Friends On Tuesday

Nancy came back from Spain today! Welcome back from Spain, Nanc.. It's been a roooodeo here. So glad to have her back. That being said, it's been somewhat of a flurry of events from last week to now, and it doesn't look to be dissipating any time soon.. I have to admit, today was one of those days in which I left work feeling completely defeated, even in spite of leaving an hour early [to compensate for not taking a lunch]. Go figure.

I carried that irritating defeat home with me and channeled that into day TWO of INSANITY. In hindsight, it's probably a good thing I had some pent up emotion to use as fuel for that, because this thing's no joke, folks. Haha. I made it through day 2 though, and I'm still standing. I have high hopes :).

What I really didn't expect was be sought out in conversation by two different, unrelated girls I've known for years now, who've both been integral parts of my life at various stages, and both of whom I hold so dear still to my heart.

jen | circa 2008

Jen || Welp, it's been a long, winding, hill-infested road since I met her in in middle school. I was in 7th grade, she was in 6th, and we were quite the dramatically 1990's lookin' things.. I love everything about it. We've been through many of those angsty adolescent things that girls so typically go through feeling alone.. I was fortunate enough to see some of those things through with Jen, and her with me.. and from that stemmed a friendship that's lasted from then, until now, and I'm hoping for years to come. We've had roles in each others' weddings, shared in the joy and strains of new parenthood, but more importantly the transforming power of the GRACE of God that works so evidently in the real life struggles we seem to face individually but on parallel timing. Love. Her. to Pieces. 

arley | circa 2010

Arley || There's something to be said about a girl who helps you survive parts of your high school career without feeling like you're completely lost. Not just that, but someone who looks out for you after that when it comes to certain things, places and people about which you might've forgotten from being away for so long. I know without doubt that if and when I make it back to the good old Vern that I can find Arley, her adorable kiddos, and the rest of our friends from over the years ready to catch up, hang out, and kick back. She's always been the level-headed one in the midst of sticky situations, and for that I am oh-so-stinkin'-grateful. Hah. It also goes without saying that I need to arrange a high priority to reflect making a trip home.. SOON. Thanks lady, for everything (:

Anyway, I am anticipating something of a grueling 8-5 throughout the rest of this week at least, but I am so thankful for the refreshing conversation I had tonight, and for the timing it so precisely carried. I needed to slow down for a moment, and just breathe. I even feel pretty amped for day 3 of INSANITY tomorrow. We'll see if that particular resolve lasts past noon tomorrow ;). Just kiddin'.

Okay, week. Bring your best....

xo | cmd