If you are lucky in life, you will find a friend who just totally GETS you. Somehow I’ve been lucky enough to find multiple packs of friends who are absolutely MY PEOPLE. My girlgangs. The people who allow me to be the absolute worst version of myself (may most of our conversations about parenting never be repeated) while inspiring me in a zillion ways how to be a better friend, parent, writer, advocate, thinker, and person. Friends who make me laugh, who also have no desire to ever act “grown up” (whatever that is), who are there for all the tears and the joys and the secrets and the revelations. Friendships that survive through texts and calls and emails and visits, that span years and miles and phases and changes.

The wise Mindy Kaling said “best friend is a tier, not a person,” and I am fortunate to have so many wonderful women in my life who just get me in ways that at times it seemed like no one ever would. Everything else drops away and for a while all that exists is just the joy of being in their company.

A weekend in Duluth with my college girls, sharing laughter and tears and a crapload of candy, was just what I needed. Therapy is the best therapy, but good lord do heart-to-hearts with best friends do a lot of therapeutic good, too.

So once again, the day is saved thanks to the Powerpuff Girls (and the Snow Queen).