Before They Arrived

In the beginning of March, I realized that I had nothing done. My friends from the east coast were coming and I haven't cleaned, I haven't planned... and my car was acting up again! Now that March has come and gone, I don't really remember what happened before they arrived. The Neat Mix was released... which by the way I am very proud of, you can find that on my website. Haven't really produced cd's of it yet, I'm working on some graphics for CD and Case covers.

I guess I don't remember much because nothing really happened. I was spending most of my time working on the CD and playing video games! I spent an awful lot of time at Jamaican Blue - the famous Scottsdale coffee house that offers cheap coffee-flavored-coffee and free wireless internet... I know a lot of people called me to wonder where I was... sorry about that.

I was getting excited. Here's the rundown:

Back in High School, let's say about winter time, I'm walking down the hallway to visit my friend Stephanie and her crowd. Not really noticing, there was a second girl with her that I hadn't remembered seeing before, except for maybe in choir stuff... it was that day I was introduced to Egle.

Now let's jump forward a bit. At the end of my Senior year, after graduation, the summer, after all that... Egle and I were in different worlds. We both had our own friends, significant others, so on - flirting was all that ever happened between us. From the first year getting to know her, the trip to San Fransisco, or Washington D.C., or Hawaii; to her being my homecoming date and my senior prom date... Egle was always just... there... I never figured out why - but we never really dated. She was there at all the cast parties. She was there at my Eagle Scout court of honor... she was there but she was always just.. the sweet friend of mine.

Then I left.

We kept in touch a little after basic training, but once Serena came along I didn't talk to any of my old friends whatsoever. It wasn't until last year when Egle and I re-connected.

It's funny the people you end up with. Stephanie, who was/is friends with Egle, dated me for a little while my senior year. Stephanie LOVED me, but now Steph HATES me. Steph goes in with a handful of other girls that I apparently-but-accidentally broke their hearts. Stephanie and I were... not that much. Broke her heart? Hardly. I think she got over it by now. Egle is friends still with Stephanie and while I could care less about Steph - I couldn't care enough about Egle. I kick myself to this day for not realizing what Egle and I could have had back in High School - but maybe it just wasn't the right time for it...

So now, after all this time, we both have changed. Egle has opened up a little, not the sweet, shy, innocent girl she used to be. No, Egle has college under her belt - unlike myself - which has turned her into a fun, outgoing, party girl that just loves to spoil people with kindness. You can't help but like Egle. Don't know why that is, if I ever find a reason I'll let you know.

I've changed. I'm not the sweet pushover Justin I used to be. I bust balls, I'll give you shit, and I don't take shit. I'm still quick with my sense of humor and I know a joke when I hear it. I'm always a fan of laughter above war, love above hate. There are people on the "shit-list," that's where they will stay until they convince me otherwise.

So when the final confirmation of her coming to Arizona with two girlfriends... excited, nervous, and "holy shit..." all came across my mind...

I had shit to do. I cleaned the house, cleaned out my car, cleaned... ME.... I was in a frantic scurry for the week leading up to their arrival. After all this time, so many people I asked to come out to Phoenix... after all this time - only Egle decided to make the trip.

I was so nervous that I had to go to happy hour with a friend to calm me down some. I had a beer. It didn't really help. So many thoughts were going through my mind - what will she think of me? What will I think of her? I know we've talked a lot, but what if theres nothing to talk about? What if she hates Phoenix or something? What if she hates me?! I was freaking out...

6:28, the celly rings... They've arrived.