend instead of 3. And then to top it off, I got to spend a majority of that time with my greatest friends. I consider myself quite lucky to have 5 great friends... all from different stages/ages in my life, who have turned into life-long kindred spirits of my life. This weekend, I was able to spend time with 4 of them!!

On Friday, not only did I spend a couple of hours with my mom, but I also got to spend some time with my bosom buddy and adopted sister who I met at work approx. 10 years ago and soon became great friends with. She no longer works with me and we've had some struggles over the past year, but she is a true kindred spirit and therefore will always be dear to me. We went to lunch and then to a movie, which is great considering how little we've done together lately. I was very excited to spend this, now rare, time together!

Later that afternoon, another dear friend called to tell me about a visit to my little corner of the world to see family and wanted to know if I had time for a short visit. Of course I did! We had a great time catching up.

On Saturday and some of Sunday, I spent some time with my ever stable and ever "there for me" pal. We drove to a flea market and spent most of Saturday walking around looking at everyone's stuff for sale. Then on Sunday, I joined her at a family BBQ held at her sisters. I've known this friend since the early 90's where I met her at church. We have some similarities (like being single) and many differences, both of which keeps the friendship strong.

On Sunday, I also started up a great text message conversation with a friend who doesn't live near me. We continued this conversation with some chatting online on Monday. He and I have been friends since my early twenties and there just seems to be a certain connection there that I can't explain. We haven't lived near each other for many years, but we seem to keep up the friendship somehow.

What a great way to spend a long weekend. I love my friends! They are awesome!!

A Girls Night Out

From 8/5/2007
Last weekend, I attended my 20 year class reunion. I had such a great time and in the process got back in touch with two of my friends from Junior High and High School. So, we decided to not let another 10 years go by before getting together again and planned a girls night out. Last night I traveled to where they live (an hour away) and we went to dinner and then out to some clubs. I had a good time and it felt good to just get out. I have to admit that there were some awkward silent moments--most likely because we don't know each other as well as we used to. But it was still fun.

One of these friends is quite gorgeous. She always has been, but has aged very well. She's happily married, and so wasn't really "shopping" in the meat markets (otherwise known as clubs). But I got to see how crazy some drunk guys can really get when they are smitten by a beautiful woman. I know that sounds like I'm saying that I don't think I'm beautiful, which is not true. I do think I have some appeal and beauty. However, this friend is practically perfect.

ANYWAY, I was reassured last night that my previous belief is correct -- that clubs or bars are not the place to meet guys. Even though I saw some good looking men, most of them were pretty primal and animal like, once drunk.

Our little get-together was a good change for me. Prior to my Reunion, I'd been kind of recluse and it has been nice over the past few weeks to be out in happy, energetic, extroverted environments. I probably really need it, considering that really soon I'll be smack dab in the middle of the busiest time of my work year.

Class Reunion - Day 2

From July 2007
Yesterday, I participated in the second half of my class reunion. It was just as fun as the first! Some of my classmate's memories are amazing! The first night we were together one of my male classmates reminded me that I was his first kiss (in like the first or second grade). I didn't remember and really still don't. But what was funny about it, is that I in turn told him that I had a crush on him off and on throughout elementary school. We had a good laugh about it and continued to joke throughout the reunion.

We really didn't have a huge turnout. Probably a bit more than a third of our class, and since we were a small class to start with... that doesn't make many. However, I always like small intimate groups in just about any situation.
Our picnic and tour of the school grounds yesterday afternoon were fun. Some of those buildings I hadn't been in for a very long time. Lots of memories come rushing back... great memories!

We finalized the reunion with a dinner last night. I have to admit I was a bit worn out, but still having fun. I could tell though that I had run out of things to say to some people. In many other ways, it was kind of sad to see it end. Some of the guys were getting together today to play golf. I think we girls should have planned something too!

Class Reunion - Day 1

From July 2007
My 20 year class reunion has finally arrived, and tonight we had our first gathering. It was so great!! I thought the 10 year one was fun, but I really had a blast tonight. It didn't feel intimidating or scary, but was completely open and light-hearted for me. In fact, (and this WAS true for the 10 year reunion too) I'm amazed at how everyone has matured and are so nice.

What I enjoyed most about tonight though was sitting with two of my past girlfriends on each side of me. One of them was my best friend in junior high and the other (whom I was also good friends with then) became a best friend by the time we were in high school. The three of us reminisced about slumber parties, crushes, etc. And the funny thing is -- we all live relatively close to each other -- like within an hours drive. I'm not sure why we haven't kept in touch, but I do have a bit more of a resolve to do so this time. We all said we would 10 years ago, but didn't do so well. This time I really want to! AND both of these friends look so great! I think we tend to look better at this age ... I know that I do.

Tomorrow we have two other meetings/activities. At noon we are meeting for a picnic on the school grounds (kids and families invited) and then tomorrow evening we'll be having a dinner together. I'm looking forward to it!

