BYU graduation, with niece. I've been looking through old pictures, trying to find something in particular for another post (which I can't find; grrr), and I keep finding these pictures that I remember feeling terrible about when they were taken, but now, looking at them years later, I wish I could step into them and tell that younger self to chill out, to relax, and furthermore, that she is lovely. Tennyson Downs, 2003. This happens to you, right? That you get a picture developed (remember developing pictures?!) and you don't look at the lovely place you were, or think about the people you were with, because you're focused 100% on your thighs or your hair or your eyebrows or your [insert-insecurity-here]. And when the picture resurfaces years later, you stare and stare at it, remembering feeling bad, but not being able to re-conjure why on earth you felt that way. I can't tell you how many rolls of film I've looked through, my eyes zeroing in on ever...
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By the way, regarding your post from a few weeks ago about girlfriends (it's been weeks since I've looked at people's blogs)...I have recently learned how important they are! For about the first year of marriage (and probably most of our dating and engagement time), I was just obsessed with Bryson, and didn't feel a need to have "girl time". And then, I realized I missed it desperately. There's just something about talking with a good girlfriend that you can't get from talking with a husband, or any other guy. So, I understand. I'm here for you if you want to chat, though I'll warn you that I'll whine about pregnancy things for at least part of the conversation! I'm hoping I find some girls I really get along with when we move to Texas...kind of scared about that.
I can commiserate with you lately. We have two dogs and a cat, so when they get along it is a miracle! And where girl friends are concerned--I feel totally helpless in that arena. I grew up with boys and have never had a relationship with a girl that didn't feel at least somewhat superficial. I blame myself for that, but realize it can be hard to find people you really connect with. I think it takes letting your guard down, being willing to share.
The funny thing is, even though I do most of the writing, most of the blog buddies are Michael's. Not to mention, he has a whole slew of relatives. He just updated it for me so some of my friends are on the list too now. I'm feeling a little more involved.