The Third Degree

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So, did any of you particpate in Huckdoll’s Step Away From the Computer Hour? I did. I stepped away from the computer for about four hours. I stayed away most of the weekend, too!) Instead of computing, I went to Beauty School Drop-Out’s house for some venting time. I got to love on her son, Nolan, talk a bit with her fantastic husband Brian, and hang with Sara for quite some time. I haven’t seen her since graduation so it was good to see her face rather than just gab with her on the phone. Sara (and Brian & Nolan, too) I had a nice time with ya’ll tonight and am so thankful to have you in my life. I will see you again soon.

I’ve heard many people say that “friends are the family you choose,” and while I’m not big on “lines,” I really do like this one. My family and I are closer than ever right now, but my friends and I are closer than ever right now, too. In the past two years my life has changed SO damned much for the better, and I’m SO happy with those changes.

Driving home from Sara & Brian’s tonight made me think about how very blessed I am to have certain people in my life.

God/Jesus/the Holy Spirit: without Him, I wouldn’t be. That’s all there is to that. Amen.
My parents: I guess without them, I wouldn’t be either, just in a different sense. My mom takes care of me better than anyone else ever has been able to; better than I’ve been able to. I so appreciate how she is willing to step in and take care of me – even at 26 years old.
My other family: they are so vocal about how proud of me they are. Hearing this from them means the world to me, and I wish that they were (physically) closer so I could see them more often.
Beauty School Drop-Out’s family: from the psychiatric ward (me) to the birthing hot tub (Sara), they’ve been such an integral part of my life that I can’t imagine how I will get along without them in South Carolina. Ya’ll wanna go with?
Shannon: I can call this woman with anything. We talk about everything from farts to boys to toenail polish. She invites me over, cooks for me, and then sends me home with leftovers to eat for lunch all week long. She checks in on me, counsels me, and keeps me in line; and she’s five years younger than me. Age is nothing between true friends.
My blog-friends: you know who you are. You’re the women who get online every night to check on me and how my day was. You’re the women who spend hours Plurking with me. You’re the women who draw me fantabulous pictures and share amazing music with me. You’re the women who calm me down when I’m stressed about something. You’re the women I can turn to with absolutely anything. You’re the women who created a new, incredibly strong pillar in my life. Thank you.

So, tomorrow night? I’m going to turn off my computer before 9pm. I’m going to do some more reflecting on who I am and where I’m headed, and then I’ll continue sharing. I’m about to hit a big milestone in my life, and have quite the post planned. Until then, I may just post the frivolous stuff. Like the fact that my house is a TOTAL disaster and I have no desire to clean it (school ended three weeks ago and my coffee table still has homework on it). Or how about the fact that for dinner tonight I had a half-dozen French fries (stolen from Sara’s counter) and half a chocolate parfait from Thursday night. Or, how about sharing my intense love of bubblegum flavored gum (it’s just so tasty). Frivolousness is underrated.

Also, have you joined Ashley’s Sending my love – Bloggy Swap yet? You should. It’s easy.