I am just worn out from all the laughing.
My sweet friend from high school, The Queen B, made the two-hour drive to visit me today. Though we've stayed in touch via e-mail and phone, we haven't had a face-to-face conversation in years.
I was reminded of something today, something it's easy to forget in the busy-ness of life that keeps us focused on the here and now: there is nothing like an old friend.
(And I mean, of course, "old" as in "long-time" , not "old" as in "aged". Because if B is aged, I am aged, and that will never do.)
It's a happy thing to sit down and laugh and reminisce with someone who knew you when your hair was big and your music was loud. And there's nothing like talking about the challenges of motherhood and rising gas prices with the same person who held your hand when you cried over a jerk-ish high school football player.
We laughed and talked downstairs today while her daughter and my sons listened to The Jonas Brothers (too loudly) upstairs.
It just felt right.
Oh I heartily agree. I'm glad you got to spend time with Queen B :)
Posted by: Liza's Eyeview | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 05:09 PM
I am sincerely jealous! I hope the two of you had a wonderful time together. You both have way to many stories on each other. It's great to have friends like that...in fact there is a certain friend who I got a card from today that I miss a whole bunch! Oh I wish we could go get some cheese fries from Muley's :)
(I miss those days).
Posted by: Michelle | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 05:32 PM
Ah... I'm glad you had a nice visit.
And thanks for telling us about B a few months ago. I read her blog almost every day. :)
Posted by: Rebecca | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 05:43 PM
'Old' friends like that are the best!! My friend like that just started blogging, too. It's a blast to read our memories through her.
Posted by: Headless Mom | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 06:06 PM
Those friendships that last are such a blessing. I had the opportunity to go see my high school best friend who now lives in Japan on her 30th birthday this year. PRICELESS.
Posted by: Starr | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 06:07 PM
Did you totally trade scratch-n-sniff stickers and spray some Aqua Net and peg your jeans and roll up your shirt sleeves? AND play your EIGHT TRACKS??!?!?!?!
Posted by: Stretch Mark Mama | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 06:33 PM
That sounds like a perfect day!
Posted by: AmyDe | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 06:39 PM
When I was 4 years old my mom went to work full-time...it was pretty rare in 1952. The lady who babysat for me had a daughter who was 2 years older. We have been best friends ever since....56 years.....We have lunch almost every week and spend the day together....I will be 60 in October and she is 62....we have survivied marriage, divorce, remarrriage, births, deaths, laughter and tears....what a blessing she is to me.....
Posted by: Pam | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 06:54 PM
I'm glad you had such a great day with a good friend!
Posted by: Annabelle | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 07:16 PM
I am in my 60s and I feel this way when I manage to get together with "old" high school and college friends. So know that the fun will not go away in another 10, 20, 30 , 40 years.!
Posted by: PJ | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 07:30 PM
ahhh...a day with your kindred spirit. I am craving one of those desperately. My dear one finished college this week as a mother of three and wife, and I am soooo proud of her and ready for a looooong visit.
Posted by: kari | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 07:47 PM
Old friends are like old jeans. They fit perfectly...
Posted by: Chris | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 08:24 PM
How special! I am excited for my 20-yr (just gave away my age)class reunion this summer as I will be reuniting with several old friends.
I moved out-of-state and haven't seen most of them in years. Should be fun!
Posted by: Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolates | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 08:33 PM
I read Queen B too and I didn't even know you knew each other:) I know what you mean about "old" friends. "Make new friends but keep the old. One is silver, the other gold" is oh so true!
Posted by: Tiffany | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 08:34 PM
How fun for you both. I miss my childhood friends that live in Austin...I don't get to see them often enough, but when we get together, it's like time has stood still all these years. :)
Posted by: Karen {Simply A Musing Blog} | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 08:36 PM
Aww! Sometimes I wish I was still friends with my big-hair-days friends. Then I remember what brats most of them turned out to be, and I get over it. :-)
I'm glad yours is still a keeper!!
