In this post at the beginning of the year I wrote that one of my new years resolutions was going to be to work on my friendships. I'm happy to say that a few months in, I do feel as though some of my friendships have grown stronger than they were at the beginning of the year. The one highlighted in that post particularly. It really took some time to step away and reflect and then the deliberate act of setting aside time to spend just with that person but I think the relationship we're currently (re)developing is solid. Friendships and relationships are work and anyone who tells you otherwise is lying or naive. But as Ben Affleck said at the Oscars they're "the best kind of work" and the rewards can be endless.
On the note of friendships, I am excited to see the development of two more that I know are going to be very valuable to me over the next few years. My best friend Tiffany and I created a small study group with two other girls in our masters program and this group (or the "Core Four" as one of the girls has dubbed us) has been such a blessing in my life. When Percy died, I was met at study group with flowers and cards and chapstick (my favorite thing!), not to mention hugs and kind words, and I had barely known these girls a couple weeks! Since then, we've each had hard moments and there's been a few breakdowns, but somehow we've had the sense of security to be able to open up and bare parts of ourselves to each other that not many other people in our lives have seen. We all come from very different paths and are drastically different, yet share many of the same fears and values and anxieties. I am so so thankful for my Core Four and know they are going to enrich my life beyond words in the next few years.
And as for school...I am 3 weeks away from completing my first semester in grad school! One class is 100% done and once the extra credit points are factored in, I should pull off a solid A. As for the second...all quizzes and assignments are done, I just need to keep up with a few more weeks of lecture and kick some booty on the final! Getting back to school has been an adjustment (though, considering this is degree #3 it kind of feels like I've never left) but I am really excited for what its going to mean for my life in a few years.
And one last Good Thing that I know will make everyone smile. Remember how I wrote that Florida Little Dog Rescue was going to name one of their recent rescues after me in honor of Percy? Well I have some pictures of her and am happy to announce that her adoption to a new home is currently pending! Some of the things her foster mom said about her on the website: "Kristen is well behaved and poses beautifully for the camera. She is very shy at first but once she gets to know you, she will be your best friend. She loves toys, cuddling, and giving lots of kisses!" There should be a picture of her with her new family on the FLDR website shortly and I will be sure to share that with you, but for now look at these pictures of how well she cleaned up after a good bath and some grooming!
I love those ears in the first picture and her smile in the second one. What happy girl she is! Percy and her would've been fast friends, I'm sure of it.
Love,
KayCee
