An Ode to My Friendships

Today is November 12, 2008 and for the record, I would like to state that the most beautiful part of life at the moment is the weather. If you are unfortunate enough to not live in southern California, I empathize for you because it is days like this that I like to think it is God’s way of smiling down upon us. I am actually not presently writing this masterpiece at the desk of my home computer, but instead I am fabricating this blog at the seat of my Journalism 101 class. I know, I know—I as well am glad to be taking advantage of our wonderful educational institutions. Money well spent may I say ( and I wonder why I struggle to comprehend my future endeavors as the poor, clique freshman procrastinator). I am easily drowning out the pestering voice of my professor rambling on about the importance of advertising. Back to life I suppose, the only intentions of these “hear me, hear me” online journals. I should conform to discussing the conventional teenage drama you see play out on any CW show during primetime TV. However as an alternative, this life rant is now going to become an ode to my current friendships. I often find myself (as many do) to write when I am emotional, stressed, angry, blahblahblah. But thanks to this amazing weather and probably also the aid of my not-so-common full eight hours of sleep, and oh so very common venti size coffee this morning, I am feeling especially happy. Therefore, I would like to pause-take a moment-and reflect upon the people that are currently filling my life with everyday smiles. J

1. Katrina Raymundo- My best friend, neighbor, coworker, and partner-in-crime. I could easily write a novel on why I am madly in live with this girl. Luckily enough, I do not have to. Because she has heard it all before and as much as I love to brag and share our stories. Secretly, we both take pleasure in reminiscing in things only we can understand. A connection that the rest of the world questions. Our own infinite inside joke. <69999999999

2. Christian Mayoral- My oldest brother. While our friendship differs in that it was founded from forced upon DNA circumstances, it has evolved into an amazing relationship between an experienced adult and a learning, restless young girl filled with too much teen angst. My brother has always been there for me, and by choice. With a 12 year age gap, he has raised me as much as my own father. The only one in my family that understands, accepts, and forgives me for who I am and every mistake I have done. His faith in me, helps me have faith in myself. As many of my closest friends know, his home has become my secret sanctuary. Whether I am 17, 27, or 50 years old, for all my problems, I will always find myself running to him. He will forever be my mentor.

3. Cathy Ibarra- Hundreds of miles apart, our friendship is still holding strong. You can only find this girl on the complete opposite end of the country, but I talk to her more than the people that live right by me. One of the few that’s not afraid to call me and say “Bianca, you are being fucking stupid and you need to stop.” She keeps me in check, helps me find that bit of sometimes necessary normalcy in life. I do not even have to tell her, and somehow she knows when something is up. We live opposite lives, but yet have so many common grounds. We grew up experiencing our rites of passages basically holding hands. Even though time and distance has now become another challenge we are trying to grasp and overcome together, we both know our friendship is just growing stronger.

4. Troy Nathan Kelly-My favorite boy alive. Fuck, has our friendship evolved—from just talking shit on people at Tilly’s to our now inexpressible, illicit, drama fest lives. While the people above bring sanity to my life, Troy Kelly in contradictory, brings the ever necessary INSANITY to my life. Our experiences together are the moments that make me feel most alive. This being has more charisma, humor, love, and creativity than you could ever imagine to have! I pity those who did not take the advantage of having the pure PRIVILEGE of knowing him. Just give us one hour together, and I swear we can entertain the hell out of you. Our time together is filled with THE most fun, random, and weirdest shit possible. He is irresistibly enticing and I relish in every moment spent together.

5. Kimberly Jeong- One of the most real people alive, which we all know is SO rare to find. In case you did not already know, this Korean is THE shit. She is unquestionably beautiful, brilliant, and infinitely fun. Not to mention, the best texting buddy ever! I envy her free-spirit and outspoken voice and attitude. Despite her very Taurus-like personality, she is one of the most genuine girls I know. Her smile is not fake, so appreciate it when it comes. And even though our friendship is newly-founded, she has taught me so much, and we have already experienced some unforgettable memories together.

While you scroll down this page, and grin to yourself thinking how naïve I am if I believe in those three little words so easily declared as children “Best Friends Forever.” You are misinterpreting the purpose of this blog. Life has taught us all time after time that people come and go—it is a never-ending cycle of growing up. As much as I would LOVE to have all these people in my life forever, I accept the fact that shit happens, people change—and most importantly, life is a rollercoaster. So, my sole purpose of this is to only show my appreciation for the people in my life that are PRESENTLY helping me struggle through my everyday challenges with optimism. We are having fun, learning, living, and growing up together. And that’s all that matters. Whether or not this list may change over the years, the current placement of each individual should know whether they intended to or not, they have already undoubtedly embedded themselves into the formation of my future identity and memory.

And I cheer to that.