The Girlfriend Guide: Deanna from Delirious Rhapsody

Welcome to this week's edition of The Girlfriend Guide: brought to you by Deanna 
from Delirious Rhapsody!  I have adored Deanna for quite some time now: she has a 
very unique voice and chronicles her journey through motherhood in a way that brings 
a smile to my face daily.  She is real, honest, and able to see the humor in any situation: 
my kind of girl.  I hope that you enjoy her insight into a very special friendship! 



Hi! I'm Deanna and I blog over at delirious rhapsody. I'm a stay at home mama of two 
wild little boys, Gage Hendrix, who turned four in July, and Owsley Duncan, who will be 
one in November. I'm a quirky gal who likes good music, spending time with the family, 
being outdoors, and crafting/baking. Oh yeah, and I love to blog too!

Today I'm going to put a little twist on 'The Girlfriend Guide.' While I have good friends 
that would help me at the drop of a hat, I feel that (aside from my husband) one of the 
people who knows the most about me, and I feel totally connected to, is Lindsay, 
someone who I have never even met in real life. She lives 730 miles away from me, and 
yet I feel like she's my cosmically aligned soul sister. She really gets me, and she takes 
me for who I am, flaws and all.

I feel like a lot of stay at home mamas can totally relate with connecting with someone 
online. And I feel so blessed to have Lindsay as part of my life, even if she is inside 
my computer screen or stuck in my phone line.

1. Introduce us to your best friend! When, where, and how did you meet?

I have been online journaling in some form for the past 12 years. Shortly after my oldest
son was born, I joined a Weight Watchers community on livejournal and posted
some progress pictures. Lindsay came and visited my journal, and we clicked. I feel like
over the past four years, she has learned more about me than people who have known me
my entire life.

2. What is your personal definition of friendship? 

Having that someone special in your life who love you for you. You take the good as
well as the bad, no questions asked.

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

Trustworthy, understanding, a good sense of humor, open-minded.

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

I really struggle with this one. Especially since my husband works two jobs so that I can
stay home with the boys. So I feel guilty if I don't spend the time that he actually is home
with him. I want to make time for your family, but at the same time, I want to take
some time out for myself. Fortunately for me, many of my 'real life' friends have children,
so we can hang out while we have a playdate at the same time.

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

Don't give up on your good friends. I can't tell you how many wonderful girlfriends that I
have lost contact with, for one reason or another. And it's really sad, because at one point
in my life they were very special to me.

6. How has having strong friendships enriched your life? 

Good friendships make me feel free. They help me be the person that I want to be, and
there is nothing as amazing as connecting with someone who understands who you are.

7. What is your favorite girlfriend memory you have shared? 

Lindsay probably doesn't even remember this, but one evening we were talking online. I
have body issues at times (I used to be a bigger girl, and sometimes that's what I see when
I look in the mirror.) I was telling Lindsay that I was thinking about getting pregnant
again, but I was so scared of gaining weight and not being able to lose it again. And she
told me that I had the rest of my life to lose weight, but if I wanted another baby, that's
what I needed to do. That really stuck with me, and was pretty much a slap in my face to
stop being so selfish (even if that's not what she intended for it to mean.) So basically,
Lindsay is one of the reasons my son, Owsley, was born. Thanks, Lindsay. :) I love you!

Thank you so much for sharing, Deanna.  So many of us can relate to the friendship you
share with Lindsay.  It truly is amazing to "meet" people online who share common
interests and experiences and having these support systems are truly a blessing!

If you are interested in participating in the Girlfriend Guide, contact me at the
email address below for more information!

vasqueztribe@yahoo.com

The Girlfriend Guide: Megan from Mackey Madness

It's time for another edition of The Girlfriend Guide, brought to you this week by
Megan from Mackey Madness!  Megan and I actually graduated from the same college
and nursing program and she is such an extraordinary woman.  Her posts inspire me
daily and literally make me laugh out loud.  She is lucky enough to be a part of a large
group of girlfriends and I think you are really going to love her look into their world.
Enjoy!

Megan
Mackey Madness
I'm a newlywed learning to balance my career as a nurse and my new role as a wife,
all while serving my Lord and Savior

1. Introduce us to your best friend!  When, where, and how did you meet?

Honestly, I don't have just one best girlfriend. I am absolutely blessed to have 4
beautiful women that I can call BEST FRIENDS. We all met in college and lived in the
dorms together. I met 3 of the girls in 2004 and 1 of the girls in 2007 and we have
literally been inseparable since then. We have since graduated college and now live
in different cities, but we still make frequent plans to spend time together!

