Make-Older

I spent the majority of my childhood either:

A) Recording my voice on a cassette tape as a D.J./ radio-talk-show host (the sad part about this is that I would play both the D.J. and the hopeless person calling in and asking for advice, simply by changing my voice ... btw, is Delilah looking to retire anytime soon?) or

B) Making up dance routines to anything by Color Me Baad, Paula Abdul or Madonna in the garage (and sometimes on my rollerblades!). 

Although I didn't break out in song and dance to "Material Girl" today, I was feeling quite Vogue-tastic when I went to get my first make-up trial with my fabulous make-up artist for the wedding, Katrina Hess (http://katrinahess.com/).  Of course, I made the idiotic mistake of forgetting to pack the necessary cord that attaches to my cammy and comp to share the pics (Did I mention that we are on the Cape?), but I LOVED it!  I was a little nervous about the whole thing because my skin is really sensitive and I don't respond well to most foundations, etc., but  Katrina did an incredible job.  When I can finally post the pics next week (once we're back in MIA), I will ...

In the meantime, I just HAD to post this ADORABLE pic of my best friend, Rachel's, little angel (and my nephew), Walker.  Yes, I call him my nephew because he is - Rach has been like a sister to me my entire life.  I am going to spoil this little pooba rotten.  Look at his precious face!

I can't believe that my friends are starting to have babies.  It feels like only yesterday that we were graduating high school and completely clueless about where our lives would take us.  If I've learned anything so far in this lifetime, it's that true, life-long friends are few and far between.  Although I still communicate occasionally with the large group of girls from my high school, there are a few of them that are still a big part of my life.  These are the friends that distance cannot affect.  They are the ones that can sit down with me after months of being apart and it's as though we haven't missed a beat.  These are the ones who will stand next to me on my wedding day. 

It's amazing to have had a front-row seat to all of the wonderful and profound changes throughout their lives.  I'm talkin' everything from camp-outs, games of tag and sharing our first crush (Alex G).... to first kisses, first days of school, school dances, cafeteria drama, slumber parties, breakups, proms, college, proposals, weddings and now babies.  The cycle of life is absolutely beautiful.  I am so fortunate that I have people in my life with whom I share such significant history. 

As I look at this photo of Walker, I cannot help but reflect on this ever-changing and ever-flowing cycle.  I can't help but wonder who he will play tag with in his neighborhood or if he will find a Frog's Heaven like his mother and I did when we were 7 .... these thoughts bring tears to my eyes.  Joyous tears, tears of happiness and growth and a deeper understanding.  Perhaps Walker will be the "Alex G" to another set of young best friends, just like me and Rach ...

Growing up is surreal ... friends begin to marry, start families and move away ... and you start to realize that things will never quite be the same.  These changes are bittersweet.  Bitter because your life as you once knew it is truly a thing of the past; a moment in time that occasionally passes through the mind, usually triggered by a meaningful song or certain smell (I just came across some "Love Spell" body spray from Bath and Body Works, and boy did that take me back to Junior/Senior year at SCHS!).  And sweet because these changes are beautiful.  Absolutely beautiful.  With life's transition from the was to the is comes many amazing gifts; this is all part of the cycle.  Sometimes I wonder how (or if) my life would be different if I could revisit my life as a young girl, armed with the things that I know and realize today ...

But, then I look at where I am today and I have no regrets; there is nothing that I would change about my past.  All of my decisions have brought me here ... this is why I deeply believe that everything happens for a reason...

(With the exception, of course, of that ugly lime-green suit that I wore to the awards banquet Freshman year.  I still haven't been able to live that one down! I must find a pic of this - you have to see to believe!  But Rach, I could also get you on that side ponytail you sported to the same banquet ... don't think I don't have photographic evidence!)

Comments

[Rach]

I am laughing and crying at the same time!!! What a sweet, sweet post. You took me down memory lane. And trust me, I had a big, fat grin on my face the entire time. What a beautiful life we have shared. You are right- all of my memories involve you in some way. But why you gotta go there and bring up the side ponytail;)?

I have a few more memories to throw out there (btw- can't wait for the wedding bonfire!)

-Throwing chix noodle soup down the drain when we fought over it
-Making me be Claudia from the Babysitter's Club b/c I "look asian"
-Grease Lightning at the Country Club
-Late high school nights with you and Em (the BESTEST!)
-Stuffing our bras (Mount Kilamijaro- yeah, right!)
-Doing pyramids in the front yard
-The mean girl at 4H Camp
-Super Soaker 980 (that doesn't exist)
-Prom with Foxy
-Cigs with Toadvine/Smoking Q-tips
-The random phone in your garage
-Listening to 84 WHAS when your dad drove us to middle school

I could seriously go on for ten pages, at least.

You are my sister, no question. I know you better than most sisters know one another. And you know me, no doubt. Good, bad and ugly:).

You are one of the most blessed people I know (brains, beauty, talent, opportunity, humor...), and I feel blessed to have you in my life. Please know that you mean the world to me.

I love you with all my heart. And I ALWAYS will.

[Walker]

I can't wait to spend time with you over Christmas. Mommy told me how much you love me, and I love you too. I am almost big enough to wear my Aunt LaLa shirt. We can cuddle together real soon...