The Ann Perkins to My Leslie Knope

When I was a pre-med undergrad, I never missed a chance to hear medical students speak about their experiences in medical school. One thing that they always mentioned was how important having a solid support system was. Now, as I enter into full blown board studying and am about to reach the most stressful part of a very academically (and emotionally) taxing 2 years, I get that sentiment more than ever. Most people just can't get through something as stressful as medical school alone. Lucky for me I have an awesome support system, captained by best, best friend Shannon (no, one best was not enough). Shannon is pretty much the coolest, most awesome, prettiest person ever. And she has got being a best friend on LOCK DOWN. For example, Shannon is who I call when...

I think I passed a test.
I think I failed a test.
I'm worried I broke my cat - this happened twice this week.
I can't sleep.
I don't know what to eat for lunch.
I can't remember a plot line in Friends.
I'm on the verge of baking cookies for a kind and handsome stranger and need to know if it's creepy.
I really, really, really need to analyze ever single minute of the Bachelor/ette.
I don't remember what things people who don't study all the time do.
I need to vent and/or cry.
I need her to look up the satisfaction ratings of a casserole dish when I'm at the store, ready to buy it.
I just did something stupid - this one happens a LOT.
I need her to help me pull off operation Mother's Day from across the country.
I'm bored.
I don't know how to set up my appleTV.
I don't know how to fix my appleTV.
I miss home.

If you're reading this and thinking, wow. This sounds like a lot of give, give give on Shannon's part, you're right. I definitely got the sweet end of this friendship deal. Though, I do send her cat selfies on a very regular basis. Like this one!

And this...

And this...I especially love the look of desperation in Jack's face in this last one. 

While it mega-blows that we live far apart, I am so lucky to have a friend who loves me always, encourages me constantly, and isn't afraid to tell me when I'm being a brat (pshh...like that ever happens).

Love you, buddy! 2,058 miles ain't got nothin' on us. :)