Carpe Weekend

I can't wait for this weekend!  I guess the last time I saw a bunch of my friends from college was when Lohryn (in the middle, in red) was getting married.  Back then, I was a 1L who had just barely even started school.  I had no experience and definitely no idea what I was getting into. 

Since then, so much has changed.  Now Lohryn is pregnant--but thank goodness because, if someone weren't pregnant or getting married, how would I get a chance to see everyone again?  Oh my goodness I miss these days. 

We're at BWW for my best friend Erin's 21st birthday.  Of course, I have kept out some of the most incriminating photos.  But here's some of the fun ones.

Here's my grandlittle (Lohryn) and my little (Rachel).

Here's my and my BFF.  She may or may not be slightly tipsy. 

Oh my goodness, I miss those days.  All I have to say is--thank GOODNESS for baby showers, weddings, and other events where people feel compelled to get together.  Why don't we ever feel like a random Saturday is good enough for a reunion?  It's a shame, because, since college, we've missed countless opportunities.  As time passes, of course, we all change, little by little.  We're engaged or married or having children--and things aren't the same.

And me?  Well, I'm not engaged.  Or married.  Or expecting.  But I am a different person.  I'm much more comfortable with uncomfortable things.  I can be called on in class and not stutter (or at least, not stutter too much).  I can juggle all my work.  I think I even carry myself differently.  I'm more compassionate because I've had some times where I've been kind of unhappy.  I have more anxiety, but I'm dealing with more things than ever--and I always get stuff done.  At first, I thought mine was a law career that was mostly unmarked by recognition or exceptional performance, but, as I finish up, it seems more and more like I'm getting the distinction that I always hoped for--a CALI, an exceptional student award, a pretty sweet GPA...  It's funny how time changes you.

Sometimes, I miss college.  But then I think how little I had accomplished at that point and how far I've come since then---and how far I still have to go.  To be able to say that I've passed the bar will make me immeasurably happy--and then I'll start at a new job.  I'll raise a puppy and marry the most wonderful boy I've ever met, one I feel so passionate about that I am completely sure that there could never, ever be another person for me.  


Congratulations, Lohryn, on your beautiful baby girl!  And thanks for having one so conveniently timed that we can all get together to celebrate!