1 Comment: How fun Buffy! :o) I have never gone to a reunion. I've never been notified of one. Maybe they forgot me? Glad you had a wonderful time. (Celia)

Good Conversation with Good Friends

From July 2007
Nothing beats the blues like having some good conversations with good friends. I've had the chance in the last two days to converse with three different good friends. One of these friends is someone I talk to all the time about everything, one is a friend that I have a good chat with several times a year, and the third is someone I haven't conversed with in a very long time and out of the blue we had a great chat. All of these have been of great value to me and have blessed me greatly! Thanks guys!!

1 Comment: It is great, isn't it? I haven't been much of a talker since I quit smoking. I used to smoke and talk on the phone. Now it's doesn't sound so great. (Celia)

Friday, July 31, 2009

A Positive Way To Spend My Vacation Time

From 7/5/2007
I've had this whole week off from work. And as I stated in a recent entry on my Yahoo 360 blog, it didn't start out to be that cheery. I think my hormones were a bit out of whack, although for no particular reason. Anyway...

Once the week got going, I put all my energies into helping a good friend who had surgery on Tuesday. She had to have her rotator cuff repaired on her right shoulder, and therefore has been quite layed up. It's amazing how much we rely on BOTH our arms and hands and now that she can only move ONE for several weeks, it has been quite challening for her to do pretty much anything, especially get dressed. After picking her up from the hospital on Tuesday, I took her home and spent the night at her house (since she lives alone). I also spent the day there yesterday as well. It was a somewhat uneventful Fourth of July for both of us, but it felt good to be doing something good.

Sometimes I feel like I get really caught up in my own life and worrying about my own needs, which is logical, since I also live alone, am the only "bread winner" that I can rely on, and therefore have turned my lifestyle into one that is quite independent. I don't like relying on others, and neither does this friend of mine. But it was a bit humbling for both of us to have to work together. I had the opportunity to serve someone else besides myself, and she had to humble herself enough to ask for help repeatedly. It was quite hard for her to ask, especially when she needed help getting dressed.

At the end of the day, we were able to watch the town's small fireworks display, which added a bit of 4th of July spirit to our otherwise "normal" day. Today, I'm actually at home, but I've already called and checked in on her and will probably stop by her house for a while later today. It's not been a bad way to spend my time off.

A Day Spent With A Friend

From 5/27/2007
Yesterday, I spent the day with one of my dear friends. We went on our traditional trek to a small Oregon community up in the mountains, where they hold a huge flea market on Memorial Day weekend, the 4th of July, and Labor Day weekend. This entire community (probably only a population of 100) fills up with vendors and shoppers. The streets and empty lots/fields are packed. This year was particularly great! In fact, over all the years I've been traveling up there, I've never seen so many booths and tents. The day was beautiful! I even got a bit sunburned.

The time with my friend was well spent. Yesterday, during the 1 1/2 hour drive there, I noticed she was quite jabbery -- which is usually my role! I, on the other hand, was a bit more quiet. I think I was just enjoying the beauty of the outdoors, the pine trees, the lakes and rivers, and the music I had playing on my MP3 player. At some points I actually wanted to shhhhush her jabbering (you can tell we've been friends for a long time because some of the politeness has faded!), but I didn't.

The two of us are pretty opposite in our tastes. But we know each other well. As we shopped, she knew that I always stopped to look at homemade jewelry, hippie/bohemian type stuff, art/home decor, and antiques; I knew that she would stop to look at tools, old musical instruments, sunglasses, and to buy kettle corn.

We have been friends for a long time. She is a good "always there, good ol' standby" kind of friend. I know that the "good ol' standby" kind of label doesn't sound very complimentary, but it IS in the sense that she's a stable friend. There are times that I prefer to spend time with other friends who are more exciting, more spontaneous, more "hip". But I always know that she will be there when I need someone of maturity, stability, and a listening ear. And I know that I take her for granted way too often!

1 Comment: Hey Buffy. :0) Sounds like you had a great weekend. My best friend in Alaska should have had her baby the last couple of weeks, I haven't heard from her yet. She's my best friend. I've known her for 20 years, and it doesn't seem to matter how much time goes by, we always pick up where we left off. I love that kind of comfort with another person. (Celia)

Monday Blues & Mother's Day in Review

From May 2007
Sometimes I really do hate Mondays. I can't believe the weekend is over. I just read my Saturday entry, full of hope of what the weekend could bring and now it's all over. (Gee, even my writing is dreary - lol). I just really don't want to be at work, that's all. If I were at home today, I'd be happy as a clam!

