With every good idea comes a copycat

A dear friend of mine recently wrote a list of 22 friends who have in some way or another made an impact on her life. Being 22 herself, the list represented a friend for each year that she has been alive. Recent events in my life have made me reflect and focus on what I am grateful for. I have already flew around the world, had surgery, turned 25, and witnessed the happy engagement of my sister. Life is good and I have a lot to be grateful for. So here is my list:

1. I am sorry to start with my dog, but I will. Its my damn list. Precious, my springer spaniel friend, was a selfish, self serving, gluttonus, diva and I enjoyed every minute of her. I would be crying over some failed realtionship and she would be there. . .making me rub her belly while I sobbed. She brought so much joy and spent 10 years of her life apart of our family.

2. Nikki Moulton. . .My high school buddy who introduced me to many new things and gave me a lot of fun memories. She helped through my anorexia by offering these profound words, "It's just cheese. You can eat it. It's not scary." So simple, but it started to change my life.

3. Steffanie Wallace. . .My church friend who brought me a wonderful friendship and many warm memories. I am thankful I knew her.

4. The Eating Disorder Staff and friends at the LLMBC. . .I know it's not one person, but all collectively changed my life and introduced me to the light at the end of the tunnel.

5. Miss Bettie Page. . .Your testimony and your life changed how I wanted to see myself and gave me courage to be a better woman.

6. Tina Faris. . .You showed me a loving, attentive friendship that I had never known. You brought me happiness and warm, ridiculous memories.

7. Amy McClain. . .The woman who knows everybody and gives the best hugs. You inspired me and challenged me.

8. Annie Ludes. . ."You made my light days lighter".

9. Macall Rager. . .You taught me style and class.

10. Jamie Peterson. . .You are one of the most encouraging, validating people I have ever known. I aspire to live as vocal as you do with your gifts of words.

11. Melissa Meador. . .My favorite ballerina. I aspire to have your grace and thoughtful heart.

12. Walter Ponce. ..Taught me creativity, love of myself, confidence and everything that is crazy and fun.

13. Carissa Keppelin. . .Has one of the sweetest hearts and best laugh of anyone I know. I feel like my best self when I am around her.

14. Cece Chavez. . .My college roomate who moved all the furniture around every two days. She is silly, lovely and talented. I feel privelaged to know her.

15. Judy Garland. . .I aspire to have your wit, presence and ability to entertain. I am in awe of your effortless talent.

16. Greg Albert. . .For introducing me to what it's like to date your best friend and for being my first date that wanted to pray before we ate. You were a gift.

17. Abby Gonzalez. . .For being my best buddy, teaching me so much, and bringing so much joy. I will always adore you.

18. Mark Gonzalez. . .For being one of the most consistent people in my life. You have been such a dear friend. I cherish your friendship.

19. immaculee ilibagiza. . .For giving your story of forgiveness. I will always think of you when I have to swallow my pride and take steps to forgiveness. You are the ultimate example.

20. CoCo Watson. . .You introduced me to The Cheno, all things theater and a world that I am most proud to be a part of.

21. Edith Piaf. . .You have brought me so much inspiration and I think we would have been the best of friends with the most drama.

22. Veronica Miele. . .You are talented and convicted and I appreciate everything about you. You are a wonderful edition to my life.

23. Joann Cannon. . .For being my wild and crazy great aunt with a sass and boldness that I love and appreciate.

24. Grandpa Harvey Metcalf. . .For being the only Grandpa that I have ever known. I might marry Chris just so you could officially be my Grandpa. There has always been a void in the place where a Grandpa should be and you fill it with such kindness and joy. I will never forget blueberry pancakes, coffee, and hours of stories:)

25. And last but not least. .Chris Metcalf. . .You have made me into a better woman then I ever thought I could be. I will forever be grateful for how love me and what you have brought to my life. My life is sweeter and more challenging with in it and I wouldnt change a thing:)

Thank you all. . .What you meant to me is priceless. Thank you for making me a better woman:)