January 26, 2017 – Okoboji, Iowa

Just what we needed.

I’m sitting around a table in my friend’s parent’s condo with the ‘Boji gang: Lucas, Kyle, and Matt. Lucas (one of my oldest and best friends) introduces the newest gimmick for our annual, debaucherous “Winter Games” gathering – a talking Chewbacca mask. Oh. My. Lord. Our shticks in the past have generally revolved around unusual clothing combinations, sunglasses indoors, goofy hats…

This mask takes it to a whole new level.

I look forward to this weekend every year. At this point, it’s become even more important to me since I’m getting geographically farther and farther away from my old friends in Iowa. Friendships I refuse to let fade. Friendships I refuse to lose.

The typical ‘Boji night starts with dinner prepared at the condo, pre-bar drinks, a card game or two. Then it’s out to the nearby bars. More conversation, more drinks, probably over darts or pool. Eventually some dancing perhaps. Flirting. This night starts with music in the condo, Lucas turning off the lights and busting out the strobe light, and Matt consequently putting on the Chewbacca mask and delighting us with a performance. Everyone loses it.

I haven’t laughed this hard in months.

Our friend Chris, who hasn’t made an appearance in Boji for years, arrives the next day. We all get caught up, but it feels like no time has passed at all. Feels like “the old days.” We don’t usually participate in the Winter Games. This year we don’t even watch any activities. But that doesn’t really matter to us.

What matters is the time we have together.

“There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.” – Thomas Aquinas