The clothes. The shoes. The apartment. The boys. The job. The fact that her body is sprawled across NYC transit... The list goes on and on.
If I could live Carrie's life for a day, I would. I was recently called out for saying "Oh, that's very Carrie" on a much too frequent basis. Guilty as charged. I'm constantly dreaming up and noticing parallels between the life of Carrie Bradshaw and that of Windom Paul.
I live in a four girl apartment. "The girls of 414," we like to call ourselves on occasion. I live with three of the best girls out there. And it just so happens that the four of us mimic the Sex and the City crew quite well. It's actually a bit eery.
First we have Aubrey, the Miranda.
Aubrey was one of the first friends I made in college. She hails from Oklahoma, however her family is Hog Wild. And on that note, we have the first denominator between she and the spunky redhead- Aubrey loves athletics. Basketball, football, baseball, Razorbacks, little league team, you name it, she's a fan. You know those kids who wind up front row at an SEC game with their chests painted? Well one day, probably someday soon, that will be Aub. Like Miranda, Aubrey doesn't do anything halfway. She gives her all in school, in Chi Omega, in friendships, in her relationship with God, in her relationship with her boyfriend... you'll never find her slacking. Aubrey is the "mom" of the apartment. She keeps her eye on the dishwasher, the laundry room, and lovingly reminds us to lock the front door. She and Miranda tend to seem like they have everything together, and typically, they do. Aubrey has "her life plan" in motion. She knows who she wants to be, what she wants to do, and who she wants to share it with. However, the little spitfire that she is, every once in a while Aub will bust out a bit of her inner diva, and have a freakout moment. As she should, because every girl, no matter how "on top of things" she may be, is entitled to the occasional freakout. Lastly, and most importantly. Aubrey, ditto to Miranda, is such a loyal friend. I had only known Aubrey for two weeks when I knew we'd be forever friends, and that she'd eventually be one of my bridesmaids. Anything you tell Aubrey will be kept in confidence, and she's always on your side. One of my favorite things about Aubrey is her vocabulary filled with quacky phrases such as "Starvin' Marvin." Miranda once asked Carrie if she, "...had a big plate of crazy for lunch?" That is so something Aubrey would say. Aubrey is always there. She's always truthful. And she always leaves something better than she found it. Carries late night calls for advice to Miranda are so telling of my future with this girl. Aubrey will always be a listening ear, and a rational advice guru. I am so thankful that I found my Miranda.
Next comes Rachel, the Charlotte.
Rachel is from my hometown, however we went to different high schools. Therefore, I really got to know this gal once we wound up at the same university. And now, one year post our world lit class, she's one of the roomies. And thank goodness she is. Rachel is the perfect blend of the other three girls under the 414 roof. Born and raised in Alabama, Rachel, (like Charlotte) is a down home, southern, and traditional girl. She works at Victoria's Secret, and aspires to be a teacher. Both characteristics I believe Charlotte York would swoon over. Rachel has such a level head, and never fails when asked for advice. Charlotte spends many seasons searching for her "knight in shining armor." Rachel is in a serious relationship with a guy who, just today, she said "treats her like a princess every single day." Rachel will surprise you in beautiful ways. She's my stunning, bright eyed friend who will support you in all that you do. She's self sufficient on so many levels, however she's not afraid to ask for help when deciding what skirt to wear for her dinner date. She's strong willed and knows what she wants, and she'd never settle for less than she deserves. She's a brilliant girl with a very bright future. She once chewed a boy out in her history class for constantly belittling her- I love her hidden spunk. Like Charlotte, Rachel is this gorgeous sorority girl with a petite frame. However, Rach has a strong backbone, and is not afraid to speak her mind. Rachel completes our quartet better than anyone else could. I am beyond happy that she filled our fourth spot. We've only lived together for a few weeks, and we've already shared in so many laughs and memories. And I know that list is about to rapidly expand. Everybody needs a Charlotte. I am so happy that mine came in the form of sweet and spunky Rachel.
My life wouldn't be the same without Caroline, the Samantha.
