Raw Chicken and Headstands

"A good friend will sharpen your character, draw your soul into the light, and challenge your heart to love in a greater way."  Edward Bulwer-Lytton

My ladies.  Smart, strong, funny, unique.  Beautiful inside and out.

My family is my heart and soul but my girlfriends are my sanctuary.  I have a few individual very close friendships but there is a group of 7 women that I met while working together at a hotel 10 years ago - most of us were mere girls then - that know and love me like no other.  

I remember the moment I met each one.  

One I knew from college and I and admired her from afar before I really got to know her. She is vivacious and funny.  Full of character and personality.

One made me laugh right from the belly without even trying.  She is forthright and she's fierce in the Tyra Banks way - the best way.  

One intimidated me but simultaneously was also full of an adorable quirkiness that I was immediately drawn to (she has just found out she was pregnant and I've no doubt she may have had a touch of pregnancy rage).  

One seemed sweet and innocent but once her mouth opened one realized she was full of a shocking and wicked offside sense of humour.  She really is sweet and thoughtful too though.

One I didn't really get to know until much later but always loved her joie de vivre and have since admired her loyalty and strength of character.  She is a great listener.  

And last but certainly not least one is full of warmth, a great laugh and though (just a little older than us) is also full of youthful spirit.

We didn't all start hanging out right away but the bond that we've formed over the past decade is intrinsic and wonderful and true.  Three of us have moved away from the city where our friendship formed but our ties have grown stronger with each passing year. 

In our younger days we had our share of nights that lasted well into the morning.  Since then we've become Wives and Mothers.  We've laughed until we've almost peed our pants. We've battled demons and exes.  We've cried together.  We have fabulous conversations.  We know each other's stories.

One thing is certain, we always, always have a blast together. 

We are all so very different yet those differences bring out the best in each other.

Our friendship bond has grown bigger, stronger and has become so deep seated I simply cannot imagine my life without any one of them.  

I am so incredibly lucky to have such wonderful female friends.

(Even if they won't let it go that I didn't cook the chicken all the way through for dinner the other night - I swear to GOD I've never done that in my life.)  

I'm not sure what they would say to describe me but I know they like to tease me in the way that only great friends are allowed to - especially if I'm feeling vomitous (yes, I made that word up).  They are my biggest blog fans by the way - so this one is for them.  They've been bugging me to write something for the past couple of days but it's only them that inspired me to write this.

And vlog this.  After a (few too many) drinks this past St Paddy's Day I couldn't help but notice the vast space in my girlfriend's basement that was calling me to do a cartwheel which led to what you are about to witness.  Things of this nature often occur when I've had a couple too many.  Sometimes I think it would be great if everyone dances with bright pink feathers:  

Yep - that's me with my bright pink dancin' partner.
By the end of the night EVERYONE had one of
those in their hands.  

and other times I believe I am a nimble gymnast.  Clearly after watching this video you will find out the real truth - that my girlfriends are seriously talented in halfway headstands.  And I? Am not.

Ladies, I love you and can't wait to see what we get up to the next time.  

January XOXOXOXOXOXO (a kiss and a hug for each of you)