A Year's Time, To My Dear Friend

Dear KB,

    Sitting here reflecting on my day, year, thinking about you. It has been a whole year since I've got to laugh with you, cry with you, heck even be annoyed with you. Miss you so much!
    So much has changed within this year and I just want you to know all that you've missed. At the same time I also know you've been with me along the way though too. I studied abroad, saw the sites  in Spain and Portugal, started my third year at Cal Poly, got a few new jobs, and even moved into my own house now! Wish I could share all my stories with you about leading the freshmen around at my job this summer. You would just love it! I wish you were here to crack up about all the times I thought I met "the one" in Spain or even her in SLO. But I just cannot bring myself to dwell, even on a sad day like today.
    You were and are my friend for a reason, you brought out the positive parts of this world. I'm sure you would tell me "you got this" if you heard me being such a complainer. So today unlike most I have decided that I was going to embrace your spirit. I have "selfied" uncontrollably, laughed obnoxiously, wore bright pink (somewhat uncomfortably), and even found myself dancing goofily.
    Thank you friend for teaching me over and over again what it means to have a crazy beautiful life.

Until we meet again,

Lauren

P.S. Listening to our favorite song over and over today so though it was appropriate to quote... "I just hope some people see there's nothing that I'm trying to be..." -Ke$ha

"In tow"

    Tonight, with my family and friends I celebrated both my birthday and leaving on my adventure to Spain in 7 days. As I sit down after being surrounded by such great people I can't help but shed a few little tears... but happy tears.
    This past summer has been one filled with many changes and obstacles for several people that I love dearly. It has had its ups and downs but as the warm days wind down in the small town of Hilmar for me I am noticing how perfectly things are falling into place. I can finally say it is just my time to take a step of my bubble.
    I leave knowning I have incredible family and friends that will pray endlessly for my safety, continue to love me dearly and even more importantly support along this adventure. Tonight I was reminded of how much love can be poured out for one person. It is a fabulous feeling.
    I am just so, so amazed and thankful.
    About a month ago as many of you may have known, my bestfriend Karly was sent to her heavenly home. A month ago I was bitter, confused, and in a guilty state of mind from what I thought was a loss. During the past few days with the help of her presence, I am reassured that I can embark on this adventure with Karly still right by my side. I have not forgoten nor have I loved her any less I am just ready to accept her presence in a different format.
    To Spain I go with my bestfriend still in tow!

A Letter to my dear friend KB

My dearest KB, Karly Barker chick, slippy-slidey, best friend. Today as we meet together to celebrate your beautiful life I hope to remind those gathered of the energetic spirit you brought to my life as a friend.

         Let’s start back at age five, I remember kindergarten together and you introduced yourself as Kaly Baker. Little did I know Kaly Baker would become my best friend.

         Before we knew it we were having play dates together and it came time that we start losing teeth. Just like it was yesterday I remember the day you lost your first tooth. I was so anxious to know what it felt like and you made sure your mom and I understood it was the worst thing ever. As it always was there was screaming involved. There was also the day I chocked on a bead in the back seat of the car and you were prepared to give me CPR at age six. We never had a dull moment together.

         Then there were the days of dancing together, whether it was in dance class or just for fun at home. You loved choreographing dances with me, especially if NYSNC or The Backstreet Boys were involved. We took our love of dance to another level with cheerleading together in high school. Right before we would dance at halftime you would always make sure we said a little prayer for safety and guidance. When you were nervous I somehow promised you it would all be fine and you always reminded me to smile and “shine” out there. I could not have done it without you.

         During the past five years I got to know my Karly on a whole other level. You became a counselor, a crying partner, bus buddy, and sister in Christ. We shared the struggles of finding a date to school dances, picking out what to wear for the first day of school, keeping our stress to a minimum when it came time for college applications, and making sure we found each other back at small group once a week to regroup with Norma. One of my favorite memories of high school is the nights we had sleepovers together as senior year was coming to an end. You suggested we start “sleepover Thursdays” so we could cherish the few weeks we had left before the “real world”. We were and are inseparable.

         In the recent months as we conquered being apart during our first year of college I never felt I missed a beat. Your weekly “love you” texts and facetime dates made me feel close despite the distance. As the loving person you are you even made time to come visit me and understand what the dorm life was all about. This summer we picked back up like nothing had ever changed. I am so, so, thankful we even spent one last houseboat trip together too.

         Not only are you a fabulous friend but a true role model. Every minute you spent on this Earth was displaying your love for the Lord. From you I have learned to be selfless, welcoming, patient, forgiving, and happy! I remember one rough day during school I had tripped over a hidden root while walking to class with you and you made sure you picked me up despite our embarrassed giggles. You dusted me off and reminded me “you had my back”. It was the little glimpses of love that showed those around you your faith.

         I am thankful for what you taught me in our short time together. You are incredible woman that will continue to improve the lives of people around you. Let’s us never forget the silly Karly Barker we all love. As you would always tell me when I was leaving anywhere, “see you soon love”. 

         I’d now like to finish with a poem:

A million times we've needed you,

    A million times we've cried.

    If love alone could've saved you,

    You never would have died.

    In life we loved you dearly,

    In death we love you still.

    In our hearts you hold a place,

    No one else will ever fill.

    It broke our hearts to lose you,

    But you didn't go alone.

    Part of us went with you,

    The day God took you home. 

        

          

Since I've Been Gone

    I think my lack of blog posts is enough to show the amount of fun, work, and craziness that has engulfed my life in the past months. But I also think its time I turn over a new leaf, kick-start the blog machine again.
    In the past few months I have learned so much incredible, valuable information and I may be weird to say this but I love college. (and yes the academic part) This quarter I took on the challenge of 20 units and it has turned out to be better than I expected. Although I am busy, I am surely not bored.
    During these months I have also formed some really valuable relationships. The weirdest part to me is that fact that I have met so many people who lived fairly close to me before moving to Cal Poly yet we never even knew or talked to each other.
     Cal Poly has changed many things in my life and it continues to do so. Here's to the next three years of college life!

Happy Medium

Growing up and moving out has added so many new feelings about HOME.

I have found that when I am home I cannot wait to get back to SLO or when I am in SLO for a long period of time I am ready for a visit home. I wish I could have both, in once place, at one time. They are both just such happy places.

Part of growing up and knowing my home is not Hilmar anymore is teaching me to find the happy medium between the two. I will always love my little hometown, but for now, SLO is home sweet home!

Adult

Once again, it has been way too long! College life has truly engulfed me in all its work, stress, and fun.

I have now officially been living in my new home for a month. It seems like time is just zipping by and before I know it, it will be Thanksgiving and Christmas break.

As this week is already in full swing, I have a full list of things to accomplish. One thing that has really amazed me, is how I was forced to become adult-like so fast. There is absouletly nobody in college who will tell you that you don't have enough money or you aren't going to graduate. It is all up to you!

In some ways this is wonderful, but sometimes I really do miss my wonderful mother and all her help! Welcome to the real world Lauren!!

So with your free time this week think of me as I brave a midterm, Target interview, and work on acing my wonderful college classes!

Social

The college storm has hit me. 

In less than a week I have pushed out of my comfort zone in a million in one ways. But this a wonderful thing!

Although I don't remember all their names, I have been introduced to what seems like thousands of people. Out of all these people, so many of them are so inviting! 

Living in the dorms is quite the experience so far, and I don't think there has been a quiet night yet! Everybody is on an energy high from the new move and so eager to meet new people.

I'm interested to see if the environment changes once school starts but for right now I think I may just need some sleep!