2. What is your personal definition of friendship?

My personal definition of friendship is someone that you can trust, that you can laugh
with, that you can spend numerous hours with and not worry about having things to
talk about. A true friend is able to give love AND receive it, will be happy when you are
happy and sad when you are sad, will tell you when you are acting stupid, will love
you regardless, and will pray for you endlessly.

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

I look for someone who is easy to talk to and is optimistic about life, someone that I can
share things with and know that they are being held in confidence, someone who I can act
silly with and laugh until we cry, someone who is dependable, trustworthy, and
honest, someone who I can come to call my sister.

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

My biggest issue is finding time to spend with my girlfriends, since most of them are out
of town. My husband and I make sure to have date nights with just the two of us and we
also are careful about computer/tv time versus quality time together. I try to do most of
my computer stuff when my husband is at work, that way I can spend time with him when
he is home. With my out of town friends, we try to meet up at least once a month. We
take turns going to each other's houses and sometimes we just meet in the middle for the
day. I have the attitude of "driving a few hours is TOTALLY worth it" to spend a few
hours with my best friends. I always invite my husband to come and I actually encourage
him to come...I want him to know and be friends with my best friends, their significant
others, and their kids. I want him included.

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

If someone brings you down, then they are not a friend that you need in your life. If you
have a friend who is not happy for you when something good happens or who is jealous
of your other relationships, then that person is not a true friend. Choose friends wisely, but
be willing to open your heart to anyone. Be a good friend to others, and they in turn will
be good friends to you. It's really all about give and take. Spend time in prayer
over your friendships.

6. How has having strong friendships enriched your life?

I honestly can say that I would not be the person that I am today without my best
girlfriends. They have molded me, shaped me, encouraged me, strengthened me, and
loved me throughout some of the hardest times of my life. They have been honest with
me when they have felt that I was veering from God's will for my life. I have learned
SO much from them...I don't even think that I can put it into words, really. I have
learned how to be a better friend, daughter, sister, and wife because of them. We have
ridden life's roller coaster together and walked with the Lord together. Life is truly
bland without great friends.

7. What is your favorite girlfriend memory you have shared? 

I have so many "favorite" moments, but one of my favorites is the two days around
my wedding. My best friends came to stay with me two days before the wedding and we
just had SO many honest and deep conversations...along with quite a few laughs. It was
SO wonderful to share such a crazy exciting time with my best friends and just go
through every experience and emotion with them. They helped to calm me and support
me. It was truly amazing.

Thank you so much for sharing this, Megan!!  The bond you girls share and the
commitment you have made to remain fully present in each other's lives is truly
inspiring!!  You are so blessed to be a part of the "A Team"!

If you are interested in participating in the Girlfriend Guide, contact me at
the email address below for more information!

vasqueztribe@yahoo.com

The Girlfriend Guide: Kim from Our Life-Unscripted

Welcome to The Girlfriend Guide, brought to you this week by one of my favorite ladies:
Kim from Our Life-Unscripted.  Kim is an amazingly sweet and genuine person, down to
earth and full of positive energy.  She gives me so much support and encouragement and I
am so thankful for friends like her.  Today, she is sharing her story with us about her
best girlfriend: Mary.  Enjoy her lovely insight!

Kim
Our Life-Unscripted
Hi my name is Kim and I run a little blog called Our life- Unscripted...

1. Introduce us to your best friend!  When, where, and how did you meet?

My Best Friend is Mary. We met in 7th grade. We had one class together but didn't really
talk until we both got into trouble and had to attend Saturday school together. Her
Sister didn't pick her up after and she needed a ride home. She came up to me and asked for
a ride. We've been best friends ever since. We've been through a lot together and I am
proud that I can call her my best friend of 20 + years.

2. What is your personal definition of friendship?

To me a friendship is having someone that you can trust with your secrets. Someone who
is there for you when you need them and who you are there for as well. Friendship is
having someone you can laugh and cry with and someone who doesn't judge you.

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

I like being friends with people that are able to laugh at themselves. Someone that
doesn't pretend to be someone that they are not. Someone that I am comfortable
being myself with.

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

I hold my friendships so close to my heart. I know how hard it is to
balance friendships/work/family/life. I used to get upset with Mary because she is a
working Mom and didn't have much time outside of work and her family.  I didn't
understand what she meant by not having time. That was until I started working. I told
her the other day that now I understand. We made a pact the other day to make sure
we make time for each other. I think it is so important to make time for your friends
no matter what. I try to host a lot of get togethers  at my house so that I can spend time
with friends and with my family at the same time.

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

One thing that I have learned over the years is to listen and to not judge. I used to be
the friend that would give my opinions on everything that was going on in my friend’s
life. What that did was push people away. Now I listen and give advice when needed. I try
not to judge my friends or anyone. People need to make their own mistakes. It is not my
place to push my opinions on anyone.

