5 things I've learned from my long-distance friendlationship

Over the past couple of years I have moved around a bit, leaving behind all that is good and righteous in the great state of Texas. It's difficult to pack up and depart with everything you've known and loved for so long, and it's even more difficult when you realize that it probably won't be the first or the last time you'll be doing it. I remember the first time I moved, it was to the Big Apple--concrete jungle where dreams are made of, like Alicia Keys would say. We had to take two cars to the airport because my luggage and the people living in my house would not all fit in one. I knew it wouldn't be forever, but it seemed like it would be an eternity. I love my family, but it was hardest saying good-bye to my best friend and her daughter, both who have become closer than family. Almost three years later and we're now an ocean apart.

Today, I received a wonderful package from her filled with chocolate, girly things and a $20 dollar bill that said "buy yourself something pretty." It's been an extremely difficult adjustment living in Hawaii with few friends and no one to run to (that's in a decent proximity) when I just need a gal-pal, but I'm dealing. Reading the note she left me in my new journal (because lord knows I love journals) made me reflect on the importance of our friendship and the things I've learned from this experience.

Saying "good-bye" never gets any easier.
And neither does: "I'll see you soon" or "I won't be gone for long" or any other phrase that you say each time you have to part ways again. My heart breaks every time I have to kiss that little girl good-bye and leave my best friend to live a life apart from them. She has played the role of my significant other for quite some time and there have not been many times that we have been apart. It may not get easier, but it does make you stronger.

Writing letters is waaayyyyyyy better than email.
Like, way way.Yes, email is faster. And yes, you have to pay for postage. BUT nothing says "I love you and miss you" like a nice hand-written letter expressing how much you love/hate your new city and all the cool/lame things you're doing and all the new (but not even as close to cool as her) friends you're making. Plus, it's always nice to read some hand-written words of inspiration from your bestie to give you that little kick in the butt you may need.

Jealousy will happen.
Every time I see her post a picture on Instagram with someone else or doing something cool, there's this feeling inside of me hoping she'll have the worst time ever because I'm not there. Oh, and that picture with that other chick, she's going down as soon as I get back! Or wait, is that only me?? I'm sure it's not, but I think my jealousy is both amusing and refreshing to her. I may be ridiculous, but at least she knows that she's my BFF and there's no way in hell I'm sharing her with anyone else.

Distance ain't nothing but a number.
They say that distance makes the heart grow fonder and I find it true to some extent. I don't think I've grown fonder of my bestie boo, but her absence and the friendship we have has made me realize how special what we have is. We may be an ocean apart, but that means nothing when I know that nothing could keep her safe from my excessive text messages, ridiculous faces made while on FaceTime and pro lurking status (I see all).

She's your best babe forever and nothing will change that.
If there's one thing I've learned, it's that this girl isn't going anywhere. She's the chips to my queso, the malita to my animalita and my homegirl for life. I left her once to go to New York and I left her again to come to Hawaii, and she still hasn't left. No matter the distance, the big life changes, the ups or the downs she will forever be my soul mate and my other half, forever and ever. She'll always be my BFFLmnop!

Why smiling is good for you

When I was younger, I would consistently make fun of my mother for smiling so much. My mother--if you do not know her--has one of the biggest, brightest, most beautiful smiles that could warm your heart and turn your day around. I would tell her that she smiles too much and sarcastically ask why. Despite the ups and downs that my mother has had in her life, you'd never be able to tell because she always looks happy...and I mean ALWAYS. Through trials and tribulations, through her recent encounter with Breast Cancer and through the crappiest of times she has kept that smile on her face. When I was younger, I didn't understand why.

7 easy tips to help you eat healthy on a budget

It's the start of a new year and like every year, gyms are filled with the beaming faces of hopeful people looking to shed those few extra pounds, healthy recipes are being added to the list of things we want to try, and old jeans and dresses from our glory days are being dusted off as we tell ourselves, "I'll fit into this soon." We all want a healthy life where we live to be 100 years old, without aging and rocking the body of Beyoncé til the day we die.

5 things you need in your life NOW

Since I've been in Hawaii, I've discovered some really amazing things that I am currently obsessed with and don't know what I'd do without. Several of these items I use on a daily basis and would definitely recommend investing in (such as the Hydro Flask) if you want a great product that's definitely worth your bucks. Click on the images to be redirected to sites where these products are sold. Enjoy!

SHHHH! You're gonna wake my roommates!

He told me to be quiet because there was a guy living in his closet. YES, a real, live guy living in the small space that was his walk-in closet. I mean, it's not so weird having someone crash on your living room couch or maybe even on an air mattress in your room, but to have someone living in your closet is a bit odd. Although, I'm sure that guy appreciated the little privacy he did have.

Some of the great things about living situations while you're young are: having funky transition periods where you move to new places with no job and have to couch-surf with friends; not making enough money to at least buy an apartment where everyone has their own room (been there, done that); and having to find a new place to live after your landlord just kicked you out for not paying rent-shment--he knew you were an aspiring actor. In any of these situations, it can be difficult to adjust to the crazy, hectic lifestyle that comes along with living with multiple people. It's not as simple as who cleans when and who gets what cabinet space. If you're a decent human being, you have to be mindful of making too much noise when you come in late after a night out, the smell from your fish tacos that fills up someone else's room, and the slamming of doors early in the morning as your roommate is just about to doze off after working a 15-hour overnight shift. You're right, it is your space; but if you're letting someone live with you out of the kindness of your heart, you need to be an adult about things and set some ground rules before you get the ball rolling.

When I moved to New York almost 2 years back, one of the first things me and my 3 roomies did was sit down and have a long discussion about who gets what space, setting rules and expectations, and coming up with a cleaning schedule...because no one likes living in a pigsty. Here are some things to keep in mind when you're not living alone:

1. You are NOT the only person living there
2. No one wants to hear you slam the door
3. So turn the doorknob when closing the front/bathroom/bedroom door
4. And make sure that you're not making a ruckus when you come in late
5. This isn't your mama's house
6. Put your dishes in the sink
7. Wash your own dishes and put them away
8. And if you're feeling generous, wash all the dishes
9. Then leave a note reminding everyone to return the favor by...
10. Taking out the trash when it's full
11. Wiping the counter after they spill hot sauce all over it
12. And not leaving food that will smell up the house in the garbage
13. You may or may not be the only one with a job that has normal hours
14. So don't take an hour long shower
15. And don't get ready in the bathroom when you have your bedroom
16. And most importantly, don't forget to spray and turn on the air vent/open the window
17. Just because it's in the refrigerator does not mean you can eat it
18. If you eat it, replace it ASAP
19. Be hospitable to guests...they're GUESTS for crying out loud!
20. Make people want to come back
21. And make sure that you let your roomies know when people will be coming over
22. Talk about the max amount of time people can stay and
23. What they can do to pitch in
24. If you don't want people using your things, then put them in your designated area
25. Because common spaces are just that...COMMON...meaning it's for everyone
26. Try not to forget your keys or lose them
27. No one is obligated to rush home just for you
28. COMMUNICATE!
29. There's no need to be passive-aggressive
30. Don't be the a**hole that no one wants to live with because you turn into Godzilla anytime something happens that you don't like

I know, it's challenging living with other people. You may not be able to walk around without pants or you have to scrub the tub when it's your turn every other week, but I promise that you'll live. Think of it this way: all the money you're saving on rent is money that you can use to not spend time at your apartment by going out and doing cool things like traveling and going to have fancy-shmancy drinks after work and going out for brunch on the weekends. Remember: keep it classy and don't get sassy.