Greg and Bex

Hannah Banana might be my baby sister but she mothers me half the time. She keeps me sane and pushes everyone she loves to *Ciara voice* level up, level up, level up. She's currently studying to be a doctor and we're all so proud of her! Though I'm pretty sure she'll soon discover I don't actually have the ability to heal wounds with my mind like I used to tell her when we were kids, so that's disappointing. 

I met Brenda (Bida) in the 4th grade. We started a 'girls club' where we'd congregate at the spider-bars after a competitive round of tetherball and host our very official meetings. She was the style expert. It's a solid 20+ years later and not much has changed - Bida still has impeccable taste. Beyond that, she's got a heart of gold. She's been there for me during my worst possible days and probably knows me better than anyone else. (Even Greg - he'll be the first to admit it.) 

Ashley (Addy) and I were friends in middle school but it wasn't until 9th grade that we became attached at the hips. We spent the entire summer leading up to our high school debut on the ancient chat platform once known as AIM, egging each other on to try out for cheerleading. (We did. We made it. I still have the scars.) Some misguided school counselor hooked us up with near-identical class schedules and the rest is history. Addy is responsible for some of the BEST times of my life, from midnight Potter release parties to [REDACTED] at good ol' West Virginia. Boy, were those [REDACTED] but [REDACTED] came through at least, and thankfully, the officer [REDACTED]. 

Daisy is as bright and positive as her name suggests -  she's one of those people you just want to have in your life. She's doing a great job raising her beautiful son, Mateo, but I'm certain her years spent mothering our group of friends helped prepare her for the task. (She's incredibly responsible.) Daisy is also one of the funniest people I know. My fondest memories with her aren't exactly memories - they're more like feelings. And the feeling is clutching your sides because your abs are EXHAUSTED from laughter. 

Where do I even start with Veronica (Vero)? I would say that there's not a single person in the world like her, but she essentially cloned herself and the world is much better for it. I can't exactly remember when the two of us became friends. 6th grade? 9th? All I know is that once it happened, there was no looking back. We had so many sleepovers between us it was hard to say who actually lived where. As adults in two different states, the sleepovers have definitely slowed down but the friendship between us is every ounce as strong.

PS: Vero happens to be deeply talented. She can sing, play instruments, write music, and even designed and drew our Save the Dates!!  

Adrianna is one of my closest friends and shares my passion for four-legged friends. She's a true joy to be around! If you know her, you know how selfless she is. I've seen her put others first so many times. She also is a great impromptu performer - if you get a chance, ask her to break it down like they do in DC. ;) 

Ruta (Bega) is my baby cousin and lifelong (literally!) friend. Our mothers are sisters and had us 1 entire day apart. My childhood is FILLED with memories of us driving both of them wild. Being on "baby alert" when watching after our younger siblings, stealing stashes of chocolate pudding, putting together dance routines and convincing the other one to ask if we can sleep over because "if YOU ask my mom, she'll say yes!" She's kind, beautiful, and makes one mean green bean chicken casserole. 

Roxanne and I have been friends since the 6th grade! She ended up going to a different high school than the rest of us but you'd never know it. We all spent so much time together people assume she went to Wheaton to this day. (I'm pretty sure I snuck her picture into our yearbook.) Roxanne is a true free spirit. She's adventurous, brave, charismatic, and lives her life the way people say they want to. She's always making me laugh and is so easy to talk to. She's going to be famous one day, so get on her good side now. ;) 

I met Lauren (Lolo) at my previous job and we hit it off almost instantly. I thought I'd hit my limit on truly great friendships but when I met her, my life had to make room. She's my "banter match". The two of us could spend hours talking about everything from the world's greatest mysteries to the 4 major properties of judging wing quality. And considering we both lived and worked together for years, we definitely did. Lauren is one of those people you just have to meet. Words don't do her justice.