Caroline is one of my oldest friends. It all began on the Vacation Bible School stage when two adorable four year old blondes were singing rhythmic tunes about Jesus' love. Our relationship has evolved from matching ensembles in the third grade, to wrapping (toilet paper meets tree limbs) 8th grade boy's houses circa 2006, to traveling to Italy together as high school Juniors, to taking on our Freshman year of college together as roommates, and the journey continues... Caroline is so the Samantha. Caroline's beauty is indescribable. She's a tall, blonde bombshell with the body of everybody's favorite yoga instructor. However, the beauty of Caroline's heart exceeds her outer beauty. Caroline is confident. She's wise. She knows me better than most people, and is always on point with her observations. Caroline draws a crowd, and attracts every eye in the room, without trying in the least. Tonight was my first trip to a fraternity house as a sophomore. To be honest, I was a bit nervous prior to going, afraid that I wouldn't remember proper frat house etiquette. Caroline grabbed my hand on the way out of the door and reminded me, "Win, this is going to be fun." A crazy, invigorating gust of confidence and collectiveness rushed over me as I was walking side by side with Caroline down that nasty frat hallway. She held her head so high, not in an arrogant manner, but with a beautiful confidence. Having Caroline by my side, in all walks of life, gives me so much inspiration and self confidence. She is number one at building me up after a rough day, and has a heart of gold. Caroline is one of those girls who probably doesn't get enough credit. From the outside you see this etherial, blonde stunner. It's so easy to get lost in her looks, and forget to see into the inner Caroline- filled with these beautiful thoughts, (I swear, it's as if Caroline sees the world in a different way than the rest of us down here) and deep insight. Caroline's number one passion is music, (right above sour gummy worms.) She eats, sleeps, and breathes new artists and write-ups. Caroline is strong. She's brilliant. She's kind hearted. She's funny. Like Samantha, Caroline can take charge, and look darn good while doing so. Just like Samantha, she is level headed in every aspect of life, and can frequently remove herself from a situation and give fantastic unbiased advice... except for maybe when it comes to the male category. She said today, "...you guys know that I'm never a diva until it comes to a guy." Caroline has been my backbone through many things. She's loyal. She's trustworthy. She's a fun time. She's the Samantha. More importantly, Caroline is MY Samantha. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Then there's me. Windom, the Carrie.
For starters, it's 3 o'clock in the morning and I'm cuddled up in my lush pillows, writing this piece. Like Carrie, I like my money where I can see it- hanging in my closet. I've always had an attraction to the art of apparel. I'm a risk taker. An outfit that Im sporting may not be "cute" by society's standards, but you better bet your bottom dollar that it will be "very Windom." Maybe it just came with the name, but my sense of style has always been unique. I'm a dreamer. So much so that sometimes it's a character flaw. Like Carrie I have days where I want to revolutionize the world, one T-strap stiletto at a time, and then there are others when all I need is to lounge in my oversized sweater, roll the love stories, and get to know Ben and Jerry on a much deeper level. (Love those two.) While dressing, I always ask, "What would Carrie do?" However, the self confidence that Carrie radiates has ventured my way, and the process has become more of a, "What does Windom want to do?" Followed by the classic, "Oh, that's very Carrie." Bradshaw and I share a passion for writing. A passion for clothes. A passion for love. And most importantly, making every opportunity as glamorous as possible. Like Carrie, I don't like confrontation. And many times, it takes my best friends to remind me to hold my ground. One of my favorite places in the whole wide world is my cheetah print covered desk. Contorted in my chair, with nothing but my window, my computer, and a box of cheddar bunnies. I find myself there at the end of each day. I might sit down and right one sentence. Or I might stay awhile and compose four pages. However, writing is my outlet. It's my therapy. Well writing and a good pair of open toed pumps, of course...
Writing wouldn't be half the fun without these girls in my life. Even when they don't realize, they're constantly inspiring me. Aubrey, Rachel, and Caroline are three of my biggest blessings. Nothing makes me happier than us gathered around the kitchen, or ALL of us cuddling on my full size bed, chatting, laughing, crying, and trying to figure out this thing called life.
Ironically enough, we're about to start our weekly 'girls night in,' and guess what series we're going to dive into? You guessed right...
They say nothing lasts forever; dreams change, trends come and go, but friendships never go out of style. - Carrie
Cheers to the girls of 414. I love you all infinitely.
xoxo
