Ode to the wonderful women in my life on International Women's Day

Today is the 100th International Women's Day!!!!

“International Women’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. It is an occasion for looking back on past struggles and accomplishments, and more importantly, for looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women.”

I'm celebrating by having a huge glass of Barefoot Moscato, listening to my favorite women singers (Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, Patsy Cline, Rachael Yamagata, Melody Gardot, and last but definitely not least, Adele) and reflecting how important the women are in my life.

my mommy

Let's start with the obvious. My Mother. The woman who gave birth to me almost 29 years ago and has carried me ever since. My mother is a wise woman who gave me great advice as I was growing up such as, 'you can't always get what you want', 'you get more bees with honey than you do vinegar', 'shit in one hand, wish in the other and see which fills up faster,' 'good things come in little packages', 'tables are for glasses, not asses', 'treat others the way you want to be treated' and my favorite 'there's nothing a man can do that a woman cannot do better.' My mom works in the shipping dept in a factory and works harder than most men I know. My little 4'11 mom is on her feet all day, she can lift heavy things, she can fix things, build things and she can open jars when the lids are on too tight. She has tattoos on both arms, reads romance novels, is incredibly artistic, loves animals and basically kicks ass. My mom is bad ass. She's put up with me doing every stupid thing you can possibly think of. and I seriously mean every thing you can think of. Not only is my mom the perfect mixture of strong and sensitive, she still loves me unconditionally when i'm a complete asshole. Thank you mom for being simply amazing.

Samantha & I

Next is my little sister, Samantha. Oh dear little sister who has put up with me for the past 22 years of your life. It literally amazes me every day that you still speak to me after I told you that you were adopted, abducted by aliens, convinced you that lemon juice tasted like lemonade, and made you sandwiches consisting of peanut butter jelly and a whole jar of salt. Now you're all grown up and would probably kick my ass if I tried something like that because I'm not quite sure how or why, but you're freaking taller than I am. I blame mom. You've grown to be an incredible talented artist, graduating from college this spring and getting married next fall. I'm beyond proud of and happy for you.

Last but not least, my lovely girlfriends. I am basically the luckiest girl in the whole entire world because I'm 100% positive that I have the most amazing group of friends.

Katie & I

I've been bff with Katie since 2nd hour Art class on the first day of freshman year of high school. We've remained close even though we've lived thousands of miles apart for the past 10 years. She truly inspires me and isn't afraid to tell me when i'm being ridiculous (which I usually am).

The girls in CO for Jill's bachelorette

We belong to a wonderful little group of girls from a small little town who have managed to stay close after we graduated 11 years ago. Jill, Angela, Jamie, Sara and Angie. I could seriously write a book about these girls. We are all so incredibly different but we work so well together! We reunite for weddings and bachelorette parties. We regularly send emails and texts just to say hello, have a great day, love you... these girls are amazing.

Leslie, Miranda & I on my 28th B-day

Then there is my darling Miranda, who I met in 1st grade. She is incredibly artistic, fun and just beautiful!  Miranda is probably one of the only people I can stay on the phone with for 4 hours on a Saturday afternoon and only end the conversation because she has an idea that she needs to draw!

Amber & I

Last but not least, my incredible Oklahoma friends. I've been lucky enough to make some amazing friends since moving to Oklahoma almost 8 years ago. Courtney, Amber, Amber, Diana, Cindi, Shasta, Leslie, Amy, April, Carin, Debra, Amanda, Tammy, Yara, Tamra, Michelle... I'm sure I missed someone but these girls have all been an important part of my life since moving here and I wouldn't be the person I am today if it weren't for them. They're one of the best things about living in Oklahoma.

Shasta & I

April, Diana, Cindi, Amber & I 

It's women like these that truly inspire me. Each are beautiful, supportive and play a very important role in my life. I don't know what I would do without them, and let's hope I never have to.

Courtney & I

Diana & I

my crazy wig b-day party