people i love: jen [aka juniebear, juniper, etc.]

 Today my sister turns thirty. I've been around for 23 of them, and they've been the best 23 years of my life. [get it?]

Jen is many, many things to me: sister, friend, running buddy, business colleague, and so much more.

But today I'd like to touch on just one characteristic of Jen, and it's the one that has caused me to cherish certain moments with her. It's that she is a dear, loyal friend. Jen was one of my high school track coaches, and my junior year I had a chance to go to state in the 300 meter hurdles. I'm sure we discussed the race a million times beforehand, but when it came time to get in my blocks, I was NERVOUS NELLY for sure. I had worked all season for a chance at the state meet, and I knew it would take a perfect race to get there. When the gun went off, I went out like crazy. And I almost had it. I came within just a few tenths of a second, and got beat out on the very last hurdle, which I nearly tripped over and fell across the finish line. And you know who was there? Jen. Standing right there, in my lane, I fell onto her and sobbed. And she just knew, without saying anything, how to be there for me. I think she may have even shed a few tears with me. It was a devastating race for me, but now, 6 years later, it's not the race that matters to me. It's that my sister was there, letting me lean on her when i was exhausted, and feeling the loss with me. I have countless, wonderful memories with Jen, but a loyal friend is a rare thing these days, and something to be treasured. 

Oh, and she's also gobs of fun. Line dancing on the wedding dance floor? Okay, deal.

For another of post about our dear jen, click here.

For pictures of Jen's 30th surprise birthday party, visit the CookingThyme blog. CookingThyme is new to the blog scene so follow if you're interested in seeing more of our cooking tips, party ideas and class highlights.