a day early, but…

 On June 26, 2001, I started this diary. I don’t think I’ve kept anything for this long, with the exception of a few books. Almost Genuine has been reading me almost the whole time. I’ve known her longer than some of my dearest friends. Sometimes I feel that through this, she actually knows me better than anyone else does. She was with me through graduating high school, some messes I got myself into in college, abusive boys, possessive boys, moving to and coming back from VA, my unemployment, finding a job, breaking up with J, all of that. And she’s always had an encouraging word for me. For that, I consider her a friend…weird as it may sound for someone I’ve never met.

Brvbeck came along in 2008, and so did Parrothead5183…2 people who have also stuck by me through a lot, and also who have an encouraging (or hilarious) word to add to the picture. Thanks, boys, for making my life a little more entertaining and hopeful.

I met spork_zilla in college, and I think I’m the one who encouraged her to get an OD, but I’m not exactly sure. She is an absolutely amazing woman. She’s got a great husband, 2 kids, 1 more on the way, and lives (what seems to be) a great life. She has seen me through some truly ugly spots in my life, even helping to get said abusive boy away from me. For awhile we didn’t talk much…mostly because she had her life and I had mine, but she is one of those friends whom I can go without seeing for awhile and immediately pick up right where we left off. No awkwardness, no trouble remembering things, we just move forward. I love that about her. 

So to everyone I’ve met here, old and new, I truly thank you for reading "the mess known as my life." Many of you mean more to me than you probably know. So thanks for that.

I feel like I should buy a cake for the occasion. Or maybe an ice cream sandwich will suffice…