–Ralph Waldo Emerson
Olive, Joanne and myself on Halloween 2009
Ever since my friend Joanne found out about my blog at the beginning of this year, she has been bugging me about writing a post about her. I kept putting it off, telling her that she doesn't fall into the categories "Culture" or "Religion", yet she kept insisting I do it. But, to be honest, although I may have been a little hesitant about it (because I usually don't put anything too personal up here), I actually have been meaning to write about her. And seeing that today is her birthday, I can't think of a better occasion!
First off, you must know that Joanne is an amazing person, and a really genuine friend. She is always laughing, and fun to be around, but never insincere. Before I go on, let me relate the story of our friendship.
In September 2008, at the start of my third year at UBC, I began my amazing relationship with Olive, who I have now been seeing for a year and a half. Joanne, was one of Olive's roommates in Fairview, although neither of them knew each other before living together. As I was going over to her house all the time, I soon met Joanne myself. My first impression of her was that she was friendly, confident, and extroverted. She soon began to joke around with me, pretending to give me a hard time for things, but as a result of this and her outgoing personality (and because I learned she was in a sorority), I must admit that I was a little intimidated by her!
I remember one time when I was in a bad mood and had come over to Olive's place to see her. Joanne opened the door for me, and I bluntly demanded, "Where's Olive?", instead of the more polite, "Oh hi Joanne, is Olive around?" that I usually gave. I felt really bad afterwards, and apologized. Joanne however was not offended, but did enjoy making a few jokes about it! As the year went on, I got to know her a lot more, and became more comfortable around her. I remember the first time that I made a comeback to one of her witty jokes - she was so surprised, but thrilled too!
As the school year was finishing up, everyone was trying to figure out living arrangements for the following year. Olive had been considering living with a good friend of hers, but when that fell through, Joanne asked Olive if she'd like to live with her. And, of course, Olive said yes. I thought that this made a lot of sense, for over the course of both semesters they had become friends, and were used to living together. And time has shown that this was a fantastic idea, because they live and interact really well together, and have become even better friends.
But, my story is not yet over...I was glad that Olive had a good person to live with, and since I had gotten to know Joanne more, I knew I'd be comfortable spending time at their place. However, since this past September, I have really gotten to learn more about Joanne, and see what a great person she is. We've had many late-night conversations together, usually on occasions where Olive had already gone to bed, and I would be sitting in the living room reading Ulysses for class. It was during these chats that we delved into more personal subjects, and really learned a lot more about each other. For a long time, Joanne had always been "Olive's roommate", but after our first late-night conversation, I knew she was truly my friend as well.
And so Joanne, or 'Jo-Jo Bear' as Olive and I affectionately call you, I wish you a very Happy Birthday. Thank you for putting up with me, because I know I'm over at your place a lot - taking up the washroom, lying on your couch to read my 'literature' (but that couch is just so comfy for reading!), and using your milk for my cereal. But, most of all, thank you for being a great friend.
You are an amazing person, inside and out. Happy Birthday.
- Gavatron
