Ohana

I should never have underestimated these people's dedication and sweetness. It's almost diabetic except that it isn't unhealthy for you. In fact, the greater the dosage, the better.

On some days I wonder if I'm a good person. On days like today, I figure I must be good enough because I have a bunch of crazy, loving friends that make me aspire to be so much more, just so I can be wholly deserving of their affection.

To dear Mervis, my unrelenting mentor and whimsical partner-in-crime, may your vivacity never waver. Your best quality is your love for life and all it has to offer. The way you seem to reach right into my heart and know all the things I didn't even know myself is just uncannily precious. Thank you for all the effort in everything you do for me (and the others), especially all the cherished hours of sleep and gas mileage that were sacrificed hahahaha. Please know that they are not in vain and are always appreciated.

To dear Aziee, my twin in all things nail polish, everyday gossip, and Doraemon, who has stuck by me since before I even met the others, I know I can always count on you for anything. Every time that our eyes meet in silent laughter over something stupidly hilarious, I feel blessed to have met this twin sister I never had. May there be ceaseless gushing about cute boys and gorgeous nail colors, and I can only pray that we will simply grow into old ladies and not old bimbos together HAHAHA.

To dear Lesley, my adooorable karaoke kaki and surprisingly fierce bargain hunter, may we have decades more of inappropriate singing out loud, planning of surprises, and fantasies of Disney fairytales. The seaweed may be greener in somebody else's lake, but the seaweed in my lake is the best shade of green because you are in it. #lessyndrome is the only syndrome I wouldn't mind suffering. Thank you for being my angel with hidden devilish horns. *huggies and pampers*

To dear Lava, my wonderful enabler of excessive accessorizing, may the times we share be as meaningful and tremendously fun as they always have been. It's not easy to see you on a regular basis, but during times that I do, I feel like no time or distance has passed between us. Your laughter is often the fuel for my lame humor and it's as if you emanate sincerity from your very core. (Now is not a good time to reveal that all along you were just laughing politely. No, Lava, NO.) Thank you for just being the person that you are.

To dear Faisal, my constant source of new music and weirdly fabulous diva moves, days spent with you are always remembered fondly. From your insinuations to your preferences to your sometimes too-loud-too-sudden yelling of alien language, it's been a blast having you in my life so far and I hope that you get more pakcik sandals because lately your shoes are too legit for me to mock. *winks virtually because in real life I can only do it to a wall* Okay seriously, thank you for all the times you have said I'm fine just the way I am.

To dear Eugene, my preferred person to pick a fight with, may our exchanges of wit and sarcasm be endless because I know ultimately you mean the best for me and this is our special way of communicating. Please know that everything I say usually needs to be taken with copious amounts of salt and that you don't need anyone to validate you, because you are awesome in your own right. Patience is a virtue that you encompass more than anyone I know, and for that I am thankful for having you in my life because god knows one needs patience and tolerance to deal with me on a long-term basis. *sheepish grin*

To dear Irwan, my favorite Malay singer and English singer and sometimes-Pinoy, may the music and movies and puns with you never end because life is too short to be spent in seriousness (#YOLO). Your greatest asset is your ability to balance humility and pride, coupled with sizzling charm. Don't ever let any girl break your heart because other (fan)girls are probably getting their hearts broken by you! I'm perpetually grateful for your presence because frankly, you up my street cred with other friends HAHAHAHA.

There. My gratitude and love in seven individual paragraphs. Words cannot fully express my every sentiment so just know that you all are important to me and helped me develop into the camwhore that I sort of am now.

Sorry if you were expecting a touching closing sentence. This is me, trolling.