"It takes some fears to make you trust. It takes those tears to make it rust. It takes the dust to have it polished." - Jason Mraz

"That night we talked about life, about our times together.
Maybe we weren't the same two kids we had once been.
But some things never change.
Some things last.
And even though I didn't know what was going to happen to us,
or where we were going...
I just knew I couldn't let [him] out of my life."
- Wonder Years

Today is one of my favorite days of the year. Nothing actually happens on this date, but the significance behind the date makes it oh so special for me. Around this time every year, I get to reassess everything and realize how lucky I have been.

Three years ago, my best friend and I were having a lot of complications in our relationship. We were never on the same page and we rarely talked. When we did talk, we would always fight and make up, only to have the same thing happen again the next month. After a few months of this frustrating never-ending cycle, we ended up having to take a "break" from each other. I know this sounds weird, because what kind of friends take breaks from each other? Well, we did, and we went almost a whole month of no communication. That month was a difficult time in my life; there wasn't anyone who I could really turn to, because the only person that I would turn to was the one who initiated this separation. I went on day after day, wondering when I was going to get my best friend back, and it was especially hard when we had some of the same classes together.

However, three years ago on this date, my best friend simply said "I'm sorry for everything", and those four words ended up changing my world around. After weeks of not talking, we finally teared down the walls that kept us apart for so long. We ended up talking for hours about our relationship. It was one of the most heartfelt conversations I have ever had with another person, and I turned out to be the first person my best friend has ever said "I love you" to and actually meant it.

"And it takes no time to fall in love,
But it takes you years to know what love is.
It takes some fears to make you trust.
It takes those tears to make it rust.
It takes the dust to have it polished.
Life is wonderful."
- Jason Mraz

Ever since then, we both have worked really hard to maintain the strong bond that we have together. Sure, we have fallen down the wrong path a couple of times after this but we never forgot about that conversation and that kept us together. That is why every February 22nd after that, I look back and think about all the wonderful memories that we have created since then. The big events included Disney World, concerts, and New York City, and the little moments made it what it's worth. Taking night trips to Dairy Queen, cheering on each other at our sporting events, random hang out sessions, sharing new music, school events, etc. But the one moment I hold most dear was being able to walk with my best friend at graduation. Having my best friend there with me at the biggest milestone of my life to date, after putting up with me through the past three years and sticking by all my decisions, regardless of whether they were good or bad, was so amazing.

"Well I'll never be something I'm not.
Please don't throw away what we've got.
'Cause we've been together for way too long,
I was playing around but I'm coming home.
You know that I love you.
There's no one above you.
I said it the last time, but this is the last time.
Don't make me over, 'cause I can be faithful.
You're my number one."
- John Legend

"At the end of the day, when it comes down to it,

Dear-Valentine's Day, it's RER's birthday!

After a long weekend at home for Presidents' Day, it's safe to say that I have been spoiled rotten at home because this week has kicked my butt! I wrote a five-page paper last night that was due today for my Seeking Wisdom class, and I have spent the majority of my day/night studying for THREE of my tests tomorrow. I absolutely cannot wait until 5:15 tomorrow afternoon when I can be done with it all... I don't know what I was thinking when I was registering for classes in November. Whoever told me that taking four classes in one day would help me lied. Thanks a bunch...

Over the long weekend, I went to see not one, but two movies! On Saturday night, my friend and I went to see "Valentine's Day". I didn't really have high expectations for this movie, because of the "all-star" cast. I experienced that once with "He's Just Not That Into You" and was extremely let down, so I knew not to get my hopes up the second time around. I definitely think "Valentine's Day" was cuter than "HJNTIY" and I especially loved it when Jennifer Garner and Ashton Kutcher were together in the end! (P.S. Shame on you, Patrick Dempsey for breaking my heart in the movie! Please stick to roles that portray you as the perfect man, because that is exactly who you are!)

On Sunday, I finally went to see Dear John! I thought it was really cute and heart-wrenching. I was definitely trying to hold back tears. Of course Channing Tatum looked amazing throughout the whole movie. He definitely makes me swoon... What really impressed me was the amazing soundtrack! Comprised of songs by Rosi Golan, The Swell Season, and one of my favorites, Joshua Radin, I was really pleased hearing their songs throughout the movie. Props to the-people-who-created-the-DJ-soundtrack!

He makes my heart melt...

