Typically, my constant expression of thoughts and feelings shines through with sarcasm. However, this might get a little sappy (nothing close to Dear John or The Notebook, but hey). Anyway, have you ever heard the expression that your friends are the family you get to choose? Did you ever take a really good look at the people that you allow into your life? Well, recently I've been doing just that and I have to share my thoughts with you. Your friends are your family you get to choose and I'm lucky enough to have some of the best ones surround me every day. Some have been there since we were sitting in kindergarten with our terrible haircuts and horrendous bangs. Some are girls I've met in college that I had no clue would become some of the best friends I wouldn't even have thought to ask for. Then, there is one that I was lucky enough to meet and grow close through a mutual friend.

Now that the background history of my friendships is out of the way, let me explain why I'm so thankful to the girls that are always in my corner (even if I claim I don't need them there sometimes). I have a hilarious group of friends - the kind of friends that go out for Galentine's Day dinner where we end up getting drunk on margaritas and then super drunk afterwards while going out for "a few beers.” Not only is there never a dull moment with them, but they are the kind of girls that can make me forget about a bad day or terrible mood and cause me to just have fun and laugh. They will also pounce on anyone like a pack of wolves if you try to mess with one of us (this is especially true for guys who hurt us). Through tears, laughs, arguments and dirty looks from random girls, my friends have always been by my side and for that I am grateful.

I love the members of the family that I get to choose. I am thankful for each and every one of you. We manage to take separate paths, yet still remain together no matter where they may lead. So, to the family that I get to choose: thank you. Thank you for choosing me, thank you for having my back and taking endless shots with me at the bar. Thank you for encouraging me, for calling me out on things when needed and believing in me more than I often believe in myself. Thank you for being you.