Posted by: Beth | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 08:38 PM
Nothing, nothing, nothing in the whole world like an old friend. I bet feels just as blessed as you do!
Posted by: Sarah @ Short Stop | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 08:38 PM
Oh, ick...hate typos. REDO.
I bet she feels just as blessed as you do.
There we go.
Posted by: Sarah @ Short Stop | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 08:39 PM
I also have ONE friend like that. Luckily we live in the same town so we see each other at least weekly!!
Ain't life grand?
Posted by: CindyO. | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 08:45 PM
I know I am only 16 but I kind of know what you mean by "nothing better than an old friend".
I have moved to different cities a couple of times but still am able to keep in touch with my "old" friends. And whenever we get the rare chance to visit, it just feels so great. Because they were the friends that I GREW UP with when I was like 8-14 years old.
Posted by: Carla | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 08:52 PM
Those are the best kinds of friends. Glad you've been able to hold onto her.
Dang kids and their loud music these days... punks.
Posted by: tracey | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 09:17 PM
It was so much fun!!! And I don't think we've aged at all.
Posted by: Queen B | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 09:25 PM
I'm blessed to have a couple of friends like that. One in particular. We've been friends going on 25 years now. We cannot talk on the phone without reminiscing about having to climb through the window of my little gold CRX, to go on our frequent roadtrips. While stopping at every fast food restaurant between San Antonio and Austin.
I think I'll give her a call.
Posted by: Fiddledeedee (It Coulda Been Worse) | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 09:36 PM
Old friends are the best. You don't have to explain anything.
I can see what both of you see in each other.
(Does that even make sense? Or do I need to go to bed now? Oy.)
Posted by: Kelly @ Love Well | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 09:40 PM
Do you remember the old Girl Scout song..
"Make new friends but keep the old
one is silver and the other gold"
Just the fact that they keep coming back makes them priceless don't you think?!
Posted by: Pat Layton | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 09:49 PM
It's great to have friends like that. I have one and we have known each other since 6th grade. (over 25 years) Wow are we getting older! I love it when we get together. It is so much fun taking a trip down memory lane with her.
Posted by: Beverly | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 09:52 PM
i have a friend like that. and they come along once in a lifetime. those times are the best.
myra
wemakethree.com
Posted by: myra | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 10:05 PM
I'm so glad you and B got to spend time together--especially your kids. I think that is so great. Ya'll have had many great times together.
Posted by: Beachy Mimi | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Glad you had a good time with an old friend. There is nothing like good friends.
Posted by: Valerie | Friday, June 13, 2008 at 10:32 PM
Girls time is the best time!
Yvie
http://tangerineslullaby.eachday.com
Posted by: Yvie | Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 12:02 AM
But, you didn't mention how you liked her nose ring!
Posted by: Lady Why | Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 07:39 AM
I know what you mean...some "old" friends it doesn't matter how long between face to face chats or even between emails/letters...once you are together you pick up where you left off. I have a dear friend like that...known her since I was 14...then I ended up marrying her cousin.
Posted by: Edi | Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 08:03 AM
I loved this! Late last night I posted old school pictures - with big hair and preppy clothes.... I sorta miss those big hair days!
Posted by: Laura | Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 09:38 AM
You are absolutely right--there is nothing like long-time friendships. I just returned last week from a visit with two of my "sisters-of-the-heart" and we had way too much fun. We met as military wives over 20 years ago. I call these women my "angels with skin on." They are two people outside my family who know me well and still love me!
Posted by: Trish | Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 09:38 AM
I want to also thank you, Shannon, for letting us all in on the Queen B blog. I have been reading it ever since.
I love a good friends visit - glad it was so good for the soul. :)
Have a great day!
Kristin
Posted by: Kristin | Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 09:40 AM
My dear friend and I are that way. We have known each other since we were 10 and there is noone who makes me feel more home then she. Lovely post and so glad your visit was wonderful!
Posted by: KD (A Bit Squirrelly) | Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 10:20 AM
"Old friends" are the best!
Posted by: dcrmom | Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 07:58 PM