Hi! I am Shanna, from Shanna, like Banana and I’m so happy to be guest blogging for Erin while she is in Hawaii 
That is me and my hubby in Kauai in February.
We do a lot for our health: We eat right. We exercise. We take out “me” time. We do things that are fulfilling in our day-to-day life.
But there is nothing that is more essential to my mental health than having my Bestie.
- That’s the bestie on the right!
I received this email on a random Wednesday morning in April:
“Some days I’m so busy, it’s not really a big deal to drink my vino solo at night (like last night, working till 830p). But some days I can’t help but dwell on the suckiness of having my bestie on the other side of the country. I want to shop with you and get pedis and go hiking and drink wine and plan our futures. And even though we still email all the time, and do shop online together… I still miss you terribly. Nothing I can do about it, but just thought I’d let you know. “
You see, I grew up never having a best friend. I was always hesitant to single out one special person for fear that would make others feel bad. And frankly, I didn’t know if someone would reciprocate me being their bestie, so I simply shied away.
And then as I got older, and deeper entrenched in the world of math and science, most of my friends were guys. And while those friendships were fun, no fuss, and free of cattiness, I knew I was missing something valuable that could only be found in another chica. 
Andrea and I met while at Stanford fulfilling our graduate degrees (starting in 2002). Initially, we stuck with our patterns of mostly male friends, and then realized we just clicked. We’ve been inseparable ever since and are even so close that we got engaged on the exact same day (and no, it was not at all planned!).
Stanford graduation, 2004
My wedding, April 2009
Andrea's wedding picture!
Rome, February 2010
My Bestie Andrea left for the East Coast last November. It’s been almost 6 months of separation, minus a weekend jaunt in Boston and our week long trip in Kauai this February. Of course, both were fabulous, but I think we both miss the mundane, the everyday, the consistency; I miss concocting a new recipe while drinkin’ vino and watching the smoldering boys of Vampire Diaries, I miss our monthly pedis, I miss my shopping buddy, I miss my Bikram and Spinning partner.
So yeah, it’s hard.
But A’s email inspired a new found pact: we will schedule more frequent, long weekend destination trips throughout the year. Perhaps Chicago, or Austin, or Denver, or…? Who knows, the possibilities are endless.
We thrive on having something to look forward to and this will be just the ticket. Our next planned trip is already set for the 4th of July in Tahoe, but may try to convince her to do a June trip too
Paddleboarding in Tahoa, July 4th, 2010
QUESTION: How has your bestie enhanced your life?
Where do you think we should travel next?
My bestie just threw my baby shower and we went to Germany (loved your Rome pics b/c they look so similar to our Germany pics!) Love my BFF!!!
Great post!
I’m so happy right now that you used the word bestie. Seriously it’s the best word ever. I do agree though, my bestfriend and I are so active mentally and physically together.
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You guys are GORGEOUS! God…it’s infuriating!
I want a Bestie. And to travel. Monthly.
Love that tan colored dress too!
Great post Shanna, also gotta have your besties
Loved reading your comments about your own besties! And thanks for some ideas of where to meet up
My best friend and I have always had a long distance friendship. I actually met her online many, many years ago. Its hard, because we will never get those everyday things. It just makes us appreciate our time together more though. Shes been there for me through the worst times of my life, and I dont know where I would be without her.
My bestie currently lives in Dubai with her hubby so I feel you on missing her lots and lots! When she comes home in the summers, we schedule a weekly dinner and try to do movies and whatever fun stuff we can squeeze in. Thank goodness for the internet ~ it would have been so much harder to stay in touch 15 – 20 years ago!!
You could always hit up Nashville together — I’m not 100% sure when it is but there’s a huge summer country music event coming up and I think it’s later this month or in June!
Love, love this post Shanna
Warms my heart because as my wedding comes close, all my best friends from high school and college have showed me so much love the last few weeks, that I am a bit emotional thinking about it.
You guys should travel to Mexico together.
Aww!! This post made me so happy! Of course it only makes me miss you more! kiss-kiss bestie
My best friend and I are long distance now, too. It can be tough. So cute that you got engaged on the same day!
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Love this, besties are so important! I have a group of 4 girls that I’ve grown up with that I always have a blast with. Even though we’re all at different schools, we make time to skype and visit each other. Love those girls!
Aww, that makes my heart smile Gen!
My best friend and I practically grew up together! Our parents were friends in college.
I can talk to her about pretty much anything, because we know so much about each other!!
We live in different countries though, so whenever I’m in the States,we get together a lot!