Friendlies.

This will likely be the cheesiest blog I have ever written, but I'm feeling led to write it and I generally follow my gut feelings when they happen. I've been doing some thinking as 2010 comes to a close because it has easily been the most interesting, surprising, and dramatic year of my life. Yes, I am a dramatic person. I got over that years ago, and most people find they get used to it or even start to enjoy it. Either way, one of the things that I've had a lot of time to reflect on is the people I surround myself with and how lucky I am that I have this quirky, resilient, and dynamic friend base to call my own. So, among many things that I learned in 2010, appreciating those who deal with me every day is right up there. I commonly refer to "The List" when discussing my friendlies, and here it is. Pull out the tissues for tears, or the garbage can to act as a puke bucket.

Anna
This is Anna, arguably the best of the best. She one of the most creative people I know, which makes sense since she studied design in college. Even back in high school she was always making us presents instead of buying them, and they are still some of the coolest presents I've ever gotten. What I appreciate about Anna is that she is whole-heartedly who she is. Some people think she's just a typical blonde, but I know her to be incredibly insightful, introspective, and thoughtful, and she draws that out in other people as well.


Nichole
Nichole has the distinction of being the friend who is most unlike me. We have different goals, dreams, thoughts, and personalities, yet there has never been a time when that really matters all too much. What I love about Nichole is that she is truly a compassionate person and the best listener I know. It is entirely logical that she would go into nursing, and I have no doubt that she is amazing at what she does. She's constantly striving to be better - a better friend, wife, sister, nurse, daughter, you name it. We may not have the same ideals, but she still makes me want to be a better person every single day.


Rachel
I call Rachel my Sugar Mama because the summer we worked together as counselors, she really did give me money on a pretty consistent basis. I paid her back, in full, by the end of the summer, but what that really demonstrates is how giving Rachel is. She is undoubtedly the most generous, selfless person I know. And true to form, she would deny that statement to the end. She teaches history and government to high schoolers, and believe me, there are few people you'd rather have molding the minds of our future than Rachel. Plus, she makes me laugh all the time.

Kayla
There are plenty of pictures of Kayla and I where we look normal, but that really wouldn't do our friendship justice. I knew Kayla for nearly my entire childhood and we've had our fair share of stupid moments. She moved to San Diego about 2 years ago, and although that has provided me with one hell of a vacation, it also took away one of the craziest, genuine people I know and love. Kayla is exactly who she is all of the time, and doesn't give a damn if you don't like it. She's loyal to a fault and never once doubts that you mean what you say. The last time she was in Des Moines, we had an alcohol-induced tear fest in a bar (yes, we were those girls- get over it), and I told her it wouldn't be possible for me to love her any more that I do. Truer words haven't been spoken.



Anne
Easily one of the smartest, snarkiest people I know, Anne and I tend to banter when we're together. She's a really inquizzative, discerning person, and that translates into the type of friend she is. She'll simultaneously lighten the mood while verbally assaulting whoever has wronged you, and she'll do so in such a smartass way that the other person usually doesn't know what happened. Maybe this doesn't impress you, but I love this about Anne. She's also my anchor to Iowa City, although recently IC has become my excuse to visit Anne, and not the other way around.


Mallory
Mal Pal is one of my newer friends, and the most recent addition to 'The List.' We work together and get in trouble constantly for talking all the time. We're both the type of person who has a lot to say, and as such we've been called out for not letting people get a word in otherwise. So maybe not the best combination for other people, but Mal and I never fail to have a great time. She is really blunt and honest, which can take you off guard. But once you get on Mallory's good side, she's one of those friends you know will always fight your battle right along with you. For instance, the night this picture was taken was Halloween. I wasn't having the best night, but Mallory would not rest until I was lovin' life. She succeeded (clearly by the photographic evidence), and reminds me how to be a good friend.

I realize that for nearly all of humanity, this is a pointless blog post. And that's ok. I have a lot of things to say, but sometimes I just like to write for myself. I have been particularly thankful for this group of ladies recently, and as such it warranted a blog post. I could write more about all of my other amazing friends (like Sara, Julia, Rick, my England lovers, and of course my mom), but it's 2:35 in the morning so I'm going to stop.

I'm an idealistic 20-something. I've said that before, and I'm sure I'll say it again. I don't know where I'm going or what I'm doing even 6 months from now, but none of these people care or think any less of me. And I really, really love and appreciate that.

Here's to warm fuzzy and cheesy blog posts. You may end your puke-fest now.