GNO version 4.0

I was preparing for a GNO (okay, really a GWO – W stands for week) to celebrate version 4.0. (uummm that means turning 40) with my long time crew. While packing I began thinking about the quote “you can never make a NEW, old friend”.

With this crew we have known each other for a lifetime, the longest friendship is 39 years, while the youngest friendship is 28 years together. They have taught me the purpose of friendship is to support and be supported in our search for well-being and happiness during both the good times and bad. With them I cultivate my love and care for all people living on this little blue marble, it is the only way to live with integrity and purpose. These friends have had the capacity to grow with me, and me with them through life’s circumstances. There are 7 of us turning 40 this year and I was giddy with anticipation to spend time with these ladies, laughing-hugging-crying-sharing at a beach house in Southern California.

Which brings me to, after reading The Modchik’s post about when she went on trips she realized it was:

“more than just a chance to unwind and drop a few f-bombs at will, they were excuses for endless shopping that always ensued about a month before the scheduled departure.

My favorite part? Goody bags. Swag for my fellow roomies complete with a hang tag with an oath that everyone had to pledge their allegiance to, it usually read something like:

“I (state your name), do solemnly swear that as I will respect and honor my fellow b*tches and will not reveal any events about to take place this weekend. I understand that violating this oath will spread bad karma upon my being and may result in severe bloating and cramping… blah blah blah”

I used to blow my entire months diaper budget on these goody bags for good reason. The swag was a highly coveted item on these tripssomething from the Dirty Girl collection at Blue Q “

Two things struck me at the same time. One, I must do this for my girls, and two, The Modchik was someone I will know in 39 years – I relish the day I will call her an ‘old friend’.

Friendships that last a lifetime I feel are those in which the balance between give and take, honesty and support and a genuine desire for your friends well-being are paramount. When I think of my newer and older friends, I begin to sense the thing about friendships; it’s not just the several years you’ve logged together, it can also be the quality of the heart that you know them. Okay, please pass the kleenex, I will step down off my soap box now.

So, want to see what I pulled together for my girls? It was a full bag, I just could not stop myself from finding ‘oh look – she is gonna love it’. Here are a few things in the ‘GWO Version 4.0’ swag bags 2010: Alleve, Diet Coke, fresh body scrubbies, Super Model Gum, Trader Joes Lumpy Bars, hand-made t-shirt with the help of Stacey at Inkspot, mini Coca Cola Zeros, and much much more.

 My friends are the life-affirming fountain from which I drink. Good Friends fill you up with warmth, honesty and a sense of well-being. Plus it is just plain fun to laugh and play with someone who simply loves you for who you are.

Here is a visual recap of the 4+ days recharging at the Beach

Kathleen