Buon compleanno, Tessa! :)

As I am sick in bed...what better to do then write a an early birthday blog dedicated to my best, Tessa Lynn! Tessa is someone that has quickly become a sister/best friend to me. Through crazy times, tears, late nights, death, breakups, marriage, new relationships, moving everywhere...we've really been through it all. I have said to many people over the past few months...it's amazing how someone can be an ocean away ...6 hour time difference...and still I talk her more than I talk to some close by or a few hours away :). This is the friend who I can call at 4 AM, word vomit to about anything...and I know she will love me, support me, challenge me in ways that a friend always should. Not only am I thankful for our great conversation and support...but can I just explain to the world how I have never laughed harder with anyone in my life than with this girl.

From "The Hill", to getting stuck in a freezer during a tornado (can't forget Barry on that one :), to cheerleading and mall trips...we can do anything together and just be happy little clams! To me, these are the best kinds of friendships. The ones where you make all of the effort in the world to make sure you talk and spend time together...but when you are together the time spent is just so easy :). I'm pretty sure everyone that I meet, I say "my best friend lives in Italy"!!! Not only because I think it's awesome...but because I am so proud too! This is the girl who has taught me to follow my heart no matter what anyone else says :) I am going to miss celebrating with you this weekend but hope that you have sooooooo much fun :) "I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU...BUT I HATE IT"...LOL..<3

On my mind...

Lately I've been thinking, you never really know what battles people are fighting...it's so important to be kind to everyone you meet. A smile, a hello, a quick conversation...all go such a long way. It makes me really sad sometimes to see that a lot of people in this world just simply don't value meaningful relationships. Of course...I feel like I learned this trait from my mother. She always stressed to me from such a young age to reach out to everyone and to make people feel loved and welcome. She always talked about the patients she worked with who were suffering so badly...but who were some of the nicest people in the world. I think that always gave her such a different perspective on the world. The irony in that...when she was sick in the hospital, she made such good friends with all of the nurses...some who even said they had never been that close with a patient before. But, that was so like my mom...to be that person who you just couldn't help to be close to in life...

I know that's what I strive to have in my life as well. I will always put others above myself and will always try to make someones day with a little smile or hello. I just encourage others to do the same. Think about the people who wait on you at a restaurant, who get your coffee everyday, who pump your gas (lucky Jersey friends ;) ), and who clean your office or building at work...reach out to everyone! You never know the connections you will make or the people who you will impact...life is too short to be miserable and cold. :)