Thursday 14 July 2011

Sometimes you just need time with a friend

This one's soppy, don't say I didn't warn you all. 

It must be nearly two years now since PJ came into my life. We met in that way so many international knitters do these days: through the wonder of Ravelry. It turned from comments on FO's and gossiping about the F1 to little packages of happiness mailed back and forth. I think to date, we have sent approx 100 packages between us both. These include hands knits, yarn, treats and books. No expense is ever spared and we both feel we want to spoil each other silly whenever we can. 

Today I sat and read this lovely interview my other good friend Amber wrote. I sat and got a little tearful. Why? Because I miss my friend so much, it honestly pains me that we have to fly to see each other. She has seen me through some of the toughest moments in my life, chatting via webcam/ Skype/ Ravelry and emails bouncing back and forth like texts.When we met in person for the first time there was no awkward settling in period, we just enjoyed every moment before she flew back (and yes I cried all the way home after dropping her off at the airport).

Many people are horrified at meeting others via the internet but ofcourse we knitters know that the kindred spirit you find in people on Ravelry more often than not breaks this rule. Don't believe me? I'll prove it.

PJ and I both have stupid scars on our left knee. The scar is obviously not stupid but we both got them in stupid ways and agreed this made us twinsies. For the record I was drunk as hell while she was sober. I'm not sure which of us that makes dumber. 

When I bought my book from Cookie A and got her to sign it, I got PJ's first and Cookie A asked 'Is she your best friend?' and I squealed 'YES', half expecting PJ to hear from somewhere over the other side of the world. 

When PJ came to stay for a week in London, I lent her my welly boots and we both jumped in puddles and I thought 'Of course they fit perfectly, we both have unnaturally large feet' (see twinsies comment). Also in the same week we got drunk and had very intense and serious conversations while wearing giant decorated hairbands because THAT'S HOW WE ROLL. 

Everytime I'm complimented on a shawl I'm wearing, it's one she made me and there's a growing joke in my knit group that PJ is my personal knit designer. She is. You can't have her.

You know how when you were 5, you and your best friend have 'your own language'? PJ and I have that too. Words include 'footmeow' and yelling TSHIRT whenever one of us says something the other one feels is quotable. For example 'Robot dinosaurs would be awesome but heroines have boobies'. And yes, that's the average conversation we have. 

My parents bought me tickets to go play with her this September for my 30th birthday because, in their words, 'You two should not wait another 2 years to play again'. They know that when times are high or hard, I run tell PJ and I would cross the world and back again if she ever needed me too. 

So today I'm a little blue if I'm honest. Life has been more than a little hectic and as a result our regular chats have been somewhat lacking. I know things are stressful for her too and this makes me doubly frustrated that we live so far apart. Some days you just wanna hang out with your bestie so they know you've got their back and always will have. 

The best I could do today was this hun. Love ya'!!!

9 comments:

Gracey is not my name.... said...

That's awesome! I have met several online friends now in real life, but have not made such a connection as you have...I know of two other bloggers that have seemingly made this connection, too...Congrats for making such a great friend!

pinkundine said...

Aw, that's such a heartfelt post. Glad you made such a good friend through knitting/ravelry :)

Unknown said...

Friends are wonderful and Amber is a doll. I haven't met her yet but we do chat semi regularly. I hope she and I do get a chance to sit and have some coffee together.

Renee Anne said...

See.....this is why I need a(nother) bestie. I have my Kellie and she lives near enough (2.5 hours by car) but there are some things she just doesn't get (like knitting).

I need a fiber bestie.

Tilly said...

aw thats lovely everyone needs a good friend! I am lucky to have a good friend who is always there for me :)

Ness said...

You and PJ sound like me and my best friend! I miss her terribly too, but we are no longer friends. :( So even though you are half a world apart, at least you still have each other. :) I'm super happy that you do! Yay for the birthday trip!

Ms C @ HappyElastic said...

Like Ness in the comment above, me and my bestie have had to part company after she did something very unkind. I'm so pleased to hear you have made such a good friend. Maybe one day Ill find my twinnie out there somewhere!

behind the ivy said...

That is so lovely!

It reminds me a lot of my school bestie. Unfortunately we've drifted apart quite a lot over the past few years, and I think it's been about 2 years since we last spoke. I miss her, and it makes me sad because I don't even know what happened between us.

You guys sound awesome though, hope you have a ton of fun when you see her. That's such a great bday present from your parents :)

Smoon said...

Aww, that is so sweet! What a great bestie you have :)