Olivia Wishes to Thank: First and foremost, I thank God for breath, my family and friends, and this series of events called life. There are reasons why things turn out the way they do, and without Him, I wouldn't be here and none of this would have come together. Pop and Mom, it has been a long and trying journey. You didn't expect the "scenic route" anymore than I did, and it's been a struggle getting me through to graduation. Just when I thought I'd made it back to the main road, I run into another detour. You've pushed, I've pulled, you've yelled, I've cried…but still you stood by me, and for that I'll be eternally grateful. I love you. Bro, it took a fateful summer night for both of us to realize that we need each other. We still fight with the best of them, but we have grown up. I know that you've got my back and you know that I will always have yours. I love you. Jaclyn, the original member of my *NSYNC Sorority. Our adventures through the fandom are too numerous to mention, but our journeys have brought nothing but squees, memories, and music. You let go of the boys sooner than I expected, but our friendship came first. We're sisters with or without them. Te quiero, mi crunkalicious chica. =) Brittany, thank you for establishing this outlet for laughs and love, and trusting me with it. Your shoes are just so damn hard to fill! lol I've done my best, and you made it easier by being a great friend and support. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. Lucky, What up, DORK?! (Still got it!) It never ceases to amaze me how we're always on the same page, in sync so to speak. We can converse and honestly understand how the other feels about everything and nothing. Everything happens for a reason, and it wasn't coincidence that the two of us *does hand thingy* should meet. Thank you for always being honest and reminding me that things will be okay. You're not only my partner in crime, but one of my bestest friends. Our friendship has been filled with a hundred stories of randomness, nuttiness and sparkles. It's been a strange and crazy trip so far, but I wouldn't want it any other way. No matter where life takes us, I know that we'll keep on rockin'. After all, there are a hundred more stories not yet written. =) I love you, homegirl. Becca, my long lost twin. It doesn't feel like three years, does it? Yet, in that short amount of time we've laughed, cried, and collaborated like we'd been friends for ages. We have an infinite number of inside jokes, and even more memories. Right off the bat, we formed a bond that usually takes years to build. "Friends by chance, sisters by choice." I know you've heard more than enough from me at times, and maybe even resented me, but it's only because I care too much. Thank you for inspiring me, laughing with me, and jading Detroit WHAT?! with me. =) YAY BUDDY!® Yo lo amo más que su hermano, pero usted no lo puede decir eso. I love you, sis. PS: I licked Buddy for you and he said, "I love you too, kiddo. =P" Tabz, WHAT ARE YOUUUUU DOING?! (Still got it!) Thank you for knowing that there are two sides to every story, for fairly allowing me to explain mine, and then believing in me. Years later, we have countless memories to reminisce upon and a friendship that goes beyond the band. I've always said our dynamic is that for everything that sucks, something even better rocks our socks. This has proved true in the past, so I know that although we've been distant as of late, we'll find our way home. The city of Orlando shouldn't be worried so much about hurricanes as they should about us! TWO STEP! I love you and I miss you. Give Koty and Skye hugs for me. Allison, it's been a long time. We don't talk as often as we used to, and that's something I hope we'll change. I miss our phone calls and sparks of 3am inspiration. You and I have come a long way since we first met. We've both grown up, and our friendship has matured as well. I hope that whatever you're embarking on, that you'll do it with confidence, class, and the sense of humor that is sincerely appreciated. I love you, chica. | Mel, my melody. What do I say that I haven't already? We have been through so much in the short time we've known each other. Each of us has struggled, but through faith and friendship, we've pushed on. My heart has a special place for our time in Jackson, because that's when we really got to know each other, and it was one of the best times I've ever had. GO LITTLEFOOT!® =) You're a beautiful person and a gifted musician. I'm so proud that you're living your dream of attending Berklee, and I know your dad is, too. I love you, girl. Julie, I miss you! Late night chats just aren't the same without you…and neither is the site. Though absent, you're still a huge part of EF. I hope that wherever you are, life is treating you well and that you're still getting all my letters. Whenever I see a dream weaver or shop at Victoria's Secret, I will forever think of you. Remember that I <3 you thiiiiiiiiiis much, and that SteveR does, too. MUAH! Katie, Macky, and Elizabeth, whose work is always appreciated, but often goes unrecognized. You three have played integral roles in PLB and Love Stories, and I owe my thanks to each of you. I wish every writing staff had associate editors as crunk as all of you. =) Kim, thank you for being my rock. You have seen me through the ups and downs of life, and the never ending drama at EF. You never once let me forget how "I'm better than that." I am truly a Survivor, and for that I thank you. Since the first time my "friends" popped in on our conversations, we have made a great writing team. I still have faith in CrunkNCrazy Productions' series of *nfomercials and the highly anticipated "epic." I love ya girl! =) Dia, what's up pinay? Salamat for being a funny-ass person and an editor of PLB. You deserve an extra big hug for lending an ear, and being so understanding about the happenings in my life. I'm thankful we got to meet each other, and I hope that our time in Orlando won't be the only one we share in person. Mahal kita! Liv would also like to thank: The past editors of EF (Amy, Alex, Nikki, Brianne, Missy, Mary, Nina, Kari); Sheri Shaw (for being one hell of a singer, and looking out for us); Bri and Liz (my CFTC IV posse, along with Dia); Tony Lucca and family (for being sweet and talented); Busta and Korea; Stacy, Steph, and Margaret (my CFTC VI posse, it's gonna sizzle!); the FRO (RIP); Fumanskeeto (defunct, but without which, I would be nekkid); Danielle (big love from Vegas!); Whitney and Jeanette (we need to attend more "lectures"); Toby; Anthony (aka Scary Guy) and the crew (for staying at our hotel and working the elevator); Johnny (MAD love from yer Angels); Emily (formerly of GU&GD, I miss you!); funnel cakes; my former coworkers (who I love and miss); Rica (no more drama!); woodchucks; Liz (you know you wanna touch the bark!); Bob (my waddling albino opossum); Mattel (for clothing the Merry Men); Paul my wonderful ticket broker (where would I be - sitting - without you?); all the gals I've met over the years standing in line for tickets; EVERYONE who's contributed something to NJEF, PLB & Stories; and everyone who's come to the sites or subscribed to the zine, you guys are what keeps us updating. Here's to FIVE YEARS and many more! =) Last but not least, the guys that inspire me in many ways. I have tried so many times over the years to find the right words to say to each of you (even Steve and Wade), to express my appreciation and love, but they continue to elude me. So I simply want to say to JC, Chris, Lance, Joey, and Justin: I miss you. Thank you for the memories…and for jading me and EF.
Love,
How does one keep from "growing old inside"? Surely only in community. The only way to make friends with time is to stay friends with people... Taking community seriously not only gives us the companionship we need, it also relieves us of the notion that we are indispensable. |