a tribute to my best friends

Excuse this post if everything is misspelled and the grammar is even worse than usual as I am writing this through tear filled eyes.

I'm at my apartment here thinking about the amazing past seven days I have had on a cruise with some great friends. While I had an awesome time, it just wasn't the same vacation I was used to. A very big part of me was missing when a few of my best friends couldn't make the trip this year.  It is just so crazy to think about how fast life really does go by. This time last year, I was on my senior spring break without a single care in the world.  I really was living young and wild and free. But when I think about me and my friends and where our lives are heading I cant help but shed these selfish tears. 

My best guy friend, Trent, who I spent nearly every single day with for the last couple of years has moved to Memphis for optometry school.
My very best friend and soul mate, Gabi, is leaving in a few months to serve in Zambia with the Peace Corps for two years.
Another best friend and old roommate, Erin, has moved to Alabama where shes studying to be a vet tech.
My current roommate and of course another best friend, KatieJo, just landed her first real corporate job here in Nashville.
Another great friend, Kara, is totally consumed in working her way to the top with her career. Shes probably one of the most driven people I have ever met.
A few other friends, Sarah, Britbrat, Michelle, and Taylor are working on moving to Nashville while they continue higher education and pursue new jobs.

We are quickly (too quickly) becoming the generation that is growing up, moving away, getting married, and having babies. I'm attending baby showers and bachelorette parties when I so vividly remember going to sweet 16s. I am so proud and happy for each and every single one of my friends and where they are going in life.  We have always been the group to go out and do what we want. We take life as it comes and we always keep our heads held high through each battle we struggle with.  I am so blessed for the people that God has put into my life.

But I cant lie, as happy as I am about everything happening in each of our lives, my heart breaks each time I think about how life will just naturally put distance between us.  As corny as it may be, I have no idea where I would be if I didn't have my friends to shape me into the strong and confident person I am. It scares me to know that although we will defiantly stay in touch as the years go by, I wont have each of you at my fingertips. I wish the best for everyone through all of our future endeavours. With that, call me selfish but I just want to keep each of you here with me forever.  As with all groups of friends, we will always have our traditions and we always have an unbreakable bond.  Our group is special in my eyes though. We were truly made for each other.

You know what they say.. distance makes the heart grow fonder.

Until next time,
KND

Taking Life For Granted: the shock of death

“When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.”
– Gilbert Keith Chesterton
 

Today I got the news that a young man my age in my home town  had unfortunately passed away.  The tragedy of losing such a young life can shake you to your core.  As I took a moment to send a prayer up the big man for his friends and family, I thought to myself how easy is it to take life for granted.  It saddens me that it takes such a misfortune to make me realize how much I take for granted.  I always feel so confident when I lay down at night that I am going to wake up in morning, that I am going to see my family and friends again, that I will have another chance to tell them I love them.  The fact is, that doesn't always happen. It makes me cherish all the time I have had with them over the past 22 years of my life. It makes me want to call each and every person who has impacted my life and tell them how much I appreciate them.

I am so fortunate to have what I have in life. I have two jobs doing what I love to do. I have the most selfless parents and wonderful siblings. I have the best friends a girl could ask for.  I have an education (and the debt that goes with it). I have a handsome guy who always makes me smile. I have a roof over my head and a bed to lay in. I have good health and most of the screws in my head are tight. I have all of these things and much more. Yet, I don't do much to show my gratitude for all of it. Sure, I say my prayers at night, but is that enough?

I want to just take a moment and thank you. Yes, you. Because I am positive that you have had some sort of effect on my life. From a simple hello to make my day a little brighter to lending me a shoulder to cry on when I feel like my world is falling apart.

If by chance there comes a day when I am unexpectedly no longer in this world, I hope that I can leave a legacy of compassion for the people I surround myself with.

As for the friends and family of Cody, there is nothing that can be said to make the news of his death any easier to understand.  I didn't know him extensively. I had only hung out with him a handful of times.  From those few times, I learned that Cody was a free spirit. He lived his life to fullest.  He lit up the room with his radiant smile and enthusiasm.  You know what they say.."only the good die young".  My thoughts and prayers are with all who were affected by the loss. 

"So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord." - 2 Corinthians 5:6-8

Until next time,
KND

 

Sisters Before Misters

What happened to sisters before misters? Chicks before dicks? Holes before poles? Most people respect the girl code and try to balance the relationship with their boyfriend and the relationship with their group of friends. 

I think one of the most annoying things to females  is to have a seriously bad betch go rogue on friends because of a dude.

The Lana Del Rey song "This is What Makes Us Girls" inspired me to write about this tragedy.  One line says, "we don't stick together cause we put love first". It makes my skin crawl. There is absolutely no reason to stop hanging out with your girl friends because you are in a relationship. Chances are there are other girls in your close group of friends that have boyfriends as well. Honestly, it's a testament to your loyalty.  Those friends that you throw to the back burner are the ones that will be there when your heart is broken. Quite frankly, you don't deserve the shoulder they let you cry on. 

Besides, who wants to spend every single moment with one specific person anyways? I understand that new relationships are full of lust and desire to be with that person, but give it a rest. I'm not saying taken girls should have a ladies night, get wasted, and dance all over dudes behind their mans back. I'm saying don't stay locked down with no breath of freedom.   And honestly, if you feel like you can't take that breath of freedom and spend some time with friends then you need to reevaluate the person you're in a relationship with in the first place.

Those girls that usually disappear with each new relationship are also the ones who do nothing but talk about their boyfriend when they actually do come around. No relationship is perfect so why try and force that fake perception on the friends that just want to hang out with you because you are awesome? 

There's even some girls who take their boyfriend everywhere they go. I mean, if your boyfriend is he only guy at the dinner table you should probably open your eyes and take the hint.  Bringing him out everywhere doesn't make you any better than the girls who stay away with their boyfriends. What's wrong with going out and having a good time and meeting up with your man later on at night anyways? 

 I'm sure you know exactly the type of person I am talking about. Lets go ahead and throw this out there too- if you get pissed at this blog post then you're probably just guilty of it. You should definitely take some time and try to reconnect with your friends.

Until next time, 

KND