Playing catch up

On Sunday night, the boy and I met up for dinner with my big sis, Abby, and her fiance, Andrew. Don't let the fair skin and blonde hair fool you-- I didn't suddenly gain a sister I never told you about. But we are sorority sisters, in Alpha Phi.

Can you believe that we hadn't seen each other in four years-- since she graduated? I couldn't! Sure we had stayed in touch via Facebook and she sent me presents occasionally. (Such a thoughtful big sis!) But when she told me a couple months ago that she'd be in town (from Colorado) to attend a wedding, and that she would love to see me, I jumped at the chance. And it was so wonderful to actually see her again and catch up. Yeah, the food at Paradise Cove in Malibu was good-- with gigantic portions, mind you-- but the conversation was even better. It was almost like no time had passed. We both said the other looked exactly the same and we quickly clicked back into our old friendship. The night consisted of laughing and joking, swapping "how we met" stories, venting about work, chatting about girl stuff, learning we both share an affinity for Pinot Grigio and generally giving our boys are hard time.

We were at the restaurant for four hours-- the first one we spent at the bar, waiting for a table-- but the time seemed to fly right by, and at the end of the night it was bittersweet to say goodbye, not knowing when I'd see her next. Though I will, without a doubt, book a flight to Grand Junction and be at her wedding next June!

One of the things we did talk about Sunday night was how difficult it is to stay in touch with old friends after college (or high school, for that matter). It's not that you don't want to keep in touch but life sort of steps in and takes over. Following graduation, everyone goes their separate ways. One day, you're surrounded by friends; always have someone to talk to, go shopping with, eat lunch with. The next, you're in the real world. And if you're in my world, your good friends from college live hours, if not states, away, your bestie is just as busy as you are with not much time to hang out, and you work from home, which means no colleagues.

Suffice to say, I wouldn't be one to argue if all my long lost Pepperdine buddies decided to move back to California.

Until then, I will take advantage of and savor every chance I have to play catch up, to reconnect with those people who have left footprints on my heart. Because friends really are one of life's greatest gifts.

Are you good about keeping in touch with old friends? Have you reconnected with someone recently?

By the way, thank you all for being such lovely friends, and catching up with me in every post.

xo,