The more things change, the more they stay the same

So lately, all of my friends and family have been changing all for the better. It's pretty exciting but at some points confusing. There are times when you can't even recognize them anymore. Considering I'm a true Minnesotan and that all of my friends are close buddies from elementary school, you can only imagine how overwhelmed I am.
My room mate and close friend Natalie is a good example. In Junior high she was really morbid and gothic. The same girl that carved 666 in her leg during class and beat up the meanest girl in school during lunch hour. For the most part, Natalie has a horrible temper but it's only that she is a daughter of an Olympic weight lifter and who once made a living being a wrestler. When Natalie is raging pissed off, her small frame and curly hair immediately turn into a six foot bulging bicep that is Ken Patera.
Since junior high, Natalie has undergone some changes. I mean most people don't even recognize her anymore. When I tell people who I'm staying with the first immediate question is "Is she normal now" which is always entertaining. Natalie's personality hasn't really changed all that much but just her outward appearance. "Yes, she is just normal now" meaning instead of a shaved head and wearing all black she has brown hair and wears jeans. Some times while we are cleaning together, I realize that Natalie has really grown up. She doesn't seem like the type to punch anyone nor even have those type of feelings. For the most part, she might just be the sweetest and nicest person I know. I really have begun to relate her with Deb and my other friend Jina.
So last night while we were at the triple rock we had the worst service ever. (which honestly doesn't surprise me it's the fucking triple rock) so while our burgers were bloody the second time around and Natalie couldn't get anyone to refill her third coke, we found that the bands that we won free tickets for sucked and that the Lord of the Rings is the worst pinball machine we have ever played. (nothing compared to circus voltaire). With this combination somehow stirred that deep inner Patera that must just be sleeping all the time. The same Natalie when in high school beat up a guy at a concert for throwing gum in her hair.
"What the Fuck man!" her eyebrows sink" This place fucking sucks.....etc....I'm going to fucking spit on somebody"
Me being a huge instigator I immediately want to tell her to please do it when I'm around but I keep my mouth quiet.
So we leave and she spits on the building instead of on somebody which is really the only compromise for old and new Natalie. I laugh at how silly her reactions are and I realize that yes you grow up but there is always a part of you that is a rambunctious kid.
And that I am grateful for