Friendship

Such a powerful word; a word which holds such deep meaning to so many. I recently shared an amazing over-night with some long lost friends. The story started about12-years ago when I started my first job out of college. Suzanne, we hit it off - two peas in a pod. She taught me so much as a young professional (okay, just learning how to become a professional, let's be realistic!). My middle name is Suzanne (spelled the same) so I was often referred to as the 'little Suzanne'. After a few years working together in the same office area, developing an amazing friendship, she became my boss. To say we went through hell and back is truly weak at best. Of course one of my most favorite moments was right after I started working for her, literally, only weeks. She was driving us to an evening business meeting full of high level ‘suits’, talking about the importance of honesty, integrity, open communication, blah - blah. And the reality hit that she had "lied" about the meeting to get me to the location of my engagement to Brian. She is an amazing friend; we've gone crazy together (one more than the other) and come back from it to say, "my gosh, how'd we survive."

Then the Christmas storm of 2006! I'm sure some of you can recall leaving the LFPM holiday concert with the high winds and sheets of rain. We had no power for 5-days; my young family was a mess at best and we were moving into my sister-in-laws house with her family. But my very dear friend Suzanne was coming into town, she had moved to AZ a year or so prior, to celebrate her 50th (sorry Suzanne - gotta mention the number to emphasize the importance of the event). I had time at a spa in downtown Seattle all scheduled for Suzanne, Linda, and I as well as fabulous dinner reservations. How could I even think of missing this once-in-a-life time event? But I did - I put my family first and until a couple of weeks ago I was sure that decision ended my friendship with Suzanne. I selfishly kept thinking, how could she not understand what we were going through? I called on her actual birthday a couple weeks later, no response. I wrote an email outlining what happened and why I made the decision I did, nothing. So very, very sad. I was crushed and was letting go of this so-called amazing friendship. This friendship must not be all that I prayed it was. The type of solid, rock hard friendship we all so deeply dream about and hope for. Where you can be 110% yourself - not worry what the other thinks. Cry with, laugh so hard you want to pee - those friendships don't ebb and flow much. So I was sure I was saying good-bye.

Than earlier this year (February I believe) a Bothell colleague passed away. I contacted both Suzanne and Linda via email to let them know. And this, this was the kick that got our friendship back on track. Next thing I knew, Suzanne was coming out early June to celebrate May birthdays (Linda & I both share end of May birthdays). I was sheepish, cautiously excited and even a little nervous. What would we say, would this be uncomfortable - who cares, I gotta know where we stand.

From the moment of our first sighting to our first hug and 3-bottles of champagne later (yes, 3-bottles - one for me, Suzanne, and Linda!) our friendship was as if time never passed. We cleared the air about that December 2006. Rightly so, Suzanne was crushed - how could I miss her 50th celebration!

I’ve read one of those email things about different types of friendships and how friends come into and out of your life for various reasons based on what life experience you are going through. I believe this to be true, absolutely. My best friend from elementary school – inseparable during those days, Christmas cards at best now-a-days. But there are friendships which are so deeply connected, life long joys that you know you don’t have to talk to every day, every week, or even every month – you know that person is there for you 100% without question or judgment. Thank you, Suzanne, for showing forgiveness, strength, love and joy, and true friendship.

Friendship - such a powerful word which evokes so many emotions. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful, solid friends. And what I'm most proud of and excited about; blogging! Yes, I know - because I've learned I can share things that are scary and hard or exciting and new and all my wonderful friends are still with me. Encouraging me, loving me, crying and laughing with me all through this thing called life!

Here’s to you girlfriends – I honor and cherish each of you, thank you.

Thanks for reading,

Nick

Birthdays and Peanut Butter Princess

I recently celebrated a "5 birthday". You know, one of the years that ends in 5, sort of the mid-point until the next "0 birthday." Birthday time, for me, has always been strange. As a child we never made a huge deal about birthdays. Yes we celebrated with family and friends but it was much simpler (basic, dare I say). I suppose because it turns into a day where your close family and friends focus on you and wish you well. Which, don’t get me wrong, is truly wonderful and fantastic ... I think I'm uncomfortable with the focus on me. The attention, the well wishes, the explaining what your plans are, etc. Now that I'm X5 I say get over it and embrace the love, the joy, and the excitement of birthdays.

My dear, loving husband did a fabulous job planning my big birthday this year. All kept a secret. Except I did know something was up when he denied me my afternoon at a spa! The nerve - he more than made up for it!

My morning started way too early when Ben got up at 5:15a on a Saturday. So I took him back to bed (thankfully he now has a twin size!), got him his "hot apple juice", turned on his music and we both lay quietly - eventually falling back to sleep. Until 7:30a when the rest of my family entered, with food! Mommy was getting her first breakfast in bed ... well, Ben's bed but who cares. My boys were so sweet signing me happy birthday, eating my sweet food, and spilling the juice (all of it staying on the tray!). Who could ask for anything more?

It was off to kid haircuts and then drop-off at grandmas! My very kind and wonderful mother took the kids Saturday morning through Sunday evening. Bliss, I tell ya! As it turns out the kids had a fantastic time; love spending time with grandma and all the adventures they share.

I'm off to home to start MY quiet birthday. A complete surprise to me, though apparently not to some of my blog readers, Brian had planned a most romantic get-away; an evening at the Salish Lodge at Snoqualmie Falls. Talk about heaven; he arranged for every detail. I received an amazing hot-rock massage, major relaxation, a light dinner at the Attic overlooking the falls. Sleep, sleep, and sleep - almost a full 8-hrs, imagine that! Woke up to Brian bustling around only to learn we were having guests at 9a! What! ... a few of my closest friends, with Mimosa’s, Bloody Mary's, and coffee - what could be better. At about 9a knocks at the door came from our dear friends the Lundborg's and Shelley's. So amazingly thoughtful they wanted to share my birthday - talk about focus and center of attention - o, my! Our morning was splendid - shared many laughs over our morning beverages and then down for an amazing 2+ hour breakfast.

So maybe birthdays aren't so bad - besides, I found out last night from Ben that I was the Peanut Butter Princess. Who knew ... all because I made him a peanut butter and honey 1/2-bagel sandwich for lunch that day. How special am I?

Thank you to my amazing husband, dearest friends, and all well wishes. My X5 birthday was fantastic and I'm almost looking forward to celebrating the next one.

Thanks for reading,
Nick