Yesterday ended up being a pretty nice day including the Mother's Day part. I got up the gumption to go visit a friend (whom I've talked about before on this blog). I really felt an inner push that it was time to just go stop by her house -- I haven't seen nor talked to her since February. I took her one of the Lavender plants that I purchased at Home Depot and filled out a friendship card and wished her a happy Mother's Day. I ended up staying and visiting with her for over 3 hours. I don't quite know anymore why we don't do things more often. I realize we are both dealing with issues with each other -- I think I know what mine are, but I'm not sure what hers are. My guess is that her physical condition (being confined to a wheelchair) is the largest issue -- causing me guilt for not being there for her more often and probably causing her a level of depression that makes her isolate herself from others. I miss her dearly though... and I keep telling myself it doesn't have to be that way. I can be near her and have all the fun times that we used to have before the accident. We talked about getting together to scrapbook. I need to make sure I push that and make it happen. I'd like to do something with her at least every other week.
I also spent some time with my mom. One of my brothers invited her out to his house. Two of my nieces cooked their mom and my mom dinner. It was yummy and a nice visit. I also gave her a lavendar plant and a scrapbook page that I made a duplicate of from one of my own pages. It was a dedication to her as one of my favorite people. It made her cry , which means "it hit the spot". I don't spend as much time with my family anymore, unfortunately. Part of my increasing independence from others creeping in as well as my time being so limited anymore.

AND then at the end of the day, I had a nice phone conversation with a friend that lives in Arizona. We've been talking more regularly lately and it's nice to get to know him again.
The day was filled with lots of reconnecting. Great way to spend a Sunday! I just want to have more days like that instead of sitting at my desk pushing paper - lol

Time to Set Some Resolutions... Before the New Year is Half Gone!

From January 2007
I stated in my last blog that I would be back soon to set some resolutions. And here it is half-way into January!! But anyway, here goes:

1. The usual - lose weight. lol Who doesn't set this as a resolution! But really, mine is quite simple. I seem to be on a bit of a trend of dropping a pound here or there... so now I want to make it official and shoot for a simple 5 pounds. That's it - that's all. However, the goal also has a catch. I also need to maintain that 5 pound loss. I notice that I seem to get stuck on this one particular weight (which I will not reveal to the entire cyber world), and when I lose anything, I tend to gain right back to that set weight. So, I want to lose 5 pounds, and make that my new set weight that my body tends to gravitate to. Wish me luck!

2. Um - something to do with my finances. So exact and precise, I know. But man, it sure seems like I have a lot of debt lately. A lot of it pretty legit, like hospital bills (from my surgery), a substantial house payment, school loan, etc. etc. So, my goal at this time is to really get some of those smaller ones paid off, so that I have a little bit of cash left to spend on myself.

3. Reconnect with some of my friends that I've noticed I've become distant with. Of course, I have one in particular in mind. I just don't know what to do about her! Her depression has spread to me I think -- I don't even know how to approach her anymore. It has brought such a sadness to my heart to think I've lost such a good friend. And yet I get quite angry too, because she won't take anyone's calls (not just mine) -- she won't return calls or attempt to contact any of her "old" friends. Yet, I kind of hesitate about just showing up at her house unannounced. I think I'm afraid of what I might find. Her whole household is just not in a "healthy" state. So this goal is a bit vague... mostly it's just about me needing to take action... of some sort. Sigh.

4. It is time to do some dating again. It's kind of been a while. I took a purposeful break from it all, because clearly my dating preferences had become a bit skewed. I needed to step back and reevaluate what I was really wanting and looking for. But now that I've done that, I notice I've become stuck in a very old, but familiar rut of not doing much socializing AT ALL. I seem to have this pattern of either over-doing it or not doing it at all. It's either feast or famine. (And when it's a feast - I make dumb decisions.) But really, I just miss having a bit of male influence... and attention in my life.

Alrighty, I believe 4 goals are good enough. I know that I really didn't write down specifics of how I plan to reach them. I'm not sure I even know yet. Needs more pondering. At least I've formulated what I even want to accomplish in the year, which is always a good thing.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

ODE TO A FRIEND

FROM WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2006
Yay!! I finally have a friend that joined me on my website! She is actually one of my bestest of all friends and so I think this will just be another fun way to communicate, share ideas, and just have fun. You'd think we wouldn't have any problems with that since we live relatively close and work together too. But with our lives as they are, it sometimes seems we go way too long without having one of our meaningless, last for hours, girl talks. (Although I was just on the phone with her last night until almost midnight --- it's ABOUT TIME!)

She and I met at work when I became her supervisor. I just knew right away that we'd be friends, although I didn't know at the time that I had just met a strong, life-long friend. Our work relationship became much easier when she moved into a supervisory role of her own. Outside of work she counterbalances my more rigid, play by the rules side, by being spontaneous and pretty much apathetic to authority. I think we're good for each other as long as neither one of us gets off balance. When that happens we've both ended up in trouble (good memories though). I love her to death and her family has become almost like mine too. Great to have you with me !!1 Comment: Couldn’t you find an attractive picture of me, like one of me in Stilettos? (Dee)

A TRIBUTE TO THE SPECIAL ONES IN OUR LIVES

FROM SATURDAY, JULY 1, 2006
Not sure what to write on my first ever blog entry, so here is a favorite quote of mine:

"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people stay for a while and give us a deeper understanding of what is truly important in this life.
They touch our souls.
We gain strength from the footprints they have left on our hearts,
and we will never, ever, be the same." -- unknown

These are the type of people that I look for and hope to have in my life. And I'm fortunate to already have some great family members and friends who fit this description.