Ten Friends

To 10 friends who are important to me, that have recently, or in the past, greatly affected my life. If you want to take a stab at which number you are... go ahead. I'll tell you if you get it right!

#1 Well well, you probably have no idea how much you intrigue me. You also probably have no idea that I'm talking about you when you read this- but if you have a funny feeling, you're probably right. It is hard to ignore the fact that I feel like I've known you my entire life. So quickly, I liked you. So quickly, you became a treasured friend. You are one of those people with whom the silences are rare, but never awkward. Connections like ours are hard to find and hard to describe. It's just there, you know? Laughter is always abundant; in fact, it's constant when we're together. It's the kind of laughter that always results form some ridiculous conversation or some stupid asinine joke, that's so hard and robust it shakes your bones and lifts your soul. I hate that you under-estimate yourself so much, because you have such a kind heart, such a bright mind, and an amazing tenacity for getting shit done. You're a bit of a hard nut to crack at first (nut being the operative word, HA!) but underneath... well, don't worry... I'll keep your secret...

#2 Well, what can I say about you... you're just simply amazing. You're quirky, hysterical, unique, and you light up every room you walk into. You truly have no idea how wonderful you are. You're caring, considerate, and have an unparalleled zest and passion for life. You make my heart smile everytime I talk to you. You are another person I could say any crazy thing to and you would not only never judge me, but you would either match me or out-do me in the craziness department. Our friendship developed slowly and unexpectedly at first, but over the years, you have become one of my dearest friends that I know will remain in my life forever. I hate that you have any insecurities, because when I look at you, I see someone incredibly special and beautiful, both inside and out. I just love you to pieces.

#3 We don't talk nearly enough... but I will never hold it against you. I know life is pulling you in a million directions right now. You were another unexpected friendship - a friendship I can't imagine my life without. You simply get me, and you always have. We could go months without talking and pick up right where we left off. You have an incomparable stength that I so admire, but you also have such an amazing sense of humor and such a shockingly foul mouth that reduces me to tears in laughter. Your family and friends are your number one priority, and I know that if I needed you, you would drop everything to be there for me in a heartbeat. No matter what, I know I can always 100% be myself around you. It is amazing to me how two people can be so different, yet be so similar at the same time. You are an amazing person with so much to offer the world, and I can't wait to see you kickin ass.

#4 I'm still discovering what you're all about, but I'm so grateful you came into my life. It didn't take me long at all to know that you're as real as it gets. No thrills or frills - you tell it like it is, because you're the definition of a realist. I feel like we've been friends forever, even though we've not known eachother very long. I feel like I can trust you to always give me your honest opinion and advice on things. And I respect everything you say immensely. I admire your drive and persistence to "do whatcha gotta do." You are smart, articulate, funny, and downright loveable. I hope that our friendship continues to grow and deepen. It's not often you meet someone you have so much in common with by "chance," but I'm so glad we did.

#5 You are the ultimate free spirit - always seeking the next adventure, always looking for something new in your life to fill your heart and soul - to bring you ultimate happiness. And you won't settle for anything less. Up until recently, we haven't talked for quite some time. But, I'm so grateful we broke the silent streak. You have an incredible, crazy sense of humor, always finding something to smile about. You have a unique way of viewing the world around you. You love nature just as much as I do. You are so in tune to your feelings and emotions, you wear your heart on your sleeve, and I admire you for that. You were always the life of every party, and you still are.

#6 You are by far the most unexpected friendship I've ever encountered. We are so incredibly different, yet I think it is the substance of our hearts that keeps us close. Yours is particularly huge. You genuinely care about the people in your life so much. It wouldn't matter if we were 1 mile or 10,000 miles apart, you would find the time to talk; you would find a way to be there for me. You always put other people before yourself, but sometimes, you NEED to put yourself first. You always put 100% of yourself in everything you do, whether its Uni, work, or your relationships. We had an incredible adventure together, and from that, we'll be bonded for life. To thine own self be true, my dear.

#7 I wish we talked more as well, but again, life gets in the way sometimes. We are very much alike, that is no secret. We could talk about anything, no matter how personal or intimate. You also have a huge heart, but you're definitely not afraid to call someone out when you think they're in the wrong. You have strong feelings and opinions about things, and you're not afraid to put them out there. And because I'm the same way, at times we have had some mis-communications occasionally, only to be resolved within a minute and right back to our cheerful, upbeat conversations and giggles. We've been through some unique adventures together as well. And it's no surprise our viewpoints of those times are essentially identical. You will be a friend forever, no matter the distance or time between talking.

#8 I MISS YOU. You are one of the the craziest, funniest, cutest, people I've ever met. Man we have been through some crazy times together, but always with hysterical laughter, as well as random moments of manic singing and dancing. "It's oh so quiet. Shh.. shh... It's oh, so still. Shh... shh... You're all alone. Shh... shh... and so peaceful until... you fall in love! Zing boom!" Really, that's all I need to say. You're so care-free and spirited and full of life, love, and laughter. You could brighten up the darkest day. And I miss the light you always brought to my life! You're someone people would normally hate because you're so damn stunning, but can't because you're too damn loveable!

#9 Well, it's hard to know where I would be without you in my life. You've been such a constant for so long, that it would feel strange if you were ever gone. Our friendship has seen highs, lows, and everything in between. There isn't much that we haven't been through together. Sometimes we don't see eye to eye on things, and some of our arguments have been pretty epic, but we always find a way to get back to what matters. I know that when push comes to shove, you will always be like family. There's not much else I need to say other than that.

#10 Simply put: you are an enigma. Our infrequent conversations are always wrought with confusion in my mind. Around you, reality cannot be discerned from fiction. I admire your intellect - you're very bright, very smart, very articulate and eloquent. Yet in close contact, you have a "devil may care" type of attitude. You always come across like something is missing in your life - something you just can't quite put your finger on; something you can't quite grasp. You have made a significant impact on my life whether you realize it or not, whether I like to admit it or not. You were part of my journey, and in fact, partly the reason I am where I am today. So for that, I am grateful. Keep up the good work you do, and I sincerely hope you've found "it."