Happy Moment #1: Friends, Friends, Friends
So I start this first entry but admitting that I am writing this as someone who is dead tired! I left St Louis on Thursday morning for a conference in Phoenix, Arizona, and I just came back at about 2 PM this afternoon. But as I was flying home, I knew immediately what my first moment for #50for50 was going to be -- my friends.
You see, I am lucky. I have friends. Good friends. I started life with some awesome people when I was younger. Here are some examples! I met my friend Annie when we were in elementary school at Fort Lewis, Washington, and we are still friends on Facebook today. I am honored to know this wonderful woman who has gone on to have this exciting life in England. When my dad was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood here in Missouri, I was in junior high and became close friends with the fabulous girl across the street -- Michelle. Since Michelle lives in Phoenix, I am honored that I was given the chance to hang out with her last night for a few hours. I miss her and I was reminded of how lucky I am that I encountered these amazing people when I was young. Tanya came into my life once my dad retired and I ended up in Ferndale, Washington. She helped me get through high school and her constant letters while I was in college were encouraging and motivating. I don't think I could have finished college without her!
These three folks make me so thankful for Facebook -- this form of social media keeps us connected. And it works, of course, for all the wonderful friends and souls I met once I started adulting! Bonnie and Amy and Marie helped me through graduate school. I met awesome friends in Japan like Katsuyo and Regina. Once I started working at SWIC, Peggy and Carla entered my life and changed it in fun and exciting ways. I have former students who have affected my thinking and, again, Facebook helps me keep informed about all the wonderful things that are doing in this world.
And you know what the weird thing is? I thought I had finished making friends but the last few years in particular have brought so many more wonderful people into my life: Jaime, Ashley, Carrie, Jess, JP, Heather, Marian, Awilda, Kris, Betsy, Tiffany, Dana, Chris & Anne, Jim & Chan ... I mean seriously! I know I am missing so many awesome people. And that's because I have all of these wonderful souls in my life and that make me truly happy. I love being a friend.
Case in point: On my way home today as I traveled from Phoenix I was constantly checking the Ironman App to see how my cousin and friend Sarah was doing as she completes her first Ironman today in Louisville (PS: She is rocking it out right now! Go Sarah! You got this run!). When I saw how fast she was going, I cried in the airport. I am so happy for her! Well, I managed to make it home this afternoon in time to complete my own indoor triathlon at the St Peter's Rec Plex (I wasn't sure that I was going to make it!). I was inspired by what Sarah was doing at the very moment I was competing and I think it helped me complete a race that was hard simply because I am a little out of shape and had just walked off a plane. I am thankful for two St Louis Triathlon Club friends -- Don and Mike -- who entertained me (Mike, you have some awesome stories of your younger years!) and timed me (thanks, Don!). Yep. I have awesome people in my life in each and every corner.
I don't say it enough but thank you.
