it begins (again)

this evening was much needed. again, i'm back in ca. i get a lot of "you're back again?" and i'm not quite sure how to take it. but that's another story.

so this evening i went out to irvine, ca to support two great things: 1) noah and abby gundersen and 2) to write love on her arms. my good friend kd picked me up and was gracious enough to drive us out there. we stopped at cpk and got some delicious eats before heading to the uci campus. when we got there, i called noah who was frantically looking for a 9 volt battery, so i rushed to see if i could find one. by the time i got back, he had 5 of them, but i'm glad the situation got sorted. as we sat there listening to the sound check, i couldn't help to think of how many times i've heard this dynamic duo play, and how my excitement to see them play again is still at an all time high! there was some technical difficulties as they were getting set up, but after a few adjustments, it was finally fixed. as they let people in, we sat and chatted, and it felt as if i hadn't seen them forever.

again, noah and abby delivered. rejuvenation to my being. then jamie tworkowski (the founder of "to write love on her arms") spoke about what his company is trying to accomplish, which is "movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide."

jamie spoke from the heart. it wasn't about promoting his company, but rather promoting the awareness that there are people suffereing out there that may just need an ear to listen to their cry. he even admitted that he was going through some tough times, but that being able to come and discuss these topics with people was a highlight of his day. he brought a friend up that had dealt with drug addiction, and i was moved by his story of downward spiral to upward rehibilitation.

after the program, i was able to speak with jaimie for a while expressing that what he was doing was so great, and that one day i would be able to do a similar thing. his humbleness and gratitude were amazing, and he also told me he still wears his le grand cru shirt that i gave him a year or so ago! i really do hope that one day, i'll be able to help those that need it, and take time to talk to people who just want to chat.

we invited him to eat with us, but he was tired and had an early morning to rest for, so he graciously bowed out for the evening. so, noah, abby, jenn, josh, kevin, marc, keith, and i went to the yardhouse to eat. as i sat down, i just marveled at the group we had together. a table full of talent. conversations immediately began, and i was trying to jump back and forth into all of them. there's nothing more fun than a group full of friends chatting over some delicious food! i'm so excited for the things to come, and hopefully these types of events will happen more often. i know i've said it before, that this year feels like it's going to be a good one, and tonight just reassured it. i feel that something big will happen, maybe not for me, but for someone in my group of friends, and i can't wait for the ride to follow!