friends.

Last night, these ladies and I went out and had a splendid time.  That was to be expected.  What wasn't expected was the overwhelming feeling of gratitude that we experienced.  My friends and I have often joked that we are a dysfunctional family.  We have grown up together, we have the same memories of random experiences, we roll our eyes at each other, we have parents and families that treat each of us like their own even if we aren't theirs, and lastly we have an unseen connection that binds us inexplicably.

Becca, Laura, and I were sitting, giving each other a hard time-preying on each other's weaknesses-and I said, "Isn't it great that we know everything terrible about each other and yet we still completely love each other and can laugh about it?"  Laura replied promptly, "Of course!  We're stuck together forever, for better or for worse.  This is it."  Becca agreed.  I agreed too.  A few more words were spoken about how well we know each other and how we're glued together for life.

Even though it is now the next day, I still am reeling in gratitude for my friends.  What a beautiful thing it is to know someone's greatest attributes, but also their greatest faults and to still love them unconditionally.  I think we'd all like to believe we do that, but it's not as easy as it sounds.  It's easy to be around for the fun times, but a friendship is nothing if it can't weather the not-so-fun parts of life.  These girls have stood by me numerous times and I'd like to say I've stood by them as well.  They are friends that have transcended environment and event.  It's easy to have high school friends, college friends, work friends, etc.  But how many of those remain through the years and life changes?  Usually you have your high school friends in high school, college friends in college, work friends at the job, etc.  Part of that is because it's easy to find camaraderie in belonging to an institution, sharing activities, and being in close proximity.  But the friends that can last through different phases of one's life, they are a treasure.  I would even go so far to say they are the "really true" friends.  I love these girls wholeheartedly and as time goes by, I realize just how much it means to have them as true friends in this world.   

for after all the turkey...

I thoroughly enjoyed this and had to share!

Happy Black Friday!  Hope you're finding lots of great deals or if you're not into the craziness I hope you're having a relaxing day at home.  I've never been one to go Black Friday shopping, but I can definitely see the pull-all the ads are making me feel like I'm missing out.  Maybe I'll go out later, when everybody's worn out from this morning. haha!

 

Also, may I just say that in this video Rashida Jones looks hot!  Major girl crushing.  So, uh, on that awkward note...

this is how i'd like my next birthday to go...

hipster friends included. (wink.)

the road to bonnaroo

That's Boo boo at the top.  Many people may not know him, but he's our favorite resident monkey who rides in Spenser's car.  While on vacation one year, we saw him at a Starbucks.  Spenser was being his cute, funny typical self by putting the monkey in my face and joking around with it.  A while afterwards I was in another Starbucks by myself and had to get it for him.  Ever since the monkey, known affectionately as Boo boo, has ridden in Spenser's car.  My heart was warmed when I got in the car and he was up front with us.

We saw a bunch of huge crosses on our drive.  I'm serious.  There were others.  I guess it's a good sign?   Speaking of signs, we had to get a photo of the event traffic sign.  Every year we're going to have to get one.  It's become a thing.

When we got into the camping grounds, we got working like nobody's business.  We're getting pretty good at getting that huge tent up.  (Yes, we brought the same tent we used to sleep five people last year for ourselves. :-) )  Everyone around us was in amazement.  Many of them were opening up brand new tents and had never set them up before, let alone pitched a tent in general.  Basically we looked like wizards.  Spenser set up the inside, while I handed him our stuff, and the bottom picture is the result.  The man knows how to set up a cozy camp.

be back soon!

 Spenser and I left this morning for bonnarooooo!  We are both super excited.  I won't be on here for a few days, so I thought I'd post a few photos to scroll through for while we're gone.  These photos are from last year's bonnaroo!

The glory and downfall of film is sometimes you can get some irregularities. But on the nose, really?  Come on, film. :/

I love this photo of Spenser.  I think he looks so cute here.  Also, I'm a sucker for crowns/headbands.

Spicy pie!! 

So glad we're back on the road to the farm.