Fab Fried Friday: Pancake, Flower, and Gelatin

I can hear her now-
"Why haven't I been her fab friend friday yet?"
"...and why is she not capitlizing her letters and spelling things like capitlizing wrong?" (I did it because I knew it would drive her nuts)

Bonnie Childers...a.k.a. Bon Bon, Boony, Bons, Chavon, Bon Bon Chavon, Boondocks, Bony....is my fab friend this Friday.
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Bonnie wanted to name her kids: Pancake, Flower, and Gelatin when she grew up: no joke. :S This is the Bonnie I love.

Remember my story about my friend Erin? Bonnie was one of the girls who didn't care to talk to me that day I met Erin. In fact, Bonnie resented me a little bit for the first couple of months she knew me. I stole Erin from her...or so she thought. Eventually Bonnie realized how cool I was (just kidding. Have you seen pictures of me from elementary school?) and decided I was ok to befriend. Long story, but when "the split" (haha) happened we were inseparable and our friendship grew from there. :) Even though we went to different schools, we spent SO much time together. I couldn't count the number of times we played house in her parent's den, the number of slumber parties spent in the basement, the hours of late night conversations about boys bouncing off the walls of her blue bedroom walls, or the amount of board games played from her dining room table.

Bonnie is opinionated. I love Bonnie's laugh and her sarcasm (even when it's at my own expense) She is a hugger. She is passionate. Bonnie likes board games, sitcoms, and dry humor. Her favorite snacks include popcorn, goldfish, and strawberry twizzlers. (often combined) Bonnie is predictable, and I love that. If fried ravioli is on the menu at a restaurant, you can bet that she'll be ordering it.

I love all these things about Bonnie, but when I think about Bons one thing really stands out to me: The Way She Gives A Compliment.
Bonnie is sincere, and because she's opinionated, you know she's sincere. ;) When Bonnie gives you a compliment you know she truly means it. Maybe it's the pitch of her voice or the way she'll look at you (eyebrows pointed as though she's in deep thought), or the way she leans back and says "Mary Kim, I really like that". Whatever it is, she really knows how to give one. Not only that, but she always seems to give one about something, nearly every time I see her.

Here are my favorites with "Shake yo Bon Bon":
* church choir musicals - (my favorite was Shep the Sheep during Prime Time Christmas)
* cruising around in Stumpy, John Mayer playing in the background
* being freaked out at her house when she had hamsters in her basement
* high school and college slumber parties
* REAK adventures
* MB2004
* JEMB get togethers
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and so many more!! Boony, your patience paid off. I miss you, your hugs, and your compliments (haha! Jk).

Bring back my Bonnie to me.

Fab Friend Friday...errr Saturday: My first Boyfriend

Don't ask how, but I still remember being in kindergarten. I remember I wore dresses, my mom teased my bangs way too high, my turkey coloring paper got taken away because I was caught talking when I wasn't supposed to, my best friend was Becky Goodin, and I had a crush on Bobby Koontz. This crush lasted tillthe 5th grade when he asked my to be his girlfriend ( probably through a letter). This is the second longest relationship I've ever had. But, as you know, things change over time and what seemed like a promising romance failed to blossom into something permanent....ok, ok, I know. We were 10. I do recall doodling "Mary Kim Koontz" on some notebooks somewhere though. Ask him and I guarentee he will STILL pout over being broken up with for Bobby W. ;) haha.

Even a breakup couldn't stop a friendship from growing between Bobby and I as we went into high school. Most of my summers were spent swimming with friends at Bobby's and hanging out at his house. A lot of people say that guys and girls can't be "just friends". Bobby and I have disproved that theory. After high school we worked in the same office on campus. That's when I realized something about him. He is honestly one of the few people (besides my husband) I can spend more than 6 hours a day straight with and not get tired of. Frustrated at some of the comments he may make, yes. Mad because he laughs at me and thinks I'm stupid for some of the things I say, yes. But to say I was tired of him? I don't think ever.

