Sunday, October 30, 2011

Happy Birthday Friend

I read a birthday post on Friday and while I was initially a little taken back by the unashamed praise I was impressed by the frankness and the kind words.  It really resonated with me in that I feel like oftentimes as life keeps us busy we forget to SAY all the warm and fuzzy things we feel about our loved ones.  I hope it's not too macabre a thought but how often do you sit at a funeral and think to yourself, "I wish fill-in-the-sad-blank was here to hear all the beautiful words being said about them".

Neen's random musings have inspired me to follow the advice of her parents' anthropologist friend who believes in "the importance of using significant events like birthdays to tell people how you feel about them".  So as there is no better time than the present let me say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my friend Nadine (Naids) who turned 31 (still young enough to mention age I say) today and tell you why I'm lucky she moved back into my neighbourhood and we became friends.

 Mr. B and Naids waiting for the water taxi on the Hudson last month.

Naids is calming.  Did I mention I was NOT getting on a flight that took me 13+ hrs over the Pacific Ocean without her being on it too.  Turns out I was a much calmer passenger than I thought I was going to be but I didn't know that from the onset and was so grateful to be embarking on such a long-haul adventure with Naids only seats away. 

Naids is genuinely kind.  She strives for peace.  She really does and I think every group of friends needs someone like this in their midst.  It's grounding and reminds someone like me who can be too opinionated that in many cases peace is better than getting to the core of the agitated nitty gritty.

Naids checks in on how Weight Watchers is going for me.  6 months in and that's no small feat, weight loss has to be one of the most boring side notes to life (unless you're the one struggling with it!) yet she remembers to ask and encourage.

Naids is actively involved in her church.  She's not sitting in a pew going through the motions but is in there with her sleeves rolled up trying to make it a better place for her children to grow up in.  I admire that.

Naids reads my "shitty little blog" (pop over here and read the first comment) which is not steeped in gravitas but it's my little stamp on the world so it's important to me in that way.  

Happy birthday Naids, 31 cements your place in the thirties and I for one think they are so much better than your twenties so three cheers :)

Nicolex

20 comments:

  1. Nicole - that is such a wonderful note. You are both so lucky to have such kind, good friends in each other. I did giggle at the 'opinionated' bit...I too have learned that it's sometimes better to be happy than right (even if you ARE right)!!! Annie x.

    PS - SO lovely to have you back. Missed your witty blogs but your NY trip looked fabulous. LOVED the photos - what an amazing time you must have had. At least now we have summer to look forward to x.

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  2. Oh my (insert slight blushing)... thanks for writing that whilst I'm still alive and kicking!! I say cheers to being 31... no shame in that!!! Thanks not only being a wonderful neighbour - but for being such a fun, witty and generous friend!! Naids xo

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  3. Just chuckling because your comment has come up as me as I was logged in at your place :) Nicx

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  4. Diddo about Naids! Really nice post. I had tears in my eyes because everything you said was so true!

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  5. Ah Heather, I was thinking when I was writing it that had I had the inspiration to start doing these birthday posts a month earlier I would most certainly have said some of the same things about you on your birthday. Tis true. Nicx

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  6. This is beautiful Nic...I don't know Naids but I know now I'd like too! hehe. xxx

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  7. Oh no!! (Insert MORE slight blushing!!) Ooops!

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  8. This is a lovely post! And thank you for the lovely comment on my blog the other day.

    It sounds like you are quite blessed to have Nadine in your life!

    And wow - I read that remark about 'your shitty little blog'. What an awful comment! People like that just make you all the more grateful for the wonderful people in your life.

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  9. I know Neen, it certainly put me in my place! Thanks for popping over to see me here. Nx

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