Day 4: Favorite photo of one of my best friends...

Amanda and I have been friends since high school. We met in the girls' bathroom in the wee hours of the morning because we both rode the bus to school before we had our own cars, and we both had the terrible habit of running late (which we have yet to grow out of) and had to finish getting ready for the day at school. Our bathroom primping conversations led to us taking tennis lessons together, which led to us hanging out all summer long (and even dated brothers - which is a whole other story), which led to us becoming best friends during our senior year, which led to us becoming forever friends. She moved out to Maryland about five years ago, and I flew out to visit her (this photo was taken in Ocean City, MD 5 years ago). About a year and a half after she had moved out East, I found out that we were moving to Virginia, just a few hours drive south of her. I was thrilled! We continued to visit one another over the years, taking turns driving back and forth, and as of this year we have moved just north of DC, she lives just south of DC, and we get to see a lot more of each other lately. I love this girl, er, um, woman. We have practically grown up together, have been through everything together, and I can't imagine life without such a wonderful friend. In fact, everyone would be fortunate to have a friend like Amanda. She is so kind and understanding, gives sound advice, knows exactly what to say - or not say - in times of distress, knows exactly how to make others feel completely comfortable, and she is always reaching out to be there for others. She is humble, sweet, and way too modest about her many talents. She is one of the most selfless, beautiful people I know. I admire her in so many ways for so many reasons. I love you, Amanda!