He's cute, single & a good country boy :-)

I'd like to introduce you to my elligible bachelor friend, Nick Durick. We met in 2003 on a YouthWorks Mission Trip in San Francisco. Nick is from Rockford, Illinois. 8 years ago, Nick blew my girlfriends & I all away when he sang "You Remind Me of A Girl" by Usher. One of those school girl crushes, that's for sure!! I wish I had a picture of us together from 8 years ago, but I don't have one handy...here's some recent ones.

 

Now that you have a face to go with the name, I can continue. Nick & I have remained friends since that summer of 2003. We've kept in touch in a variety of ways. If you've ever heard me say "Holy Moses" you have Nick to thank for that. If you've ever heard me say "Chi-town" rather than Chicago, you have Nick to thank for that. There are many things that remind me of Nick, 5 that come to mind without any efforts: Abercrombie, Cubs, His Sister's Bday (we share it!), Field of Dreams and Quotes.

When asked what one of my favorite quotes is, often times I've quoted Nick. This is my ultimate favorite: "You don't make life happen, but the choices you make in life make you who you are."

On March 8, 2011, Nick made a very important decision. For lent, Nick chose to give up alcohol. So for 40 days he was committed to not consuming alcohol. I'm not sure Nick really knew what he was getting into when he made this decision, but I am so proud of him for the growth that has occurred over the past 21 days. Nick's eyes have been opened to the obsessiveness he had with alcohol and the power it had in his life. He recently shared with me how lost he'd get in the alcohol & how it could really ruin his life. Practically everything he did involved alcohol, and he was starting to realize the hindrance it was having, the problem it was becoming. On day 17 we had a pretty good conversation. In his own words, he says he feels like he has matured 5 years in just 7 days. What an awesome thing! And the maturity difference is VERY evident. I am so proud of Nick!!!!! He is being held accountable by his friends in his life group & also by his pastor. But nothing shows his determination better than how he put it: "No one said giving up is or would be easy. However moving forward, separating yourself, cutting things out, bettering myself, and moving forward with life is pretty motivating itself!"  This whole 40 day concept has turned into something life-changing for Nick. All because of ONE choice. How awesome is that!!  On day 17, he brought up the fact that Day 41 was a big game he'd be going to & how easy it'd be just to live it up and drink. Rather than giving in to that, Nick decided to extend his 40 days to 80 days. WHAT A CHAMP! He shared with me that on average, a night out would cost around $300 in alcohol alone. Shoot, that'd give me a heart attack, the heart attack would kill me long before the alcohol would. I keep telling him his whole life must be changing & I want to know what he's doing with all of the money he's saving! Plus, designated driver's get free soda's in bars, so he's not even spending money. It's a WIN WIN WIN situation. Nick is making awesome choices that are defining who he truly is.

So, I just wanted to brag on Nick, because I am so happy to see his life changing for the better. I am very proud of him for the choices he is making. He's a great guy & I know he's going somewhere in life! Excited to be a part of it and be here to encourage him along the way.

Nick, if you're reading this, you can send me flowers now for advertising you to all of the ladies! I know you can afford $20 ;-) Just kidding! I love you, hugs from Cali!