Living His Design: Happy Birthday Cassie!

Over the past few months I have written and told you all about my best friends. I have intentionally saved my best friend for last so that I could post this on her birthday (you were not forgotten Cassie!). You see, Cassie and I have been best friends since 6th grade. However, before that I hated her. We did not get along in elementary school because of jealousy over a common friend. I remember vividly hoping that she would not get put on my team in 6th grade. Of course the first day of class, guess who was on my team? Yep, Cassie! Little did I know that 6th grade would spark the beginning of the best friendship I've ever had. She and I have been through so much together over the last 11 years. We have cried, laughed hysterically, and shared more memories together than I could even begin to share with you on here. I honestly don't know what I'd do without her! I could not have made it this far or be who I am today without her. Cassie is my best friend and always will be.

For the fun part, in honor of her 22nd birthday, here are my 22 favorite things about Cassie (in no particular order):

1. She loved me despite my out of control curly bangs in middle school (even though she got and still gets some good laughs out of it!)

2. She gave me my first and only black eye.

3. She and I have experienced many animal adventures at the lake. Like the rat blanket and acorns.

4. She is always up to watch a scary movie with me. Not only that, but she is the ONLY person I enjoy watching scary movies with.

5. Not only does she enjoy the really scary movies, but she also shares my love for terrible $5 bin scary movies.

6. She and I share a deep love for Japanese steakhouses.

7. I can't even count how many Phase 10 games we have played over the last 11 years. Most of which lately she has dominated in!

8. I love our long talks out on the pier at her lake house. It doesn't matter if it's the summer or winter we always make it down there and spend countless hours talking about anything and everything.

9. We always enjoy laughing at how we laugh. Sounds silly but it's always hilarious!

10. We met 4 crazy guys at the beach during one of her birthdays and still joke about it to this day.

11. She appreciates black people and their culture more than anyone I know. Actually she just appreciates every culture more than anyone else I know.

12. She and I used to walk to the BP together when we were younger. Even despite the time we ~~almost~~ possibly got kidnapped.

13. She and I share a hatred for the store Buckle. It's a nightmare to find clothes in there, even with a gift card.

14. I am always Cassie's go-to shopping buddy. It is my duty to keep her going despite any frustrations that may occur (mainly over jeans & bras), but most importantly it's my job to put all the clothes back on their hangers lol

15. She and I share a deep love for traveling and have a list of 50 places we must go together. First on the list is Alaska then the Fiji underwater hotel.

16. She pushed me to follow my heart and go back to Haiti. For that I will always be grateful! We share a bond most friends never experience through our love for working in Haiti together.

17. I love how because of her I have tried so many new things. Sometimes we agree that she may have corrupted me lol

18. She is always my voice of reason when it comes to guys. I ~~almost always~~ sometimes need her to pull be back to reality.

19. I love that she and I know each other so well that we understand what the other person is thinking without saying a word.

20. I love that we are so opposite when it comes to dating, but I know her so well that I could walk any guy through what she wants/doesn't want when it comes to dating her. No pink roses please!

21. I love that even though we may fight like sisters sometimes we are both always quick to forgive and forget.

22. I love all of the crazy pictures the two of us took together as kids and all the memories it brings back when I look through our scrapbook.

Cassie thank for being such an amazing friend to me. I know there are times where we don't always see eye to eye but over the years that has only brought us closer together. I have grown so much because of you. I've learned to look at the world with a more open mindset and see the beauty in people. You have taught me to believe in myself and stick to my dreams. You've coached me through heartbreak, been a shoulder to cry on, cheered with me over success, been my voice of reason, laughed hysterically with me, but most of all you've always been a friend to me even when it was not deserved. Like I said before, I had no idea what an amazing friendship was going to stem from being on the same team with you in 6th grade. I had no idea that at 22 we'd still be taking trips to the lake, talking for countless hours, and growing more each day in our friendship. I honestly don't know how I would have made it without you all of these years. I can never thank you enough for the love and support you've shown me! Knowing I can always turn to and depend on you is something I cherish each day. I cannot wait to see what the next 11 years holds for us! Love you Cassie! Thank you for being my best friend.