Self Reflection

Weight loss surgery changes every part of your life - in ways that are far beyond the obvious. It gives you an opportunity to really start fresh - clean slate - no looking back. As most of you know by now, my oldest friend lost her father this week... but what you probably don't know is that Stephanie and I hadn't talked much during those last months of her Dad's life. I deeply regret that - but what I've come to realize this week is that it's perfectly acceptable to have friends that are completely (100%) different than you.

I have 4 friends in my life that I'd consider to be my best-friends... meaning that they know me better than anyone else, and I'd go to them with any problem or heartbreak in my life - which means that I'd hope that they would trust me with the same situations.

1. Stephanie and I met when we were 14 years old (1992), and have had our differences over the years... but have always managed to be there when it really counts. I know 90% of her family, and love every minute that I've spent with them. They are amazingly accepting of people - no matter who they are or what they've done in their lives - and are really loving people.
2. Maria and I met at A&M (1998) and had a fabulous time together during the best years of our young lives... we grew and matured together and had our differences too over different paths to take in life - but always managed to come back together and support one another. She joined the Navy last year, and I haven't been able to talk to her in several months - but she is still such an important part of my life - I miss her dearly.
3. Hope and I met in 2002, while working together at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory. We are so different in so many ways - we've got a big age difference, but have become each other's biggest support system at work. We left Strake Jesuit together and now work at Memorial Hermann in the same department... boy I'm going to miss her next fall when I'm teaching!
4. Sarah and I met at church in December of 2006, but really didn't get to know each other until January of 2007. She had a beautiful baby in December of '06, and I have loved every moment of watching Sarah grow as a mother, and Abby grow into an incredible toddler. Sarah is my rock - and has taught me so much in my spiritual walk with God, and I will forever be grateful for that.

I have several other people that I've grown to care about and enjoy the company of (even if some of them are only through the blog world) - but last night I had the chance to hang out with 4 women that are incredible. Jenn, Tasha, Staci, and Sharon were so much fun to spend an evening with - we started at 6 PM and before we knew it we'd been just chatting and scrapbooking until midnight. I look forward to our monthly craft parties and getting to know them better this year!

I guess the main point of this post is to remind myself that in the day to day struggle of eating all my meals, working out, working, and family... friends are just as important... and I've got to figure out a way to balance it all in a way that meets all of our needs.