The Girlfriend Guide: Mandy

Good morning and welcome to this week's edition of the Girlfriend Guide!!  This week, I
am so excited to introduce you to one of the nicest, most caring women I know: my
sweet friend Mandy.  Mandy and I have known each other since junior high, growing up
in the same small Louisiana country side.  We became great friends in high school,
spending lots of time together on the side lines of the football field, performing on our
school's dance team.  After high school, as we all went our separate ways, we
unfortunately lost touch.  Years later, we were reunited when I moved home and was
in my junior year of college.  I was in my maternity rotation of clinicals for nursing school
and Mandy was my patient, having just given birth to her second daughter!  We were
so excited to see each other again as it had been too long, until we realized that part of
my assignment for school was to examine her breasts and perform a
post-partum assessment!  Now that's what I call a reunion!  Mandy has since become
one of my closest confidantes and one of my favorite people to spend time with.  We have
girls the same age and share many of the same interests.  She currently lives in the
same town she grew up in with her two daughters, working as a hospice nurse.  I look
up to her in so many ways and hope that you enjoy the insight I am lucky enough
to receive from her!

1. What is your personal definition of friendship?

A friend is not only a friend, but also a sister. It is someone who you can turn to when
you're sad, scared, or happy. You can cry together, laugh together or just be goofy with
and know that there is no judgement, jealousy, or envy. You are truly happy when they
are, and sad with them. A friend is someone who is there when it feels no one else in the
world is there for you. They are a part of you and you them, like family.

{Mandy and I on our high school dance team.  Aren't you jealous of
our sequinned leg warmers?}

2. What qualities do you look for in a girlfriend?

I don't know of specific qualities I look for. Of course there are the obvious trusting,
honest, and caring. These are the most important qualities to have not only in your
friends but to be a true friend yourself. What I look for most is someone who is just
true to their self and accepting of who you really are.

3.  How do you balance spending time with friends and fostering relationships with work and family?

Balance?? I don't think I have worked out the balance yet! As a single mom of 2 girls
and working full time, I find it hard to remember that I need 'me' time. I have set some
goals in my life and balancing is one of them.

4.  What advice would you give other women about having healthy, happy friendships?

Having friends in your life helps to keep you sane when you are going insane. No
really, having true friends helps you to remember who you really are not only as a
person, but also as a friend yourself. Friends are jewels in your life who help you shine
when you are feeling dull. Laughing with them when you are down makes your day
brighter, but also doing the same in return. Keep those close to you who make you
happy and feel great about yourself. A true friend will be there for through the
good and bad.

5.  How has having strong friendships enriched your life?

Friends are my backbone. Having true friends in my life has helped me to overcome
so many obstacles in my life. Having such great friends in my life helped me realize
who I am and that I can be true to myself. 

6.  What is your favorite girlfriend memory we have shared? 

Just being together is always a fun time with you! From hanging out at your house
and listening to Shawn and Alfred play and the kids singing, to partying at Mardi Gras,
to sitting at the park and birthday parties. Oh and I almost forget the 'great' memories
at Dubuis! All memories with you and your family are precious!

Girlfriends like Mandy:

Girlfriends like Mandy are one in a million.  She is the most selfless person I know,
always giving of herself to the people around her.  She is compassionate and
understanding and incredibly patient.  I always think of her when I feel stressed and
anxious and try to emulate her laid back attitude.  She always puts her family first,
not because she feels obligated to, but because she genuinely ENJOYS the gift of
motherhood.  She makes everyday tasks fun and reminds me to appreciate the
simplistic beauty in life.  Her sound, practical advice is invaluable to me, keeping me
grounded  and focused on what's important.  Mandy is sincere, honest, and loving in
every way.  She is the kind of friend who will throw you a beautiful baby shower, spend
all afternoon watching football with your family, help you clean your kitchen even when
you tell her not to.  Every woman should have a friend like Mandy: a friend you can count
on, someone you know will always be there for you, no matter what.  I love you, my
sweet Mandy, like a sister!  Your daughters have my heart and you are all an extended
part of our family!  I look forward to many more nights in the back yard, celebrating
life and all this love!