Friendship vs. Relationship

A friend is someone you can count on. Someone you want to share the good's and the bad's in life. They call you on you crap, and see the best in you. It really is like a relationship. And it takes work. A lot. If the person is worth it. Being a military family, I am mostly likely in for a lifetime of making new friends, and moving away from the old.
I think a mark of true friendship is the test of long distance. Unfortunately I am horrible at keeping in touch with long distance friends. I hate talking on the phone and avoid it at all costs (a leftover from my childhood epic shyness, maybe?). Thanks to Facebook and status updates, I feel more connected and up to date on my friends lives than I really am. Fortunately I am really good at meeting up with someone and picking back up exactly where we left off without missing a beat.
One thing I know, we weren't created to go through life alone. Living life with friends by your side is essential to healthy growth and development. And so, so wonderful.
I really feel like each and every one of my friend's is a gift, and I want to show them just how special they are to me. Perhaps just by listening rather than talking. Giving a hug unprompted.

I guess at the end of the day my goal is to be the kind of friend I want in return.

Sweet Valley Confidential: 10 Years Later

I read the Sweet Valley books when I was a kid/teenager, and revisiting this story line has been so nostalgic!
Reading about the Wakefield twins all grown up was a little disconcerting, there was always a sort of innocent quality to them and their lives, even wild Jessica. Not so in the latest installment! It is rather gritty in comparison. The layout of the story is classic and true to all Sweet Valley tales. I enjoyed the trip down book-memory lane, it almost makes me want to go back and read all of the books over again...almost!

Grateful.

I think too often the negative, overwhelming, awful things of life overshadow the good. What would happen if we all focused more on what we do have, and simply be grateful for it? I want to remember and focus on the good more than I do. 

Some things I am grateful for:

I am grateful for my family. Nothing matters more to me, and I have the best. :)

(and this is only mostly everybody!)

My faith. My center, and what I always go back to. Up and down, it has not always been steady, but is my absolute truth, and has taught me what true joy is, amidst life's challenges. 

My best friend. There really is nothing quite like the best-friendship. After ten years, I would say ours has stood the test of time, and having spent 6 of those years living in different cities, it has also stood the test of distance. I am a lucky girl to call her my best! 

My puppy. She has crazy energy, constantly challenges me, and brings me endless amounts of happiness. I finally understand the phrase man's best friend; with a husband who works crazy and long hours, she is a wonderful companion to me! 

(this was taken the day we got her, SO cute!)

My health. Lately I've been learning a lot about health, diet, exercise; and for the first time in my life, it's because I want to. I think this is an area we tend to take for granted until a scare or crisis happens. I want to learn to take care of myself now, so I can enjoy life longer, and not have to worry about those scares and crises! 

Last, and certainly not least, my husband, and I really don't think words are necessary. :)

These things I am grateful for today. There are so many more, but for now, these will do. I know I will be posting more on this topic again!