there's so much to say, so I'll get right to it.
leaving everyone is going to suck. that's the only drawback to moving, and it's a huge one. I'm grateful for everything each of you has brought to my life. the laughs, the talks, the nights out, the conversations lasting til morning, the concerts, classes, hearings, ditch days, camping trips, bonfires, nights spent star gazing, lifeguard tower talks, moonlit beach walks, games, jam sessions, trips to the gym, five-mile runs, parties, confrontations with police, writing sessions, hot tub dips, trips to the fair, aimless drives, shopping sprees, the hill, fifty-message conversations, guys nights out, family gatherings, road trips, starbucks talks, beach days... too much to remember. To everyone who was a part of any memory... my life is great because of you. I don't want to sound like I have a week left to live (even though it sort of feels like that). I just want to take this time to say some nice things that need to be said.
Chris, I remember freshman year at D-teams sitting across from you and thinking to myself, 'Why does this guy think he's so cool?' But slowly, and I don't remember exactly when, we became best friends. You've been there for me, and you helped me through some of my roughest times. I hope I've come close to being as good a friend. I admire you for all your ideas and ambitions, and I'll know you'll go far. Keep writing.
Max, when I tell stories to my kids about what I did in high school, I'm pretty sure you'll be in all of them. Obviously you were one of my best friends throughout the past four years, and more so as time went on. I regret leaving you more than anyone else because I know how opposed you were to me going. I can imagine it right now - me going up there, wanting to start a band, realizing I can't find a bass player as creative as you, coming back home, and asking you to be in a band with me again. I'll miss you, but I know I'll see you again sometime soon.
Scot, first of all you're my most musically talented friend, and I wish I could have half the ability you do. I'm grateful for having your support as well through my tough times. We've had some very interesting conversations, which were possible because you think on deeper levels. You know how I like that in a person. I'll miss your company. (I know you might get sad that other people's paragraphs were a little longer, but I don't have much else to say, other than that you've been my greatest friend in how you cared so sincerely about me.)
James! I'm not leaving you back in Rancho, but I'll still miss you over there in Davis. You are my oldest friend, all the way back from Ms. Yamaguchi's class. We really need to stay lifelong friends or I'll be sad.
I love you Jamie. You and I both know that twenty years from now, after we've both played the field, had our fun, and given up on any hope of marriage or love, we're just going to get married. Let me know if you want to give up early, we can move in together. Don't worry, separate beds.
Chad, the past few months we've started to hang out more. Looking back, I'd say you've been a great friend even though you weren't my closest. What I mean is the times we do hang out and talk you're always supportive and accepting. Thank you for that.
Mike, I think it's so sick you got your own place. You've always seemed independent and self-sufficient. Enjoy yourself like I know you do, but don't forget to become a doctor (if that's still what you want). Also, I love your attitude of "my shit is your shit." Few people are that selfless, so it's a conspicuous quality.
The same goes for you, Zach. Just this year I realized you might be my nicest friend. You don't talk shit, but you put up with it, and I respect that. We should have hung out more.
Anthony, you're dedicated in everything you do. I know you're going to become a wealthy restaurant owner / vacation planner / whatever it was you told me you wanted to do (sorry I forgot) because you have your mind set on it.
Gina, I'm sorry. You're such a great person... anyone can see your outward beauty, but after getting to know you, I realized there's so much more beneath that. I admire you for thinking about others and trying to make them happy. My wish for you is that you continue to make other people feel as great as you made me feel, and that people would do the same for you. And I'm sorry.
Daina, you give me shit, I give it back, and it makes me laugh. I'm glad we met.
Janet, you're a witty one. I told Chris you were fucking awesome; I'm pretty sure it's true.
I have a thing for these witty girls... Brooke, you crack me up. My only regret is that we didn't become friends years ago. Your intelligence shows in your endless wise-ass remarks, which I love. You better come visit me.
Derek, Jayme, and Steven: junior year you three provided me with a much-needed intellectual outlet, maybe like a pressure valve on an air compressor. Thank you. Dan, you're in the "I wish we hung out more" group.
Chris and Christian, I had a great time on tour and in Man Band. Lots of good memories with both of you.
Stephy and Mama! You both helped me out a lot by being there after my expulsion. Your support meant so much to me. And thanks for convincing me to do that play. Stephy, I hope I see you before I leave; it's been a while.
Kevin, you were a great mentor. You have a lot to say, a lot to teach people. Your life is a great example to people who need one, so keep at it even if you get discouraged. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me (and all of us). Also, thanks for being patient with my argumentative tendencies. Hopefully I didn't piss you off too bad. Brie, even though we didn't talk as much, thanks for being there those time you did help me out. Sorry we drank all your iced tea.
I could keep going for a long, long time - there are so many people I'm glad to have in my life. All the family, JR, Becca, and everyone else: Brianna, Meg, Diana, An, Thomas... Everyone. Thank you.
Please don't feel bad if I didn't mention you. If I knew you, I liked you.
