Unaware...

I don't know about everyone else, but one of my greatest desires is to make a lasting impact on someone. I suppose I should qualify and say that I would prefer the impact to be a good one! Sometimes I make acquaintances with people and it stays pretty much that - superficial, nice-tah-meet, soon you raccoon. Then I have the occasion to develop a relationship with someone and these are the moments I live for. During my two years at UC Davis, I met a lot of people. Seeing as I was a Russian major, 95% of my classes were in the Russian department. And I'm pretty sure you can guess that most of the people I met were Russian! These relationship meant so much to me. They were all healthy and I am proud to say that I am still in contact with these people today. Zhenya, Zhanna, Mila, Katy, Sabina and Anna. Each of these ladies contributed something to my life and I am so grateful for their friendships. We've laughed, gone on picnics, talked for hours, done homework together, camped, shared ideas on relationships and God and so many other things. But, what is most rewarding to me is to know that I gave something of myself to these girls. At least, during my time in CA, I tried. Well, today I got an email, from one of these lovely ladies, thanking me for my friendship and advice offered. Wow!! I was so happy. I didn't know how much our conversations meant to her. Sometimes, we can take ourselves for granted. And this only reminds me to keep myself focused, positive and on the path to reach my goals in life. No one knows when their conversation, actions or attitude can impact someone. Hopefully, it's for the good and you see the effects down the line.

In the Company of Friends

So, as you all know, I've recently graduated from UC Davis with my B.A in Russian. During my time there, I developed a few friendships that have meant so much to me! Most all of my friends were Russian due to the fact that 99% of my classes were Russian...hah. Go figure... So, slowly these girls and I have gotten closer and closer. We don't sit up late night on the phone gossiping or evening spend the night at each other's homes(considering I'm married...slim chance!) but, we do make sure to spend a couple of hours together each month. Over the past two months we've spent more time together because a couple of us are moving far away. My good buddy Zhenya will have an eight month rotation in Georgia while David and I will be moving to Pennsylvania for the next five to six years. Which leaves our other good buddy Zhanna all alone! Of course, we're all making plans to see each other while we're doing our time(haha). I do have another great friend named Kate. She and I met in an Econ class, that I was having such a horrible time with, and have been friends ever since! She the one Russian speaking friend I have that I did not meet in a Russian class. Actually, it was my first quarter there, I had just found out I was pregnant and I spied her sitting a few rows ahead of me. To me -- she looked Russian so, the next class I approached her to see if I could sit by her and eventually asked her if she was Russian(she turned out to be Ukrainian but...whatever) and we hit it off ever since. Recently, she came over and we went to lunch. We spent two hours talking and catching up. It was great. But, back to Zhanna and Zhenya. Zhanna just turned twenty and we all went over to her place to celebrate! Of course, I was the odd one out. I didn't look like any other person there...heh. But, we had a great time eating all of the wonderful food which David has now commissioned me to find out just how Zhanna's mom makes her chicken! He says the grease gives him a high...good lord.
Well, I thought I would write a little thanks to my buddies for being good friends. They have been the kind to be proud of! I don't know every intimate detail of their lives but, our friendship is something that I know I can always count on. Thanks ladies...