Mitra and Ben

When I was three years old, my family moved into what has now become our forever home in Yorba Linda. As I was helping my dad take out the trash one day circa 1992, I noticed another girl my age on her dad’s shoulders doing the same. We excitedly exchanged hellos and much like Dale and Brennan, I’m almost certain we simultaneously thought to ourselves “...did we just become best friends?” Although I consider Meggie one of my best friends, she is my sister and I can not recall a time in my life that she was not a part of it.

Laura and I met while working the 4am shift together as EMTs our first few years of college. Not only did she keep me safe as my driver on the ambulance, but she has continued to fill the last ten years with endless belly laughs, countless memories chasing her across the country, and endless adventures... usually in our onesies. She is the best friend a girl could ask for and is unconditionally there when you need her the most.

Stephanie and I became close friends in high school Spanish class, where we quickly learned that as the two girls who already knew Spanish, we must be partners for everything. As young teenagers through young adult life, we shared many firsts together ranging from first high school dance to first high school "party" to first time getting completely lost on a freeway just minutes from our house. We have shared so many fun times and fond memories together, I can't wait to see what is next. 

Ashley and I met briefly at a birthday party nearly ten years ago, although it wasn’t until these last few years that we really began starting trouble. She has been my right hand gal when it comes to vacations. Whether it be living our best life at Pride, a last minute P!NK concert, or a turn around trip or two or four to San Diego, she's there. Ashley is made of equal parts wit as she is kindness, and mischief as she is loyalty, and for those reasons she has quickly become one of my best friends.

Shadi and I became friends several years ago on a trip to Vegas with some coworkers. Given we were the only two girls going on the trip, we decided to room together not having had known each other too well prior. After spending out first night out together, we quickly realized that this was not only going to be an amazing weekend, but an even more enjoyable friendship. From dining at the best restaurants to dancing in the finest venues... to three of us losing our phones and me breaking my ankle to a stranger's stilletto, the weekend was truly unforgettable. Though we all went on that trip as colleagues itching for a break, we left it as close friends with stories to last us a lifetime :)

You know how couples begin to look alike as they grow old together? Well, I guess you could say that’s what happened with Paula and I. After several years of working together, we quickly were dubbed the twins of the Neuro ICU. From our hair color to the cut, to our shoes, to our backpacks, with time we became indistinguishable to most of our colleagues. She was the first and best friend I ever made at UCI as a new grad nearly seven years ago. Fortunately, our husbands and her baby girl have now allowed for us to have a distinguishing factor, though we look forward to the day where Baby Jordyn will have a little playmate! :)