*2001-01-17 - 18:57:00*

OK. This is going to be the entry where I come clean, spill my guts, tell you all the stuff that I've been holding in since at least early July.

Well...maybe not...

Nevermind all that. That was all foreplay. Hope you got excited...I didn't say that :-)

I will talk about my friends though. My friends are seriously the Bacos (non-meat) in the Salad Bowl of my life. Following in the way of Gordon I will talk about...I mean praise...my friends :-)

Leah: She has stuck by me since 7th grade...during the time I lost all my former friends, during the time I lost most of the new friends I tried to make, Leah has been there, as zany and bubbley as her hair. In the 5 years we've known one another we have yet to have a true blown out fight. I can tell her anything, and she's great fun of have around. Leah, you will not be able to get rid of me, ever.

Lis: I met Lis in freshman year. The first time I saw her, I thought she was a goth-hippie. Then I got to know her. She's funny, talented, eclectic, smart, and worlds of other things. We come up with the craziest things, and love her company. Lis, you are going to do fabulously no matter what you go into.

Lauren: I met Lauren, thanks to Leah, in Jr. year. Lauren is the first person to actually show me that boys and girls are different things. I don't care that she's a meatball-head, she makes me think about guys, love, romance, and all that other fun stuff. She has a crazy streak in her, and her taste in music and clothes are totally awesome. Lauren, don't let everything get you down. Things will balance out eventually. Just keep doing what you're doing.

Joe: I met Joe at NYLF back in July. Since he lives 5 hours away, we don't get to see each other, but we talk online a lot. Joe is a wonderful person. He's compassionate, very smart, talented and great fun to talk to and be around. I don't know how he walks all those miles...Joe, I will always be here for you, and I know you will be for me.

Michael: You've been a good friend to me. We might be going through a tiff right now, but I hope that it passes soon. I miss ya.

Rudy: You are absolutely unique,and you can always put a smile on my face. Stay happy. You and Lis look cute together. Think about that.

Ben: You are a good guy. Honorable, sweet, and funny. I think you and Lauren have a great future in store.

What diary entry would be complete without my Frühead friends?

Lori: What can I say? She hosted the house party, let me and Leah sleep over, took care of Leah when she was under all these other stresses, and still gave off a aura of serenity. Lori, you are great. Thank you for all your insight, and for your conversation. I, like, love it :-)

Gordon: I'm convinced you and Leah were separated at (a very long) birth. You two are so much alike, it's uncanny. I'm very glad to have met a person like you. Don't worry about the students, they'll get the math sooner or later.

Carey: I'm sorry I haven't talked to you as much as I've wanted too. I hope to see you at a concert ASAP (BNL maybe?). You are great to hang out with, especially at concerts. Just because Leah's Dad's Uncle's Father's Sister's Niece's Brother's Aunt's Cousin's Niece is dating your R.E.M. crush, doesn't mean that you don't have a chance :-)

Well, that's my tribute to my friends. I salute you. Also, and this goes for all y'all: I am proud of you guys, and I'm happy to have known each and every one. You have brought some flavor into my life that I will never forget. I will always be there for you guys.

Now...shoo...off with you...I've got something in my eye...

Opinion of the moment: Lauren (my sister) needs to be quiet. So does my brother. And my Mom. I live in a noisy, nosey family. But I love 'em all...even Uncle Keith :-)