Visit from Charlie

One of my best friends from high school, Charlie, came down from Seattle to visit us on Monday. Charlie and I became friends our freshman year of high school and so many of my best memories involve him. He is one of the funniest people I have ever met. He notices the little things that most people overlook and he captures the humor of them perfectly. It was so good to hear about what is going on in his life. He is doing some awesome stuff to make the world better. He currently works at a half way house for people who have been recently released from prison. In February he is headed to Africa for 2.5 years with the Peace Corps.

Charlie's friendship made my high school experience a thousand times better. He and I along with our friends Dan and Brianne spent a ton of time together hanging out at either my house or Char's house. At some point our group started picking up nicknames like "The Fab Four" (not sure how that started) or "The Usual Suspects," (courtesy of Charlie's dad). It was so great to have this group of best friends to share the ups and downs of being a teenager with. It definitely made me realize how much better life is when you have close friends.

So, Charlie, if you read this, thanks for coming to see us and reliving old high school memories! And, Fab Four (and everyone else who was involved in these events) when I think of you I think of:

going to Brianne's swim meet

Dr. Phil

singing "Once, Twice, Three Times A Lady" at Red Rocks

silent football

Bible Club

Alkaline Trio

smoking pretzels

Otis the dog

Set Your Name Free

"Now which Dan are we referring to?"

the kip voice

"please"

the Moulin Rouge soundtrack

"you're fired"

talent shows

"Come to the Bridge" by Daryl Millard

watching the Survivor finale with Dan's mom

Stella's

floating the Platte on inner tubes

snow days and CSAP days

The Postal Service

Charlie's Xterra

signing year books at that park

hot tea

when Dan got stuck in that tree while we were camping

watching movies in Charlie's basement

"Mom, the milk machine ate all my quarters."

play practice

Anyone For Tic Tac Toe

The Shins

the night my uncle died and Dan ate that brownie

Banditos

Charlie's fire Pit

Blackbird

school dances

"Hey Ted Leo!"

"That's my cigar..."

dance parties

concerts

playing "Tonight" and "Existentialism on Prom Night" on my piano

vans and converse

"Standing here."