Let me just start by qualifying this post with a few important details: First of all, I have never posted anything on the internet and so this is a HUGE deal for me, considered by some to be The World’s Most Private Person. Secondly, I do not even remotely consider myself a writer, although it’s a label I wish I deserved. I am a big reader and thus very fond of many writers, which makes me wish I qualified as one of them. Ali is one of my favorites, as she well knows, and the thought of replacing her, if only for one day, is a bit overwhelming.
However, I promised myself a few months back that I, The World’s Most Private Person, would get out of my shell a bit and put myself out there in the world, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity….So here I am!! Talking to all of you fine folks out here on the internet. Whhoooooeeee!!!! Let’s just say this is a life changin’ experience for me.
At first, I found this all too strange, and I couldn’t think of anything to say. After brainstorming awhile, it occurred to me that since this IS Ali’s blog, I should talk about something she can relate to, something that neither of us has ever discussed with each other, and something that I would like to share with her, as well as all of you, here on AliThinks.
With this settled, my mind began to wander back to my memories of Ali, which takes me to a very different time, now long past, in both our lives…
Seven years ago, I traveled to Small Town France (though not so small a town as the one Ali recently ended up in) as an exchange student. Ali was the English teacher at my school, and one of the only Americans I knew, and this was all it took to start a friendship. As I recall, we spent a couple of hazy nights drinking wine and eating some of her DELICIOUS cooking (To this day, I remember how she would just chop everything up and fling it into a skillet, like one of those Iron Chefs on cable TV)…we talked a lot, we drank even more, and it was loads of fun. In fact, it’s been awhile since I’ve had that good a time (cue pathetic music).
All this happened a long time ago. I returned home 5 years ago, finished school, forgot most of my French, and headed off to other faraway places in search of my life. Many things changed for Ali as well.
This past year brought us both back home—and by “home” I mean the US, the country where we were born. The stress and exhilaration of returning to the “familiar” after so long that it is no longer familiar to us is a challenge we both face every day. And for some lucky reason, after 5 years and all the other people and places and things, we found each other again, and thanks to the internet, we are able to share these experiences.
In writing this entry today, I wanted to share with you the experience Ali and I shared with each other, a long while back in another life, in another time, and in another place we call Small Town France.
Written by Aly
Sometimes the best of frienships can be forged on something as small as a word or two while some of the most fragile relationships can be thrown together with a ring and a promise.
Life is never predictable, nor would it be nearly as interesting.
Posted by: Thomas | April 12, 2006 at 13:12
I always thought you and the other Ali, the one with the 'i' were both like 32 or 33.
Posted by: Monty | April 12, 2006 at 17:19
It's great to have a friend who shares overlapping experiences with you. I have a friend from when I was in Japan, whom I met under similar circumstances, that now lives 30 min away from me back in the US. We have a great past to share with each other, and also someone to share the growing pains with as we readjust, too. I never thought of it that way, but it's a real gift. Thanks for your post - it was nice to hear from you.
Posted by: kingalz | April 12, 2006 at 19:26
I think it's wonderful and magical how we meet people, and then connect with them. (or re-connect) I used to consider myself fairly private before I began a blog. Then that all went out the window! I hope you continue to write!
Posted by: Margaret | April 12, 2006 at 22:35
Congratulations on your first foray into blogging and internet posting. Hopefully it didn't hurt too much and we'll hear more from you.
Posted by: newwavegurly | April 13, 2006 at 00:07
I understand how difficult it is to get out in the world and be less private. I struggle with it everyday.
You did great in your first foray into the blogosphere. Maybe a blog of your own in the future?
Posted by: ally bean | April 13, 2006 at 07:47
Thanks to everybody for your supportive comments!! I was so happy to see how many of you responded to my entry....I will definitely be back. You haven't heard the last of me!
Thanks again to you all...
Posted by: Aly | April 13, 2006 at 15:52
sorry. saying that you are
, without using the "" sign for us to all recognize you are being serious negates all the capital letters.nope, not going to buy it.
you're just saying that to get our sympathy.
nope, not working. needs the "".
Posted by: bothenook | April 15, 2006 at 03:48