Dear fermented fruit deliciousness,

Thank you. Thank you for being there for me during the happiest moments of my life, the saddest moments, and when I was just exhausted after a long day. I do not need you, and I would have gotten to where I am without you, but I am extremely thankful that I had you with me for the ride. Any time you were in my zebra print wine glass, you made things a little more enjoyable.

So, cheers and bottoms up!

*Lifts glass* Here is to the numerous weddings, girl’s night outs, girl’s night ins, break ups, movie nights at home with mom, romantic dinners, and nights in alone. Here is to all of the times that the pop of your cork lead to a night that ended in tears, whether happy or sad. Here is to you, Wine. *Drink*.

Thank you for always being there when it felt like no one else was. Whether it was after a break up, losing a friend, co-workers letting me down, or when my only plans on a Friday night got canceled, you were always there. Even if you encouraged me to call someone I haven’t talked to in years and embarrass myself, at least you were there. So thank you for not making me get through those nights alone.

Thank you for making nights with the girls that much more enjoyable. We are all just a little bit sillier in your presence. Thank you for giving us the memories and giggles together. You also tear our filters off, make us a little more open, and spark conversations that we probably wouldn’t have had without you. We learn things about each other that we didn’t know, and share secrets we thought we had to hide forever. So, thank you for bringing us closer together, and making our friendships stronger.

Thank you for being there when it is no longer acceptable to drink coffee. Caffeine may be my go to during the day, I apologize. (It just has to be this way-- day drinking is not socially acceptable, and sober me is much more productive.) The coffee is there to keep me pushing through the crappy day but you are who I come home to. You are the one that is there to deal with my bad moods, difficult days, to calm my nerves, and to relax me. Nothing calms me more than a long bubble bath with you—and when it comes to being a sleep aid, you trump Ny-Quil by a long shot.

You take my crazy, caffeine-filled, chaotic days and turn them into relaxing evenings at home, and I thank you for that. You keep me balanced. You keep me sane.

Thank you for being accepted and enjoyed by a majority of population. It makes last minute gift giving that much easier. When I am running late to a party or gathering of any kind, I know I can run into the grocery store and pick up my favorite bottle of wine as a last minute gift. It’s fast, easy, not too cheesy, and reasonably priced -- honestly, who doesn’t like alcohol anyway?

Thank you for being my movie buddy. Thank you even more for going well with chocolate and popcorn. Thank you for always thinking my jokes are funny and making me laugh even harder at myself. Thank you for always encouraging me to dance and enjoy the moment. Thank you for not judging my ugly crying face…Seriously, thank you! Thank you for staining that one t-shirt that should have been thrown away years ago--thank you for teaching me how to let go of things that I have been holding onto for too long. They say that diamonds are a woman’s best friend, but thank you for being a better best friend than diamonds ever could be.

Thank you for all that you do, and all that you don’t. Thank you for always filling my glass, warming my face, and relaxing me. Life just wouldn’t be the same without you. I am extremely thankful that I have had you with me for this crazy ride of a life. I cannot wait to see what memories we create together next.

Cheers.