17 Things I Don't Hate About You

Dear Grace,

I literally have less than no idea of how to write this. But it's your birthday and I figure I'll get through it one way or another.

Also, in case you didn't catch it (even though I know you did), the title to this post is a play-on-words of that Hannah Montana song. There are a whole lot more things that I don't hate about you, but for todays purposes I'm just sticking with 17. Because, ya know. You're 17.

1. You're hilarious. When I say you're one of the funniest people I've ever met, I mean it. Sarcasm, puns, awkward inappropriate words, random jokes, holding a stranger's hand; the list goes on forever. I can't tell you how many times you've made me cry from laughter. Being with you can literally turn my day around, and that is a quality that is rarely possessed by human beans. ;)

2.  You're smart. Like really smart. And thank heavens you are because if it hadn't been for both of us being in ACAD five years ago, I don't think we would have ever met. But more importantly, you've helped me not fail chemistry, so thank goodness for that. And your math class? Pff, forget about it. You're way out of my league on that one. And lets not forget your street smarts. Urban dictionary has nothing on you. Thanks for always teaching me new things, even though I may not want to know some of it. :)

3. You're talented. Piano, singing, leading, writing, bowling, photoshop, photography, videography... what are you not good at? You're constantly aspiring to be better, and that keeps me going as well. I'm so happy that we have the same interests, and I'm glad you're there to help me with them. 

4. You're willing to try new things. Um, 9th grade comfort zone assignment? I think yes. And of course we can't forget that you are the whole reason why we both took TVP. I don't think I've ever seen you turn down something new. Keep it up buttercup.

5. You nickname yourself. G-Master, G-Hunny, and all the weird ones that only lasted a day in between. I can't wait to see what you'll name your children.

6. You're giving. Remember last year, when you were bringing people food or letters or pick-me-ups almost every single week it felt like? That constant act of Christ-like love blew me away. You truly are amazing Grace. Even though I know you hate that term but I felt like I needed to slip it in somewhere.

7. You're super cool. Like just in general. You have cool clothes, cool hats, a cool van, you go to cool places, have a cool dad, and an even cooler room. You're freezing, you're so cool.

8. You do funny stuff with me that we sometimes later regret. Number one example: dressing up as "hipsters" in 9th grade. We don't need to elaborate on that. And I can't find the picture anyways so, moving on... I love when we do karaoke, or sing at the top of our lungs dancing around in your dad's office. And remember that one time where I videoed you playing with barbies? Yes. I love it. I'm grateful for a friend that I can be myself around. As cheesy as that sounds, I mean it.

9. I love that you're always there for me. You give the best advice, and you're my number one go-to for any problem really. But aside from bad days, you've also been with me for the happy moments. Like when I got asked on my first date.

And even when we're not with each other, we're still with each other. Like when you videoed a clip just for me when you were at your cabin. "Ashley beb, there's snow on the window."

10. You're photogenic. 

No, but really. 

11. You drive me places. I guess that's a plus of having a bff that's a 90's kid. 

Thank you though. For reals. Our drives are some of my favorite memories. Like when we found Grace Court, or when you went through your very first drive-thru with me. And our attempts at car dancing are always nice.

12. On a more spiritual note, your testimony is impeccable. Every time I hear it, it makes ma heart jump. And your temple trips? My goodness. You're probably one of my most righteous friends I have. 

13. You're not quick to judge. You give people the benefit of the doubt, and you always assume the positive before resulting to the negative. I don't ever have to be concerned with the way I look or act around you, because I know you don't care. 

Even when I wear blue crocs with teal pants and a red plaid swimsuit. 

14. You're good at sharing. Which is a plus because I get to wear your shoes sometimes and your hats too. You're just so nice to let me do so. You must've been the best Sunbeam.

15. Your music taste is my favorite. And I love getting song suggestions from you because it makes my day. 

16. You're beautiful. Which means I'm beautiful because beautiful people have beautiful friends, but that's besides the point. You really are so pretty. And you're popular too. You're all the things that I want to be. You have a beautiful heart, a beautiful soul, and a beautiful face too. Beautiful betiful butifull beb. (reference to project title)

17. You're seventeen. You're old. You're mature. You have everything to live for. The world is staring at you, and you're staring back at it. You're not afraid to grow up, and I admire you for it. 

I'm so beyond excited to see what you're gonna do in the next year. I wish you all the happiest birthday wishes in the world. 

Happy Birthday G-Hunny.  xoxo