::::::::::::::friends|pictures:::::::::::::

Ah, friends.  I've never been very good at making close friends.  I suppose that comes from having gone to a parochial school up until 6th grade, and I was the only girl my age.  So, I didn't really have any close friends except Jennifer, who was one year younger and went to a different school (met through church).  So, I didn't really develop the social skills necessary to make a lot of friends; most people I just labeled as acquaintances, not friends.  However, I have been lucky in making a few very good friends over the years.  I'm going to try and put together a list of the ones that have most influenced who I am now and tell a little bit about each person (don't know if I'll be able to find pictures on all of them).  Listed in chronological order from my birth.

Shawn - OK.  He's my brother, so maybe it doesn't count.  But, like any sibling, even though we've had our ups and downs, he's been a good friend most of the time.  As much as I'd like to sometimes, I don't think I'd trade the little bugger in.  I've got too much invested in him.  hahahaha!!!  Really, he's a good guy.  Everybody likes him.  He's the fun one and I'm the boring one.  Oh, well, guess you have to have a balance.

Jennifer Splettstosser - was my best friend through grade school and beyond.  I believe we were introduced through the church our parents attended together.  She was my brother's age, one year younger, and we didn't go to school together, so our friendship was not one that occurred during school hours.  We used to do everything together and would spend a week at a time at each other's house.  We'd play with My Pretty Pony and such.  We drifted further and further apart over the years, especially after she moved to first Pittsburgh and then Detroit.  She really became a different person then.  The friendship had its ups and downs.  When we were very young, it was great.  In the later years, Jennifer always seemed to be hurting me; she probably made me cry more than anyone outside of my family.  Mom sometimes told me that I didn't need to keep being friends with her just because her parents were friends with mine, but I guess when you've been friends with someone for so long, you just keep being friends in honor of all the good memories you used to have; you stay friends with the person they were, not the person they had become.  But she really taught me a lot about friendship, what friendship gave, and what friendship took.  I don't think the bad times outweighed the good, they were simply the latest memories.  I really did value our friendship, and I wish her all the happiness in the world.  Our parents are still friends and see each other on occasion.  Her parents are James and April Splettstosser, sister Dawn Splettstosser.  Jennifer is married now, but I'm not sure what her married name is, since we haven't kept in touch.

Stacy Webb - she was my first real friend in public school.  When I first started public school, I was embraced by all the popular kids, but that only lasted a few weeks, since I couldn't stand the way they were all friendly in front of each other, then told lies and gossip behind each other's backs.  I just couldn't stand people that pretended to be friends.  Enter Stacy.  She was a real friend.  I mean, we weren't best friends, but she never lied to me, and didn't care what my faults were, she accepted anyone that wanted to be friends without all the lies and deceit.  If it wasn't for her, I would probably have ended up being one of those popular kids, all fake nice and really empty inside.  I'm so grateful for that.

Traci Tessaro - I don't really remember much about this friendship, other than that Traci was somewhat like Stacy.  She was always true to who she was.  Unapologetic, unafraid.  She didn't give a damn about what anyone thought about her, and she liked you no matter what.  I remember spending some time in her house.  I remember she had a pet turtle, and there was always a board across her bedroom doorway that you had to step over; the board kept the turtle in her room.  :)

Bobby Jo Davis and Melinda Davis - these are sisters.  I wasn't friends with them both at the same time, I don't think.  A little odd, I know, but both were absolutely splendid people.  Bobby was more of the carefree type and Melinda was more conservative, but both were loyal friends and very generous.  Their parents were remarkable people and always made me feel welcome in their home.  I spent quite a lot of time there during high school.  I think her parent's names were Zimmerman, but I can't remember their first names.  I know they also had a little sister, but I can't remember her name, either.  Bad, Angela.

Amy Hulvey - I can't remember how long we were friends for, but I remember her friendship clearly.  She was probably the person I had the least in common with, since she was always happy, optimistic, friendly, and giving (not traits I am especially strong in, I'm afraid).  I think I miss her the most.  I've been thinking about her a lot lately, for some reason.  Wondering what happened to her, if she's doing well.  Her family was amazing and had a lot of love for each other.  At one point in time, she and her mother actually stayed at my family's house while they were looking to move (I think they were moving back to Troy????).  I think I'm going to have to try and look her up again.  Her parents were Mike and Shirley Hulvey.  Sister Bethany, brother Matt??  She was married with a child the last time we met, but I can't remember what her last name changed to.  I've never known anyone with a bigger heart and persistent personality.  She used to tell people that she had to talk me into being friends.  That she used to talk to me non-stop during class and I'd constantly tell her to shut up, but she never did and eventually wore me down.  She's great, isn't she?  :)  

Lisa Kuhn - worked with her at first job and we still chat every once in a while.  We're more out of touch lately, since she moved out to lala land.  She is a really nice person and I miss her company.  She has a husband named Steve and two children.

Andy Olson - worked with him at two different jobs and we're still in touch.  I made a lot of friends at HII (my first job), and still keep in touch with several of them.  Andy is a generous person.  He's kind of a sounding board for my stupid thoughts.  We're often on the same wavelength; it's scary.  I'm glad to have him as a friend.

Christa McCall - friend from my last job.  We don't really talk much lately; she's always busy, it seems.  I'm glad for her, though.  She seems happy in her work and personal life, so even if I do miss her, I'm glad she is occupied and having a good time with life.  She deserves it.  I was so intimidated by her when I first saw her.  She was always rushing about in her trendy clothes and looking busy and intense.  When I first told my family about that girl sitting in the next set of cubes over, I called her "cute girl."  I just thought she was one of those people who was out of my league.  I remember when I was trying to move out of the space I was in and the only available space was across from her.  I was terrified to ask her if it was okay to move there.  She just scared me shitless.  But once I moved across from her and Kristy, we just became instant friends.  We'd IM all day.  She was a lot of fun.  She always said what was on her mind, regardless of the consequences.  I could never be like that.  I've also always admired her determination.  After that initial hesitation and fear of such a commanding personality, once I got to know her, I really liked her.  I wish we still worked together, so we had that camaraderie back.  I really, really, really miss her.

Kristy DeGuire - friend from my last job.  She is far and away the strongest and most giving person I know.  No matter what is going on in her life (and she's going through a lot lately), the first thing on her mind is always how the other person is doing.  I wish I could be more like her.  I really envy her.  If you ever needed a friend, she's one to have.  I think she'd do anything for anybody.  I'm so lucky to have met someone that great.  Gives me something to try and emulate.

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