6. How has having strong friendships enriched your life?

I feel like God has blessed me with wonderful people in my life. I know that my friends
are there for me when I need them and that is the greatest feeling in the world.

7. What is your favorite girlfriend memory you have shared?

There are so many memories but if I had to pick just one with Mary it would be the birth
of my son. She was right by my side the entire time. She is the true definition of what a
Best Friend is. I love her and thank God everyday that he brought her into
my life.

Thank you so much for sharing, Kim!!!  Lifelong friendships like the one you share with
Mary are truly amazing!  I loved looking through the photos of the two of you sharing
such important life events with each other!

If you are interested in participating in the Girlfriend Guide, contact me at the
email address below for more information!

vasqueztribe@yahoo.com

The Girlfriend Guide: Melissa from Hi, Baby

This week's edition of The Girlfriend Guide features one of the funniest mama's on the
blog block: Melissa from Hi, Baby.  Between planning a wedding, caring for three
beautiful little girls, and working towards her degree, this lovely lady is seriously doing it
all.  She still makes time to kick up her heels and enjoy her girls, though, and I think you
will find her outlook on friends to be truly awesome!

Melissa
hi, baby
a mom, a almost wife, a student, a little reality tv obsessed.
having my cake and eating it too.

1. Introduce us to your best friend!  When, where, and how did you meet? 

you, know...i have tried the one best friend thing and it never worked out; girls can be
petty drama obsessed bitches (feel free to edit, lol) for reals. in my old age i have
learned having a group of whole gals you can lean on is more important. especially
recently, especially via blogging i have come into contact with some AMAZING strong
ladies and even better mamas, that i am holding close to my heart hoping they all turn
into life long friends.

2. What is your personal definition of friendship? 

someone you can be your absolute self with, that will tell you when you should change
your top or wash your hair, someone you can trust your kids with.

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

see above.

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

through trial and error i have found it is really hard to keep friendships with people who
don't have kids or a similar pace of life, going strong. don't get me wrong, one of our
best couple friends are kidless and not married but they think my girls are hilarious and
love being around then; i can't say this is true for all past friends. so, long story short i
blend playdates and mommy dates and once a month me and those mommies call
bankruptcy on life and head out for a night of wine.

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

if your having to turn on and off different personalities to suit your friends opinions then
there is no happiness to be had in the end. finding someone you can laugh with till it hurts
(or you pee) is really key in a true friend.

6. How has having strong friendships enriched your life? 

it makes me happier at home, a better mom thanks to all of the support and advice i
receive from my smart mama friends, and you know...'happy wife, happy life!'

7. What is your favorite girlfriend memory you have shared? 

i can't pick just one! lately i have been out on some epic girls nights, where beer and wine
may or may not have been involved! i live for a night to trade in a diaper bag for a purse!

Thank you so much for sharing, Melissa!  Seeing all of my favorite bloggers in one
photo is just too cool!  You girls are so lucky to have each other!

If you are interested in participating in the Girlfriend Guide,
contact me at the email address below for more information!

vasqueztribe@yahoo.com

The Girlfriend Guide: Sarah From Sunlight After Rain

This week's edition of the Girlfriend Guide features the lovely Sarah from
Sunlight After Rain, one of the most inspirational blogs out there.  Sarah is so genuinely
kind and loving, I am so happy to call her "friend"!  I hope that you enjoy her take
on girlfriends, these girls are so lucky to have her!

Sarah
Sunlight After Rain
Honestly? I'm just a 20 year old college girl who is trying to figure out who she is.
I write a lot about my life and the people around me :)

1. Introduce us to your best friend!  When, where, and how did you meet?

You know what? I have had a lot of best friends over the years, so I hate picking just one.
So, I'm going to introduce you to a few instead!

First off is Briana. I met her when I was 11 at an acting camp. We have the same goals in
life (to move to NYC and to try and make a career in acting) and so we've just grown
together over the past nine years. I love our friendship because we can go months
and months at a time without talking and then get dinner together like no time has
passed :)

Secondly, there is Jessica. Jessica and I met when we worked at a supermarket together
in my junior year of high school. I love my friendship with Jessica because we actually
didn't talk for a whole year of our friendship. We let a fight get in between us, but after
about a year of not talking we apologized to each other and worked our issues our - and now
I don't know what I'd do without her!

