26/52

Even though it has only been 8 years since graduation, college feels like forever ago for me.

Like....another lifetime kind of forever ago.

This is undoubtedly because my life has so drastically changed since my days in rural State College, PA. I am no longer in touch with most of my old crew for various reasons, my college sweetheart and I (i.e. the guy that defined the majority of my collegiate dating days) split several years ago, and I quite literally live on the other side of the continent now...in a major city...with a dude I've known since my high school YMCA days. It's all so different for a plethora of entirely unexpected or predictable reasons.

*I* am so different.

There's no script, amirite?

But there is one aspect of my PSU experience that has remained a constant in the past 8 years, that time and space have failed to deter. If I am completely honest -- it's the most important aspect to sustain. Basically (and dramatically), if my entire Penn State affiliation was going down in flames, of all other memories, contacts, connections...this would be the one to rush in and save. We shared a room for 4 years, but this gal has my heart forever.

Both Cali girls now, Ashley and I enjoyed a quick weekend reunion in her adorable beach cottage located in the darling sea side town of San Clemente. There were early morning coffee talks (very early, since my old roomie cannot sleep past 6am to save her life, God bless her and God give me strength), sun and surfer filled afternoons at the shore, naps (because of said early mornings + my grandma status + God did not give me enough strength) and most importantly, one beautiful Sarah McLachlan concert at the Greek Theater in LA where everyone assumed we were "partners" and we didn't try to deny it.

I am so thankful for the freedom to hop on a plane to see my dear friend; to be happy just being with this person, no matter what our days activities. To have someone to go a tiny bit nutty with while stuck in LA traffic and then find the humor in the nutty and gratitude to be stuck on a highway together. When my children head off to college someday (if they choose college, and I surely hope they do/no pressure but FOR THE GLORY!) I will say a million and one prayers the Universe has their backs in the random roommate assignment department, like it did for me.

love and light and all the best Sarah lyrics (because she still sings to my angst-y teenage soul),

Trish