Thanks

After reading a friend's blog on this same subject, I decided I really should do it as well. I go through my busy life not thanking the people who help me do what I do all the time- Not thanking the people who make my life easier and more enjoyable. I don't thank the people who deserve my gratitude and the ones who I love. I hope you all know how much I care about you and thank each and every one of you for the things we've done together, the time we've spent together, or for the gifts you've given me... but I'd like to name a few people who I really really owe my thanks to.

First of all, I would like to thank my mom. Without you, there is no way I would be actually striving to achieve my outlandish goals. You are always there to talk me through hard times. You encourage me in everything I do. You are my backbone and my best friend. I love you more than you know, and even though I may be busy, know that I love you and thank you so much for everything.

To Gammy: You always bring me up when I'm feeling down- you always believe in me, and that helps me believe in myself. You'd do anything to help me and I want you to know that that is one of the most important things in my life- knowing you'll always be there when I need you. You helped me learn a lot about becoming a woman, and for that I will always admire you. Thank you for your help, your love and encouragement.

To my best buddy Brian Tofte-Schumacher: I'm sad that I haven't known you my entire life. If I were ever to have a brother, you would have been him. I love you for your kindness, honesty and support. Most of all I love how you approach life. I wish I could think deeply like you- you are more deeply intelligent than anyone I know. I really love you.

To my sisters for other mothers, Alicia Wheeler and Christie Rhom: You two have also taught me how to be a girl. I fought with you both, was jealous of both of you, and I love you both more than you probably know. You have always been my competition, but in the long run, I hope you both know that we can always come to each other for help and advice. I get some of the best advice and influence from the two of you. Thank you.

To my musical influences: Matt Thistle, Neil Proff, Todd Delgiudice, David Fague, Brian Lassiter, Jeremy Hamilton, Ben Knox, Greg Belisle-Chi, Thomas Holman, Alex Potts, Brian Ploeger, Danny McCollim, Rob Tapper, Kyle Smith (and more, and you know who you are)- You guys have what I want, and I thank you for all of your hard work and achievement. I've learned more about myself through music and your inspirational qualities than through anything else. You are the training wheels I've been wearing, and I owe everything I've accomplished musically to you. Thank you.

To Jeremy Hamilton and Samantha Allie: You tell me what I need to hear... not what I want to hear. Thank you.

To Brandon Tibbetts: You might not know it, but you made a huge impression on the kind of person I am today, and for that I thank you. You are a great person, and I hope someday we can be friends because I think we really do need each other's friendship. Thank you for helping me mature.

To Brian Lassiter You taught me that I need to grow a pair and just do what needs to be done. You are a great friend and a genius. I really miss having you around, and I don't think I've ever told you how much you mean to me. I'm thankful for the time we had together as teacher and student and as friends. You opened up a lot of closed doors for me, and at this point in my career, I really believe you deserve a huge thank you. I admire you and your talents and humor more than you know. Thank you for everything.

To Taylor Belote and his family: Taylor, you have really always been my friend and you taught me how to deeply care about someone. The Belotes have been like my family forever, and I really miss you guys this year. Taylor- you are going to be a wonderful father, husband and teacher- you are truly an amazing person with some amazing goals. Keep it up- you are one of my idols and I respect you deeper than a lot of people. Thank you.

To Melissa Logan and Hannah Lainhart: you guys are some of my new friends, but I can tell that our friendship will run deep soon. You guys have taught me that not all girls are bitches, but some of them actually have their heads on straighter than I do. Thank you for being there for me, and thank you for teaching me to not be afraid to speak my mind- and letting me know it's OK to just be myself. You ladies are amazingly mature and awesome. I love you both.

To my friends: Ryan Foster, DJ Gaines, Cody Hewson, Andrew Townsend, Matthew Rivera, Sam Hylton, Jake Longworth, Trevvor Toczek, Dorian Vaughn, Keith Weatherwax, Chantilly Higbee (and more!): You folks have experienced my absences from your presence throughout the last few years, yet you still are my friend. I'm sorry I haven't always been there for you, but I thank you tremendously for being there for me. Friends are important, and without you guys, my life would be much less joyous. Thank you.

Last of all, to Kyle Smith: I never expected to be your friend, let alone start to get to know you like this. It's amazing how when you need someone the most, sometimes a great person comes your way. You have really helped me get to know myself again, and I owe you for that. I can't remember when I have ever smiled this much. Thank you for being you, and letting me be me.

There are many more people who mean so much to me, many more than I could possibly write about in a silly blog, but you folks know who you are- I just want you to know how much I owe to you. People help people, and I know it's taken me a long time to realize this, but I need to thank you more often. I encourage you all to recognize the people you thank, but who you've never told. Whether it's in a silly blog, or in person, letter, e-mail or telepathic message, let them know you love them and thank them for being who they are.