Margaritas and Sunshine

My friends are my family and I wanted to dedicate a post entirely to them and how much they mean to me. I am very blessed to have been graced by their friendship and I value each and every one of my friends even if I am not the best at picking up the phone and calling. I can say however that if there is ever anything they need, I will be there or make every attempt to do what I can.

BONNER

This is one of my oldest and dearest friends, Bonner, yes... Bonner. It was her mom's maiden name and when she got married, the Bonner's name is no longer. I think it's pretty awesome but I am sure she gets tired of explaining it to people when she meets them though she would never say so. Bonner is the kindest person I know. She does not have a mean bone in her body and I'm not afraid to lay the smack down on anyone who messes with her! ;) Bonner and I met at Texas A&M through the Equestrian team. We ended up being roommates before I graduated and now she boards my horse, Whitney (the black one on the right). Bonner is a beach/lake bum and tans so easily so I always look like a ghost next to her even on my best "tan" day. Recently (June, 2012), we flew to Mexico and went zip lining (in the rain) amongst being beach bums. Bonner isn't afraid to get dirty or (You'll see...) of taking on new challenges. For instance, I asked Bonner to come with me to our first ever Crossfit class last week.  (Check it out if you haven't heard of it!) We both had a crazy workout and I know I am definitely going again soon. I love my Bonner!!

Mariela and Jen

Jen (far right) became an AP at the middle school I was working at and we hit it off nearly immediately. We were part of the "Sunshine Committee" and had a great time scouting places for our X-mas party. We've been friends ever since. Jen is a phenomenal leader and I could always count on her to give me honest advice. On a personal level, Jen loves to travel, photography and her dogs though they don't like me... hmph. Jen is a lot of fun to be around and her face turns redder than mine when she's embarrassed. ;) Like Bonner, Jen isn't afraid to get dirty... (You'll see...) <3 you, Jen! 

Mariela (far left) and I met through a staff volleyball tournament at our school. We both LOVE volleyball and HATE to lose. We had such a good time playing v-ball, we attempted to join a league and it just never happened (wait list and all that). Coincidently, she was also friends with Jen so we all started hanging out. Last summer (2011), M and I started "Tuesday's Pool Days" during the summer. Each Tuesday, we drive over to my mom's house in Katy with her kids and my pup and swim all day long. She tans super easy like Bonner so again, I look like Casper. Her husband says that we're just alike. We both act like kids if you bring a bouncy house into the picture as evidenced by her daughter's b-day party recently. Mariela LOVES hugs... OK, so maybe not. She got her nickname "Halo" because she wants people to respect her personal bubble though secretly, I think she likes it when Jen and I try to ambush her with LOVE! <3 you, bunches, Halo!

Getting Muddy, Buddy!

Bonner, Mariela, Jen and I signed up for the Warrior Dash in 2010 near Austin, TX. It's a 5K (3.2 miles) race with 11 obstacles including fire, creeks and MUD! We had an absolute blast! See, my girls aren't afraid of getting' dirty!!! We're all signing up for another race in Galveston, TX called Gritty Goddess, another muddy 5K but all females. I guess I should start running/training again... (In my defense, I haven't neglected working out... just running!) 

My Bff's and I at an Astros game (Jen, me, Mariela, and Bonner) 

KELLY 

I met Kelly at Supercamp, a Quantum Learning Network affiliated camp that focuses on life skills and academic skills.  I cannot begin to even tell you how valuable my time with QLN has been to me and how much I learned and grew as a person, an educator and a friend... All I can say is that if you are fortunate enough to be able to be a part of the program, DO! I promise you it is WORTH IT. Though I forged many friendships and still keep in touch with many of them through social media, emails, etc, my friend Kelly and I have kept up with visits and phone calls more often even though we're 1000's of miles apart. Kelly is an amazing woman and I am so happy our paths crossed. She is outgoing, honest, funny, and confident among many other positive adjectives. Kelly is a former gymnast and a trapeze artist. <-- How cool is that?! She was recently diagnosed with cancer and is approaching her battle with it head on. As a matter of fact, I am pretty sure I cried more than she did. If money wasn't an issue, I'd see her much more often! I am proud of her and honored to be considered her friend. I love you, Kelly! 

Kelly and I in one of our "photo shoots"

These woman are all amazing in each of their own ways. I am so lucky to have them all in my life and always look forward to seeing each and every one of them. 

Think. Work. Achieve. The choice is yours.