Friends

My sweet cousin Lauren has been blogging about her friends and it got me thinking just how lucky I was, to have the friends I have.  I have been surrounded by some amazing girls, who no matter what, no matter how miles are between us, will always be my friends.  

Abbey, where to begin.  Abbey is not only a friend, she is family, my cousin.  Abbey has been such an example to me in so many ways.  She was always the cousin, I wanted to be like.  I admired everything about her.  I remember being so excited about getting her hand me downs and spending the night at her house, when I was younger. 

There is no one in the world that I know, that has a better music selection than Abbey.  We share the same passion for music.  She is the worlds greatest fitness instructor.  I am not lying.  Her spin class far exceeds any other class I have ever taken.  She has a way through her music, words, and energy that motivates you and pushes you to your fullest potential.   Abbey is the reason why I bought a bike.  Abbey is the reason why I rode in Lotoja.  Abbey is the reason I teach Zumba.  She has helped mold me into the person I am today.

Before I got married we would spend every Monday night together.  We spent many nights catching up on our shows, while I enjoyed a cooked meal from her.  I have always told Abbey, I wish she could see herself the way others see her.  She has motivated me to be a better person, a healthier person and has helped so many people reach their goals.  She has such a sweet tender heart and gives everything she has to whatever it is, she is doing.

Dub Cheese, AKA Megs, this girl teaches me daily what it means to be a good friend.  Megan and I hit it off from the beginning.  I invited Megan to come to Bear Lake with me and some friends and it has been history ever since.  Megan and I bought are bikes within one week of each other.  Together we learned to love those bikes.  But it was more than the bike.  Our friendship grew deeper the more hours we spent on our bikes, as we trained for Lotoja.  During Lotoja I got to mile seventy and my body bonked.  I seriously did not know how I was going to finish the race.  Megan could see I was struggling, put her hand on my bike, and pushed me twenty five miles uphill, until my body had gotten itself back together. That moment meant everything to me.  

Megan is the type of person that isn't afraid to just be herself.  She never smiles normal for a picture, this I love about her.  She is real.  Megan doesn't have to wear make-up and still looks gorgeous.  Megan sends me the most random texts or emails that make my day.  She will tell me whenever she finds a new recipe, that's a hit.  Whenever I need a pick me up, I can count on Megan.  I love that she cares about my opinion and asks me even about the little things.  

I will never forget the time I was feeling extremely homesick and her and Jessie drove twelve hours to see me.  It meant everything to have them come visit.  

Jessie Girl, is one of the most amazing people I have ever met.  I have known Jessie since I was little, but didn't become close friends with her until I moved to Draper.  She has the best style.  Her and I share the same love for the outdoors.  She like Megan doesn't have to wear any make-up and still glows.  She gives the best advice and has such a gift of just listening.  Jessie is the type of girl you could tell anything to and you know she would not judge you or tell another sole.  She loves her family and would do anything for them.  She is the definition of no drama.  She has a talent for photography, drawing, painting, making jewelry and finds beauty in the little things.  Her and I crossed the finish line of Lotoja together.  That is a memory I will never forget.  

Sister/Jessica, we go way back.  Jessica moved to Heber when we were fifteen.  We would bake cookies together and go deliver them to boys we had crushes on.  As high school went on we became arch rivals.  Not really, but we seemed to always run into liking the same guy.  It wasn't until college we rekindled our friendship.  We both auditioned for the dance team and found ourself teammates.  We had some fun times in college together.  

Jessica is so talented in so many ways.  She plays the piano beautifully and is so smart.  She can run and run.  I was so happy I got to watch her finish her first half-marathon.  It didn't even phase her.  Her house is gorgeous.  She has such a knack for decorating and restoring furniture.  We share the same love for PINK sweats, Nike shoes, chick flicks and books.  Jessica got married before me, so it has been fun to always have her for advice.  She never complains and is always so positive.  

Maggie and I have been through so much together.  We became friends in high school when she made the cheer squad.  I remember her telling me she was afraid of me, until she got to know me.  I was with her the night she hung out with her now husband, for the first time.  Maggie and I had so many first together.  We were roommates on and off while in college.  I will forever be grateful for the many rooms that were provided for me.  She was there for me when my dad died, when I broke up with boyfriends, when I got my wisdom teeth out, when I got my first car, and so much more.   

She is one fantastic cook.  She is what I like to call, gourmet.  Maggie has the most darling clothes.  She is always dressed perfectly and not to mention, has the most gorgeous red hair.  No one knows how to put an outfit together like her.  We share the same love for food.  She introduced me to some of my most favorite restaurants.  Maggie knows how to throw a party.  She is the most darling host around.  I will never forget the gorgeous bridal shower she threw for me.  She made me feel like a million bucks.  Maggie is someone you can trust.  We talk and talk about anything and everything.  We get one another.   

While writing this post I have come to realize, now more than ever, just how amazing my friends are.  Even though we live more than a thousand miles away from one another, I feel their friendship close.  I love that when I go back to Utah we pick up, right where we left off.  Being away from my friends has been one of the hardest things I have ever had to go through, but I will never forget the memories I have built with them.  

Thank you friends for always being there for me and being much better friends than I deserve, you truly are the greatest!