We Used to be Friends

I worry too much about what others think. It's true.  I wish I was stronger or more teflon-coated , but for some reason (genetics?) I just can't. Even people whose company I don't enjoy, if they have a problem with me, are annoyed by something I've said, or frustrated with my ideas or words, it's unsettling. Being that stereotypical kid from the 80s trying to get his parents to get along and be happy, takes it toll. Another layer to this struggle: What do you do when there's conflict with people you love, respect, and look up to? How do you handle it when something you say angers someone? Well, I can tell you how I handle it, not well. I can tell you what I do, think about it way too much and maybe stress-eat a little. Bear in mind, I'm extroverted, outgoing, social, and at times funny (some people think so), even a little obnoxious on occasion. So, the odds of me sticking my foot in my mouth, especially if I find myself in the "comedic zone" are ...

The Bible starts off with the words, "In the beginning..." Honestly we figured that these words provided a good place to start. However, this blog supporting our podcast We Used to be Friends won't be as profound as the Bible. We would love for it to help and entertain people, but there is a clear realization that we can only do so much. Tracy met BJ and Josh in the 9th grade (actually he met BJ one day during a short-lived stint at Osage Beach Elementary in 6th, but that's a story for another time). BJ and Josh had been friends for awhile, and then Tracy crashed the party. These three clowns fit nicely into a friendship group consisting of six boys at Camdenton High School in the flannel-ridden, grunge blaring mid-90s. We started off as high school friends but over the many years since (three decades, actually, but who's counting?), we have grown into being brothers . It isn't legal, nobody is related by blood or marriage, but it's much deeper than that,...