Life on the Beach: Ode to Mary Baum

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY! I am so lucky to have you as a friend. To date, I have known you for 6 years, about half a year longer than you knew I existed. I remember hearing about the new girl, Mary, on the soccer team and what a babe she was. I kept my eye out for you, but seems we never crossed paths, with most of my classes at the regular level and in the weight room, and yours in the choir wing and at advanced levels... But alas, it was meant to be.

It wasn't until April of 2006 that we had our first conversation. I was in charge of the Prom Court assembly and, of course, you were on Prom Court. I invited you to my birthday party, in which you came and thus began our real friendship (not dressed up like a Cowboy or Indian... might I add).

Later, it was Jared that really brought us together, me you and Ana. After that, it was road trips to Utah, Thanksgiving, Christmas Break, Summer months in Salem and letters from Seattle and Greece to you in Florida on your mission. I know that distance is not a factor in our relationship, it won't keep us apart. Pretty much, you're stuck with me forever.

It is with this timeline of pictures and special video clip that I conclude my "Ode to Mary Baum."

I love you Ms. Mary Baum.