I still remember the day as if it had just passed. It was the fall semester of 1999 that I signed up for weight training to check off Phys Ed from the overwhelming list of classes I had to take to get a degree in B.S.ing :)
First class of the day, I walked into the gym to be greeted by a room full of freshmen/sophomore testosterone fest. Lots of dudes, only a handful of girls and they were already partnered up. The prospect did not look good for me. The last thing I wanted was to be distracted by a cute boy to spot me while I struggled to do 10 reps of bench press at 10 pounds...ha ha ha!
The double door opened and walked in was the answer to my prayer. A little late, but she still made it. I immediately called dibs in my head. This cute, Asian girl who was also sporting the same short, pixie cut, hair as me, was going to be work out partner.
And you know what they say, the rest is history...
It's my bestest, dearest, awesomest friend's Birthday today. I have known Lianne for a decade now. Yes, we met when we were only 10 years old ;) We've gone through a handful of break-ups, called off an engagement/wedding right around the same time, laughed heartily about our dating pitfalls, consoled each other's souls during some rough times and she knows my deepest, darkest secrets and we're still friends.
My admiration for Lianne is boundless. She never ceases to amaze me. She's so determined in everything that she sets her mind out to do and excels at it too. When she wanted to become a photographer, I was one of her fortunate subject and made me look so hot! Thanks to her mad skills with the apperture and the a la Mariah Carey's airbrushing techniques :) When she decided to take on acting and modelling, she also reached the level of success that she aimed for. When she wanted to learn to speak Mandarin not only did she devote all her free time into going to school, she took it one huge step further and went to Taiwan to immerse herself in the culture and practice the language that she continues to learn to this very day.
As a Hairstylist...awesome. Photographer...Incredible. Model...Gorgeous. Poet....hilarious. Friend...One of a Kind.
On my 21st Birthday, she warriored through a night of binge drinking, loud screaming, shameless flirting but left just before all the puking :)
She always gave me the BEST gifts ever. For my 24th Birthday, she made me a triptych of Ladybug paintings. Yes, I was also obsessed with anything ladybugs back then. I toned down a bit now.
I have posters of poems about chickens, a mini book of Fairytale Princess from Stupidealand, a picture of myself sketched in pencil (so cool!) and numerous cute little knick-knacks that I've held on to all these years. And when I got engaged, she hand made me the pillow holder for the rings...aaawww. I'm not a pack rat by any means but I do keep sentimental things around for as long as I can.
When I was SO homesick while studying in London she sent me hand written letters which included magazine cut outs of her chosen idol at the moment (Ginuwine). She sent me cute little stickers of my obsession at the time Buttercup of Power Puff Girls. And for my birthday that year, she also gave me a heart shaped keychain engraved with "Princess Jakey Forever" which I still carry around with me to this very day.
Lianne, I recognize all the wonderful things that you do for yourself and others. I applaud your talent and your ability to share with the people who are lucky enough to know you. You inspire me to step out of my comfort zone time and time again. To push my boundaries and just when I think I have nothing else left to give, I think of you and I immediately kick my butt into gear. I have mastered the art of dining alone because of you. Now you have to master the art of going to the movies to reciprocate :) You are a wonderful person full of love, life and creativity. So sweet and caring.
This day is made just for you. Have as much fun as you legally can :) I love you sincerely and my wish for you is to find the greatest love, peace and happiness worthy of your inner and outer beauty.
And guess what!!! Today is also Tchaikovsky's Birthday. Another reason why you are in my Uber book of coolness :)
See you soon...
My 21st - our first pic ever
J'adore!
Remember studio pics? You know you still have a box full of those wallet sized ones...lol! I think we were 23-24 when this was taken
Still cute
Ohm, Peace, Love...
Jakey
ohhhhhhh my god so hilarious!!!! and so funny how we had the same hair then and also now. look at my baby fat!!!! and my baggy skater clothes even tho i wasn't a skater!!! ahhh haha haa ha my sneakers. my eyebrows! my lipliner!
ReplyDeleteyou know, no matter how much i want to be 24 again, i gotta say -- we look better now!!! WHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
LOL! I knew you'd get a good laugh. I literally had to tear my room apart last night to look for these pics!
ReplyDeleteYour skater look is not as bad as my ska/punk bright red hair days...ha ha ha! I'll have to dig up those pics and share with the rest of the bloggies when I was once a rudie :)