I'll See You In April

Last weekend, my mom and I drove up to Indiana for what would be my last stateside road trip until April when I return from the UK.  With a stop in Nashville, two days in Indianapolis, and a visit to my alma mater, I found that I kept saying the same phrase over and over: "I'll see you in April."  Sometimes, succumbing to self-doubt, I would say, "Hopefully I'll see you in April," or "I'll try to see you in April."  But often I just stuck to the former, knowing that no matter what I wouldn't be seeing any of my friends for at least five more months.  At least.  

One good thing (among many) that came out of the weekend was an impromptu reunion with my quadmates from sophomore year.  In 2005, Jess, Libby, Elise, and I made the crazy decision to live together in one room at the end of one of the residence halls.  Difficult?  Yes.  Life changing?  You betcha.  The summer after that experience, I made a collage of pictures and statements for their birthdays.  During our first week of junior year, I presented each with her own frame filled with memories.  I came across part of that collage the other day.  And since I didn't make one for myself, thought that I would dedicate this post to them, my dearest of friends.  Here's to you, ladies...

You know you lived in the Quad if...

There is at least one video or picture showcasing your mad dancing skills.

You competed in a “Poop Race” even though you knew you’d never win.

[before it all began... 80's skate night freshman year]

You’ve hated at least one boyfriend (either your own or someone else’s).

The most stressful times were reasons to start a dance party.

[at the beginning... Island Party sophomore year]

You let your quadmates talk you into wearing pajamas to Steak ‘n Shake, staying out until 2 in the morning, and sleeping on the hard floor instead of your comfortable bed.

You made a resolution to work out with your quadmates every Saturday morning, but only hit the treadmill twice.

[after it ended... my birthday celebration in Fort Wayne junior year]

You know every guy Liz had a crush on, when she started liking him, why she shouldn’t like him, his nickname (if he had one), and Elise’s prediction for her love life.

You find yourself shortening every word that comes out of your mouth. (i.e. libe, din)

[the beginning of a new era... graduation 2008 senior year]

Every week involved at least one emotional breakdown and you were prepared.

You spent more than one occasion dressing a quadmate for a spontaneous outing.

[multiple generations... libby and jodi, lise and georgie (from the block), jan and liz, jeannie and jess]

The nicknames “Hairy Mother,” “Red Beard,” “Black Top,” and “Crying Mustache” bring back fond memories.

Your quadmates will not only be invited to your wedding, but will be the ones keeping you sane.

[nothing can keep us apart now... lise and austin's wedding summer 2008]

The thought of Jess yelling at you while half asleep was enough to make you shut up.

The thought of Elise staying up late was enough to make you take a nap.

The thought of Liz asking you to be quiet was enough to make you cringe.

The thought of Libby ever being a nuisance was enough to make you say, “Yeah right!”

[forever besties... impromptu reunion fall 2008]

Your shoulders were always wet with tears, your brain was always zapped for advice, your eyes were always weary from late night counseling sessions, but your soul was always ALIVE.

[I love you, girls]