There was a summer that we carpooled to school for work and class. We'd leave early in the morning, stop at McDonalds, drive to work in silence (except for the occasional Nelly, Backstreet Boys, or NSYNC cd playing- sorry Bobby if I just told everyone you listened to that stuff with me! haha) go to work and try not to fall asleep.

Although he may seem like he's too cool sometimes, Bobby really is one of the nicest guys I know once you crack the shell. Bob's always made me feel like one of the guys when I was with him. He's never treated me like a girl or gone easy on me and I like that. Bobby was always kind of an escape for me when I didn't want to be with the girls, didn't want to have to talk, or didn't want to deal with the drama that comes with being a girl. I could simply hang

out with him, sit in silence, watch ESPN in his living room with him (and usually Adam and/or Jimmy) play with Raven(his dog), and eat pizza rolls.

Bobby and I are pretty different from each other- ok very different from each other, but somehow we get along great. Maybe it's the common ground of growing up in the same place? Maybe it's our love for sports? Maybe it's simply because he's afraid I'll quit being his friend and replace him with Bobby W. :) just kidding. He's like a brother to me, and I would think he thought of me as the same...I think. :)

It's unfortunate that we don't see each other often anymore. Between moves and schedules we rarely get to see each other. When we do though, it's like we pick right back up from where we left off.

Here are my favorite memories with Bobby.

- dancing with me at my 5th grade dance party: hands o

n each other's shoulders to "I Believe I can Fly"

- watching the "bubber club" from my bus

- hanging out/gathering at his house during the summers

- laughing at Bobby when our boss made him make 534 copies of 50 page booklets stapled..."Are ya with me"

- driving to work together

- hating hand writing time cards together

- senior trip

- listening to NSYNC and Backstreet Boys

- random trips to Fairview Heights

- eating at Changs for lunch

- bowling, darts, and ping pong

There's a million more that I could post but we've been friends for 20 years. I could go on for days. Bobby Koontz, I miss you, and Steve may miss you even more than me. Come and see us, punk.

Fab Friend Friday: Sister from another Mister

There I sat in what seemed to be the worst class of my college career- BIO 111. When would I ever need this? I was after all a speech communication major at the time. I must be the worst Asian ever. I'm not that good at math and I don't like science. I struggle with using chopsticks and only get pedicures a couple times a year. (but that conversation is for another time) I admit to being extremely lazy in this class, especially since it was right after lunch. With my belly full and a the monotone sound pouring out of my professors mouth, I often drifted off into dreamland, head nodding and all. I don't remember much from that class but I took away something from BIO 111 that is more important to me than cells and phylums.

I couldn't help but notice the cute little Asian girl who sat in the same row as me. She must have been a really good Asian- sits in the front row, answers questions from the professor, and asks lots of great questions. She was always polite as we exchanged hellos and goodbyes between lectures. Right about now was the time that facebook was starting. This was back when you had to have a college email address in order to register. I'm not for sure how it started but somehow we added each other as friends and started messaging via facebook. After a few conversations and realizations of our similarities, we decided we should hang out sometime. After the first time we hung out I knew we'd be doing a lot of hanging out together. :)

It was so strange the similarities we discovered with each other. Both adopted from South Korea, both raised very similar, both loved music, we even had the same Korean name!

Suddenly I felt as though we were long lost sisters somehow and was glad we'd found each other.

Over the next few years Nicole and I got to know each other, lived together, and laughed together. Here's what I've learned about Nicole in the few years that I've known her...

Nicole is one of the most caring people I've ever met. Her profession (nursing) allows her to show this on a daily basis to her patients. I've never seen her in action but I can only imagine that she is one of the best. She is constantly asking about how you are and you know that she really means it.

Nicole has a huge heart. She loves to GIVE. One thing I really learned about Nicole when we lived together was that her love language is giving. I don't know how many times I would come home from work or school and there would be a small little gift with note that said "Just because" :).

Bam-Bam loves Chinese food. Being college students, many of the times we hung out together included ordering Chinese from China King. (It's nice to know that I'm not the only one who gets asked questions about where they're from in a Chinese restaurant or nail place. ) Chicken with vegetables and brown sauce is her fav. ;)

Nicole is a hard worker. Graduating first in her class, Nicole worked harder and studied harder than anyone I knew. She spent a lot of time in the library in college but would even bring textbooks when we would hang out together so she could study in between conversations. She deserved every bit of recognition she received because of the work she put into her studies.

