Happy Birthday Staci

Wowowowowow. The big 21 bro!!! And with that I give you 21 things I love about you

0000. Your academic prowess. My goodness you make CS look easy and you do it in the most humble way. You are truly one of the most thoughtful coders I have had the pleasure of working with. I am so excited to pair with you more and further understand how you problem-solve.

0001. Your love for Jesus. I remember one of our first conversations you told me you had recieved some less than comforting words from certain church folk. That you had some questions for God as well. The fact that you have faith through questions exemplifies a passion for your faith. As your friend and sister in Christ it is beautiful to witness.

0010. Ugh. Okay this is the only time I'll say it. But the puns. I know adopt a pained expression whenever a cringy pun passes through your lips but they are usually hilarious. I'm not sure how I could not love your puns!!

0011. Your sense of adventure. There was never an outing to Boston that did not end with amaxing adventure. Some cumulating in running for the bus (or making songs while waiting for the bus) while others ended with me scarfing down a Boston Creme Donut woahfully unaware that you are snapping a photo of me. You are one of my favorite travel companions because I know wherever I go with you, whatever we are doing, it will be an adventure.

0100. Personableness. Now I am only %65 sure I did not make this word up, but to me it means someone who knows how to make most people feel comfortable, respected, at ease when speaking with them. Thats you Staci!! The way you ask folks so many interesting questions really seems to make every individual feel special. I know it has that affect on me :)

0101. It is simultaneously so easy and so so difficult to find a potential suitor for you. On one hand it is incredibly easy because you are so charming and likable (and gorgeous but that is a givin), but on the other hand it's difficult because you are so uniquely wonderful we want to find an MIT man of comparable loveliness.

0111. I'm sure you're tired of reading so the next five reasons are five of my favorite memories with you

1101. Shopinista. Shopping with you is truly one of the funniest experiences I've had. We went to 4 stores to find pants but left each store empty handed. You kept apologizing but I would do it again in a heart-beat. That being said, next time lets actually find you a cute outfit.

1111. Your empathy. Our lives are fairly different. We've had different victories, different challenges. Yet I feel at ease sharing both with you because you have the rare ability to empathize and make me feel safe when sharing my trials.

0001 0000. Athletic Determination. I love and appreciate how you offered to run with me. And we did one time!! I am truly grateful for that. I'm counting down to Boston Marathon 2024. We can do it bro!

0001 0001. Compassion. You can relate to so many different people despite not sharing their experience. I chalk that up to your enormous heart.

0001 0010. The laughs. There are few times I recall spending time with you and not laughing my ass off.

0001 0011. The fights. Its difficult finding the words for this one buddy. We've had our fights, but we've also had our reconciliations. You have taught me how love contains both. You have also taught me important lessons on meeting folks where they reside rather than expecting them to immediately meet all of my needs. This lesson has made me a more informed activist and a better person to be in relationship with. That was all you my guy.

0001 0010. The nicknames. So far we got Gogo, Staci, and just off the top of my head I like giggles (gigs for short), Howard E. Butts, nerd, Joan, and Leornard. I may be very bad at nicknames. I'll think more on it.

0001 0100. Your friendship. Our friendship has been one of the major highlights of my time at Wellesley. Through times of joy and times of immense pain you were someone I could often lean on during the school year. Your ability to navigate difficult conversations and then move to light hearted subjects is a rare and needed talent. I hope to embark on so many more adventures together and I fully expect to enjoy the fruits of this friendship for years to come (especially because I'm gonna find your MIT husband then make a wonderful wedding toast at our Texas ranch). However, if this relationship were to ever end I can be happy knowing I experienced the friendship of one of the most beautiful people this world has to offer. I love you Gogo. Happy Birthday.