Bellyard

As Barney from How I Met Your Mother would say, "Everyone I know is getting married or pregnant. I'm just getting more awesome." Most of that is true of me, but marriage can be cool too. I say this because it is marriage week for my best friend Erin and Jonathan, a super rad dude who I approve of. It's not easy for a guy to be approved by me, not even on the texting friendship level, much less on the marriage rest of your life level. Not just any guy on the street is even close to good enough for my best friends. But Jonathan impressed me from day 1 as he asked several questions about my job and my life, we shared stories about our matching labs and had very in-depth conversations about Carolina football. Most importantly of course, we both think Erin is wonderful. Even though I've checked off on the husband, they both have good jobs and are stable, and I fit into my bridesmaid dress, this doesn't mean it won't suck a little bit come Saturday afternoon. His new stable job has moved them to Charlottesville Virginia, far far away from Rock Hill. And as much as people fight the idea, marriage changes every other relationship in a major way. Me and Erin have been friends since 7th grade. We started off in Debutante together and I didn't like her very much. But as time has passed, I realize that I would've never made it through these past 10ish or whatever years without her. Homegirl has seen me on my worst days and best days. I swear I never laugh as hard at any other time as I do when I'm with Erin. Since college we've all gone several weeks without seeing each other, but as soon as we're reunited, Erin is all up in your space asking about life and wanting to spend time with you like nothing has ever changed. She is SO much fun to be around and it's been such a blessing to watch her grow up and mature into the Jesus-lovin' woman that she is. Jonathan is a lucky dude. But he knows that. Go Team Hillyard!