She is organized. I never realized how unorganized I am until I lived with Nicole. She makes me look sloppy.

Nicole is stylish. Nicole introduced me to Anthropologie and I am now forced to want clothes from there but can't afford any of them...not even on the clearance rack. :)

Some of my favorite memories with Bam Bam include:

- vegging out in our pjs catching up on Grey's Anatomy

- long talks till wee hours of the night from our apartment bedroom
- our trip to Chicago :) (can we go back sometime? )

- visiting Chris and J.T. on nights we were bored

- attempting new recipes and concoctions in the kitchen
- getting our nails done together and both wondering what they were saying about us (haha!)

Nicole, I am so thankful I was put in that dreadful biology class after all. I couldn't manage an A in class, but I recieved something better- a friendship that will last for years to come.

Nicole, Saranghaeyo! :)

Fab Friend Friday: The Beginning

I've come to realize over the years that I truly have a lot of fabulous friends in my life. I'm pretty certain they know they are special to me, but just in case they don't realize how much they mean to me, I've decided to dedicate every Friday for the remainder of the summer, to one of my fabulous friends.

This being my very first post, it only make sense that I dedicate this Friday to my very first friend.

I remember walking into Sunday school that morning a little apprehensive- A new church, new dress, and new people. A woman took my name and visitor information down. "What's your name?" she asked. "Mary Kim," I stated shyly and quietly almost mumbling as I stared at all the kids playing like monkeys in a zoo. "Monica?" she asked? "Mary Kim," I said quietly again. "Attention everyone, this is Monica," she announced to the Sunday school class. In order to avoid more embarrassment, I quietly accepted the name Monica without argument and waited while every 5 year old stared at the giant bow in my jet black hair and squinty eyes.
Disaster is what I would have been thinking if I would have known that word at five years old. Instead it came out as fear. Just at that moment a blond-haired girl came to me and introduced herself as Erin and informed me that I could join her and her friends over at the table with the play dough. My fear turned to acceptance and I hoped I'd made a new friend. From that point on we were inseparable.
Living in different towns, Erin and I only saw each other twice a week: Sundays and Wednesdays at First Baptist Church Vandalia. Sundays were spent in Sunday school and passing notes and writing on each other's hands during service. Nearly every Sunday we would go to either her house or mine. Sundays were fun.

That was the start of our 20 year friendship we've maintained. We remained friends throughout high school and even roomed together in college. Some of the best times we've had together include:

* making music videos in her basement
* riding bikes around Pana on Sunday afternoons
* Myrtle Beach 2004
* Watching episodes of Lost and Lifetime movies in our Cougar Village apt. on Saturday afternoons
* line dancing at Wild Country

The day after my dad died Erin and her mom came to visit us at the house. We had what felt like millions of visitors that day. People brought food, cards, and offered words of comfort, but more than all those gestures, the best gift was what Erin brought to me. After a crazy and hectic night, Erin showed up to my house with a VHS tape of dance videos we made in elementary school. What seemed at that moment, slightly inappropriate, later had me crying because I was laughing so hard at what idiots we were. She brought me the greatest gift anyone could. She brought me authentic, holding your stomach, almost-pee-your-pants, laughter, and for that I am forever grateful.

In the 20 years I've known her, this is what I've learned about Erin.
It's hard not to like Erin. To be completely honest, she's one of those people you'd love to hate but can't because she's so dang sweet. I've watched Erin grow spiritually over the past few years and am both encouraged and excited by it. Erin has never met a stranger. I'm amused by her random medical ailments. I love that she is super trendy and has a different hair cut every time I see her. She has a phenomenal voice and is never afraid to praise her creator. When she laughs, she laughs with all her heart. She is confident. She is sometimes...I mean always a crazy driver. She is driven and passionate. Most importantly- Erin Recycles...ALL her water bottles. Haha.
This week I'm thankful for my fabulous friend Erin because without her my life would be bland.