Today is my good friend RER's 22nd birthday! I couldn't have imagined the past summer or this school year without her. She is always there for me whenever I need my questions answered, some good advice, or for some simple motivation! Thank you for your rambling conversations, your inspiring quotes, and your good humor! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Who needs six degrees of separation...

...when you can have TWO!

Every year, I look forward to finding out who the Harvard University's Hasty Pudding Man and Woman of the Year will be (former Hasty Puddings include: James Franco, Scarlett Johansson, and Charlize Theron). That is why you can imagine how ecstatic I was to hear that two of my favorite entertainers earned the coveted title this year: Justin Timberlake and Anne Hathaway. Everyone knows how I *swooooooon* over JT (yes, it's inevitable. I stop in my tracks, my mouth drops, and out comes the drool...) and how can you not like Anne? Princess Diaries, Ella Enchanted, Get Smart? LOVE.

Anyway, I was reading Perez Hilton for the eighth time two Fridays ago when he posted an entry about Anne at Harvard. I almost passed out when I realized who was in the picture with Anne at the roast.

Exhibit A:

(taken from PerezHilton via AP images)

The guy on the right happens to be the president of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals. He also happens to be the valedictorian of the class of 2006 at my high school. He also happens to be the guy whose locker I had to switch with because he was too tall / I was too short during my freshman year. In high school, students were assigned the same locker for all four years, and I was assigned to a locker on the top. However, the person whose locker was on the bottom was 6'3", while I was 4'10". It obviously didn't make sense to keep our lockers while he strained to bend down to put his books away and I was on my tippy toes to hang my jacket up on the hook. Therefore, I took his locker and vice versa and all problems disappeared. For the rest of the year, he ended up being a good friend and someone who I looked up to (literally and figuratively).

Not only am I completely proud (and JEALOUS) that he has accomplished a lot since graduating from high school... but I am SO excited to tell everyone that Justin Timberlake *cue heart melting* and Anne Hathaway and I are only separated by TWO degrees!

PCC Proctor Fun Fact this summer? HUGE POSSIBILITY!

"It seems the wars will never end, but we'll make it home again, back where we belong again" - John Legend

A friend that I literally grew up with is leaving for basic training for the Air Force tomorrow, and it saddens me to know that I won't be there to see him off.

I was there in the hospital when he was born (we're six months apart) and ever since, we have spent countless occasions together with our families. Apple picking, amusement parks, vacations, weddings, anniversaries, graduations, etc. You name it, we've most likely done it. There was a point in our lives when we literally saw each other every single weekend. This year has certainly ended that since I was working this summer and left for college. It was surreal the first time a friend of mine left for the Army, but this is even more surreal that a person who is actually like a blood brother to me is leaving.

I wish him the very best in this new journey of his and I hope he stays safe, happy, and healthy.

(one of our last pictures together on January 16th)

siblings, friends, cousins = FAMILY

<3

2000 points in 2 nights!

As an avid Green Wave Super Fan and former Green Wave athlete, I have traveled near and far to my hometown's sporting events, especially football and baseball. Yet in my high school career, there was no better sporting event to attend than a boys' basketball game. Following the boys wherever they went (and basically getting kicked out of an away game once), I made sure that I was there in the sea of green across from the bench, cheering on my best friends.

The past season was absolutely ridiculous, as the boys made it to the state semi-finals where they got to play at the Boston Garden. It was surreal being in the seats, watching the team on the court AND on the Jumbotron. It was one of the biggest highlights of my high school career!

(on Tuesday, March 10, 2009)

front row, watching my friends warm up

the FRH (taken by myFoxboston)

FRH again (taken by myFOXboston)

This article was posted today on the Boston Globe's website and after reading it, I could not be any prouder of two of my friends. I was fortunate enough that I was home on the weekend of January 29th to go to their game and see my very good friend RWC score his 1,000 career point. When this moment happened (on his signature 3-pointer), the game completely stopped and the entire gymnasium was on their feet, jumping up and down and yelling his name. My heart was racing, my hands were bright red from clapping so much, and my throat killed from screaming so loud. I honestly had been waiting three years for that moment and I was so happy I got to witness one of the best moments of his life (I didn't get to go the second game on Saturday, but my other friend KTL scored his 1,000 career point also).

I have known them both since the day they started playing basketball together(in the travel leagues and the AAU league) and I am so proud of them for accomplishing this incredible feat!

(on Friday, January 29, 2010)

RWC and his parents after scoring his 1,000th point!

the 1,000 sign!

Congratulations, RWC (143 224!) & KTL!