22 years is a long time.

This past weekend I went to a good friend's birthday/Halloween party. Everyone was having fun, drinking, socializing, the whole nine. As the night went on we stumbled upon the topic of friendships. Everyone began naming which friend they've had the longest and for how long.

I didn't have to think twice - when I was asked who and how long, I responded "Adrian - 22 years."

Yes, I'm 22 years old. And honestly, if I could say MORE than 22 years I would. It's actually a bit ridiculous that I've made 20-something posts on this blog and have yet to mention Adrian. You see, Adrian's a year older than me and our parents were friends and neighbors before either of us were ever even thought of. After Adrian was born, in 1985, my parents began to babysit, etc. Then my mom became pregnant and almost a year later, I was born. Needless to say, we've literally been together from day 1.

Growing up, her mom would watch us before school everyday. There's so many things about my childhood that would never ever be the same if I didn't have her to remember them with. The countless New Year's Eves where our parents would get together and we'd sneak out to steal snacks when they thought we were asleep. The millions of Saved By the Bell episodes we watched - back when they were new. The Dolphin game and the Sonic the Hedgehog wars we had. New years at her Dad's apartment when we got older. Yelling Jason's name out the window to see if he'd find us (Age - on a completely different note, he's getting married!) The bus stop wars with an unnamed individual down the road. Literally being chased on our bikes by another freak down the road. The bike rides. We would always think we were so cool, and we'd always switch bikes. One day, Adrian decided to get herself hit by a car! And ruined my bike! and lost the tip of her finger (okay, so maybe she didn't LOSE it, but she had to get a ton of stitches).

Basically, Adrian has made me the person I am. A few years back (oh my god has it really been..4 years?) she moved to Omaha, Nebraska from New Jersey. Obviously, I haven't seen her nearly as much as I did when we were growing up, but she is one of those lifelong friends that will always be there when it counts.

For example: Her and our other good friend Ashley sat through the pouring rain at my high school graduation. Then when it came time for my graduation from Seton Hall, Adrian made sure she was there. Even a 22 hour drive from Omaha, Nebraska to East Rutherford, NJ cannot separate us. It's one of the best feelings in the world and I am beyond grateful to have someone like her in my life.