Thirdly, there is Michelle. Michelle and I are newer friends - while I had always known her
as a fellow theatre major, we never really talked until we worked on a show together
last January. We bonded on a trip to Georgetown Cupcakes and haven't looked back since :) 

2. What is your personal definition of friendship?

Actually, I've thought a lot about this recently. Just a year ago, I had this strong 'group'
of friends centered around my boyfriend at the time. We were all very close and
very involved in each other's lives. However, when we broke up they weren't (and still
aren't) anywhere to be found....Life's funny that way. You think you know who your
friends are and who will be there for you, but then you see how it is. It sucks sometimes -
but, in the end, it really is worth it :) 

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

 I really just look for maturity and reciprocity in a friendship. I'm still in college, so
many people around me have a lot of well, drama in their life. I've been lucky enough to
find a group of people who really listen and respect me - and, that's all I really ask for :) 

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

As a college kid, I'm very connected to both my phone and my computer. For me, it
really is as simple as sending a text or leaving a post on a wall telling someone to have a
good day or asking them how they are doing. We're lucky enough to live in a day and
age where even though texting someone can be impersonal, it can also be someone's best
tool to help you keep in touch.

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

Treat people as you want to be treated. If you want a friend who will listen to you and
be there for you when you have problems, then you have to do the same for them.

6. How has having strong friendships enriched your life?

In the first year of college, I had some horrible friends who didn't really care about me. I
tried so hard to be friends with them - but it was just so destructive to me and my
self-esteem. I got my life together after that, concentrated on myself, and really just
let people come to me after that instead of trying to force it (I make friendships sound
exactly like dating - but in a way it is!) By finding my true friends, it's really helped my
self-esteem. Also, it's just fun to have people to hang out with and talk to every day! :) 

 7. What is your favorite girlfriend memory you have shared? 

My absolute favorite moment was at a friend's birthday party - we all went out to
dinner together and I remember looking around our huge table and feeling so lucky to
have all of these amazing girls in my life :) It's taken a long time to 'find' them, but I'm
so happy they're in my life! 

Thank you so much for sharing, Sarah!!  You have surrounded yourself with positive
people and your life seems to have flourished because of it!  You girls are truly blessed
to have each other!

If you are interested in participating in the Girlfriend Guide, contact me at the
email address below for more information!

vasqueztribe@yahoo.com

The Girlfriend Guide: Mandy from A Sorta Fairytale

This week's edition of The Girlfriend Guide brings you the adorably sweet
Mandy from A Sorta Fairytale.  Mandy is one of my favorite mama's out there and I
adore reading about her beautiful family and gazing at her amazing photos.  Today, she
is sharing a look into her relationship with her very best friend, her sister Alissa!  I hope
that you enjoy reading her insightful words as much as I do! 

{ a sorta fairytale }

1. Introduce us to your best friend!  When, where, and how did you meet?

My best friend is my sister, Alissa. She's 2 1/2 years older than me. We weren't always the best of friends growing up... you know... I was the annoying little sister trying to be cool and hang out with my big sis and her friends. Ha ha. But now- our relationship has grown into a true friendship. She is and always will  be my best friend.

2. What is your personal definition of friendship?

To me, friendship is simple. A real friend is someone you can just be yourself with. And that's it.

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

Going back to what I said previously, I look for people that I can feel comfortable with. I don't want to have to worry that they are judging me or criticizing my every move. I look for people that have similar interests & hobbies. I really try to befriend everyone, but my GOOD friends are the ones that accept me for who I am, and love it! :)

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

It can be tough sometimes, I'm not going to lie. But luckily my bestie is my sister and she understands when life gets busy. But she's also always there for me if I just wanna vedge out and watch The Bachelorette. Finding a  balance is hard, but the key is having good friends that can meet you half way. 

5. What advise would you give other women about having healthy, happy friendships?

Acceptance. There have been a lot of times in my life that I've realized that a particular friend wasn't a good influence on me... and I've had to let them go. The hard part is accepting that they either aren't good for you. I think it's extremely important to be wise about who we are spending our time with. Negativity can most definitely rub off on you. Stay surrounded by good people, and your friendships will thrive!

6. How has having strong friendships enriched your life?

Having strong friendships is a must. Every woman needs a really good support system, in not just family members - but in friends, too. My life is so much fuller when I'm surrounded by wonderful friends.

7. What is your favorite girlfriend memory you have shared?

There isn't just one memory that stands out. When it comes to my sister, we have shared so many wonderful times. We have a tendency to make each other laugh until we cry. Those are the times that I cherish the most!

Thank you so much for sharing, Mandy!  I can only pray that my girls will enjoy 
and value each other as much as you and Alissa do!  
The two of you are truly blessed!

If you are interested in participating in the Girlfriend Guide, contact me at the
email address below for more information!

vasqueztribe@yahoo.com