Friends

I'm sure I've made mention of the importance of friends in my life on this blog a time or two. And with that importance, the insecurities, trials, bumps, and joys that come along with making friends and keeping friends throughout life.  I often wonder if I value having good friends more than some only because of my experiences growing up and the fact that I've been far away from family for the majority of 10+ years and relying on others to fill the void was necessary.

I'm an over-thinker...I'm sure some of you may know that about me, especially when it comes to friends.  I used to think that I needed each relationship to be the same and as I got older I realized that different friends serve different purposes in our lives and while I'm not too happy with this conclusion...it is what it is.  I want to have great friends and be a great friend.  And I worry that I've done something wrong if a friendship goes awkward or takes a different path than what I thought.  And most of the time, rather than talking about it, I get stressed and revert into my old insecure self.  I'll wonder why certain friends are closer to other friends than me.  Is it something I did, or said or do they just "click" better. Whatever it happens to be, it makes me feel sad and my feelings get hurt even though most people don't realize what's going on. Being a woman is awesome like that! Over thinking and reading into things that really aren't as they seem...ya, that's me. 

I count Curtis as my most favorite friend and the best person in my life. But he's a guy and sometimes I just need some girl time.  I'm going somewhere with this, I promise:)

I got an invitation to one of my best friend/roommate from college's baby shower up in Provo. It was last Saturday...the day after Curtis got home from his week away on business. I decided I needed to go, I wanted to go.  Judy has been one of those friends that no matter how long we go between seeing each other, we pick up where we left off. I love it. I'm completely 100% myself when she's around. I'm not trying to be someone or something I'm not and it just comes easy. I messaged my other roommate Leslee and told her I was going to go but I wanted to surprise Judy.  Her excitement only added to mine and I planned to meet her in Nephi and drive the rest of the way up.  I was a giddy school girl the day before.  I told Curtis I hadn't been so excited to do something for myself in a long time! Normally, I'm torn with leaving him, especially after he'd been gone all week, but this time I was so ready to go!

I hadn't see Les in almost 3 years! It was so good to talk and laugh and know that Judy had no idea I was coming. I had even told her that I wished I lived closer, but that I'd be thinking about her on the day of her shower....I'm sneaky:)

I was pretty proud of myself for going too especially knowing most of the girls there had all grown up together or gone to school together most of their lives....that's what you get when you're from Sanpete County I guess.  We thankfully got there before Judy did even though we were running late.  When she walked in and I turned and saw her...her face was priceless! She was so surprised she even cried.  It was the absolute best reaction I could have hoped for.

After the shower, the 3 of us and another one of their good friends whom I knew, went to the mall and just chatted and visited all afternoon.  We laughed and laughed and caught up on each others lives. It was one of the best days I've had in a long time.

I needed that day.  I needed to leave my kids and hubby at home.  I needed to have 6 hrs of alone time driving that day. And I really needed to spend some time with these girls.  I even told them I'd move to Salt Lake if we had the chance just so I could get together with them more often! It was a perfect day!

I'm blessed to have these friends in my life for sure.  And I'm grateful that the new little boy coming into her family created a situation that allowed me to be reminded of that.

I'm trying to make it a point to do more things for me.  It will make me a better wife and mom. It was such a good day but also hard to be reminded of how far I am away. I almost felt depressed rather than rejuvenated after my day trip because I hated having to come the long way home! But, I'm vowing to make it a point to get together more often with them.  Even if it means several more day trips up and back....it was all totally worth it.