I Get By With a Little Help from My Friends

Last weekend Jason and I went to Crossroads, one of my new favorite weekend activities. The topic of the service was friendship, and it really got me thinking about my friends. (If you're interested in watching the service, go here.) So I decided to dedicate a post on my very neglected blog to those special friends that have blessed my life. While I have many friends and acquaintances, these are the people who have shaped my life in important ways. I have listed them in the order that I met them.

This is my oldest friend, Alison. We met in kindergarten, and she moved away from Ohio when we were in 4th grade. Most of the time when this happens, kids lose touch with their friends because of the distance. Well, not Alison and I! We have maintained a friendship through the years, and distance has not really affected us. We have made many visits to see each other (such as this one, in the Fall of 2008). She is a friend that no matter how long it's been since our last phone call, be it days, months, or even years...we can always pick up right where we left off. I turn into a giddy 5 year old when I am with her, laughing and reminiscing about our "Radio Show" and mint cups. We got to see each other grow up, and were there for each other during all of life's ups and downs. I am lucky to have such a dear friend for such a long amount of time.

Julia is my friend from Ursuline that I have kept in touch with the most. We met our freshman year, and I could post some very embarrassing pictures of us up here (but I won't)! Although, this picture is not the best...we need some new pictures together, Jules! We went through the whole "growing up" phases of life together...high school, transitioning to college, and now being real adults in the working world. She has met every single guy I've dated, and wasn't afraid to give me her opinion of them all! ;) I know I can trust Julia with anything, and she knows me for who I truly am. We have shared beliefs about countless topics, and were president and vice for Teens for Life at UA. We were an awesome team together! While we don't get to see each other nearly enough, I know Julia and I will always share a special friendship.

This is one of my first "new" friends I met at OU, Jackie. I met Jackie in the hallways of our dorm - she was crying because of a stupid boy (haha) and I stopped to make sure she was okay. We have been best friends ever since. Jackie is one of those people that I can tell anything and everything to without feeling judged. I like to think I know her pretty well, and I know she knows pretty much everything there is to know about me! I have many fond memories of laughing until we were crying, complaining about silly boys, making pizzas (or going to Goodfellas!) after late nights at OU, and crying together when we had to leave one another for the summers. I wish she lived closer, but despite the distance, we still talk at least once a week. While you are never sure who you will keep in touch with after graduation day, I have always known Jackie and I would be friends forever. I can't wait to see what life has in store for the two of us!

Sarah and I met through our sorority at OU, AOII. While there were times I doubted my choice to join a sorority, after I met Sarah, I knew it was a great decision. We became fast friends after our retreat, where we stayed up and talked all night while the other girls were doing who-knows-what. Even though she lived in a different dorm freshman year, she came over to my dorm to hang out with us and watch "The Bachelor" and other shows we were all obsessed with. Sophomore year we lived in the AOII house together, which was the size of a very small cubicle. You want to get to know someone quickly, you share next to no space with them for a year! We also lived together our Junior and Senior year at 50. This past year, I had the opportunity to live with her again in my Mason apartment for a few months. Sarah is one of those friends that will listen no matter what, and always thinks of me (I love my yearly birthday cards!). I can't wait to be in her wedding this Sept., and I know she will be in mine someday! :)

Kelly and I met when we were in a Partnership at OU for education majors. We were placed in the same first grade classroom together, which was destiny, if you ask me! We got hired at the same school right out of college, teach the same grade, and our rooms have always been side by side. While we make a good team as teachers, we also make a good team as friends. Kelly is an honest friend that I can always count on when I need an opinion. She has seen me though the good and the bad of relationships, always there with support and advice. I was lucky enough to be in her wedding this past summer, and it was beautiful! So was she - see the above picture for proof! While she lives a decent drive away now in Dayton, she and Shawn will soon be moving to Cincinnati. I am so excited to spend more time with her, and I know there are many great memories waiting for us!

Mandi and I met when we were both hired to teach 1st grade. Even though she is one of my newest friends, she has quickly become one of my closest friends! Mandi is someone that I can talk with for hours on end, and she always has the best advice. She knows exactly what I need in my life - heck, she introduced me to Jason (my boyfriend, for those of you that don't know!), and even encouraged me to build a house in her neighborhood! I love spending time with her on the weekends, and our "boys" get along great. We started going to Crossroads together, which has strengthened both of our spiritual lives and our friendship. Our dogs, Sadie and Hunter, are best buddies...whenever Sadie gets loose outside, I know I can always find her three doors down at Hunter's house looking for her boyfriend! I am so lucky to have such a great neighbor, co-worker, and friend. I can't wait until she has her first baby in May - it will be spoiled rotten! :)

I always have said that someday I want to marry my best friend. Well, I can honestly say that Jason has quickly become one of my best friends over the past year or so! He knows how to make me smile and laugh, and we always have fun together no matter what we do. He has brought out a side of me that no one else really has been able to. I love that he has encouraged me to be the person that I am today. I love that we go to Church every weekend together, and can talk about the topic and share our thoughts on God and religion. We can talk about anything, and it is comforting to know that we are 100% truthful and honest with one another. He trusts me (as he darn well should!), and encourages me to go after my dreams, no matter what they might be. When I decided to build a house by myself, he was nothing but supportive. He didn't ask what was in it for him, or worry that I was being too "independent." He was glad that I could take care of myself, and he respects me more for that. While our relationship and friendship are not "perfect" by any means (whose really is, quite honestly?!), I know that I can tell him anything and that we will work through anything. I love him so much, as my boyfriend and my friend, and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for us!

Overall, I am so blessed with everyone that I have in my life. There are many other friends from high school, college, and work that I could have included in this post. I also could have included my family (who I consider among my best friends, as well), and even Jason's family. For the sake of time, I did not, but know that I love and appreciate everyone that God has put in my life. I am one lucky and loved girl!