Friends are the family we choose for ourselves — that’s always been one of my favorite sayings. It’s never felt truer, especially when I think about this year.

2018 gave me many cherished opportunities to reconnect with dear friends near and far.

This summer, I spent a wonderful week in Colorado with Lisa, who I go back with more than 30 years. A loyal confidante and supporter, Lisa is someone I’ve always looked up to. We share a unique and rare bond, one which intensified following the untimely passings of our beloved parents. Though God knows it’s something you never want to have in common, He also knows what it means to have a friend who fully understands that loss console you. What is more, Lisa met my Mom and Dad and I met hers. Though we were out of touch for a few years, we picked up right where we left off during my visit, laughing and talking effortlessly for hours. Time and distance are no match for true friends.

I was reminded of that again when I caught up with friend Vania for the first time in a while. We met about 10 Years Ago, clicking immediately during a girls night out at the rooftop bar of NYC’s Peninsula Hotel.

A vibrant spirit with a knack for bringing people together and razor-sharp sense of humor, she is also a great listener. Vania and her delightful boyfriend Dave joined me at The Pierre for two outdoor summer events as well as for my recent Annual Holiday Party. They are a perfect fit for each other and such fun to be around.

When it comes to fun, there’s been no shortage of that and so much more with longtime friend Marilyn.

A beloved part of my life for 27 years now, Marilyn has become like a second mother to me with her unfailing wisdom, understanding and zest for life. She came East from Ohio in September to visit her lovely daughter Karen and the three of us enjoyed afternoon tea at The Pierre. Marilyn stayed over and we talked into the wee hours of the night, continuing a longstanding tradition whenever we see each other.

A pair of work trips brought my dear friend of 25 years Camilla to NYC. Born and based in Norway, Camilla and I lived on the same floor during my junior year in London. I’m even more in awe of her now than I was then.

A married mother to three beautiful girls, Camilla ably juggles her career with parenthood and a strong, loving relationship of more than 20 years. Over brunch and a stroll through Chelsea Market, we fell into easy conversation about life, love, politics and more. The time flew by. I haven’t been to Norway since Camilla’s gorgeous wedding 11 years ago, so I think I need to start planning a return visit!

Speaking of weddings, last month I headed down to Miami for the nuptials of my dear friend Taslin.

Taz and I met at journalism school 20 years ago, quickly bonding over academic demands and adventures in dating. Her effervescent spirit and thoughtfulness meant so much as I dealt with the passing of my mom six weeks after school started. It filled my heart with joy to be there for her special day. Taslin and longtime love Ross exchanged vows at sunset on the beach in an intimate, moving ceremony that made me believe in happily ever after all over again.

A November benefit for the non-profit Hopeland reunited me with Chicago native Shantel, in town to produce the first-class event.

I first connected with Shantel about 10 years ago, when she was a producer for the Oprah Show and one of my PR clients was Tourism Queensland. We worked on a fun segment together and remained in touch. It was through her then-day job that she became acquainted with Hugh Jackman, whose wife Deborra Lee Furness founded Hopeland. Hopeland’s mission is to help protect children at risk and keep families together. They are doing incredible work and I was thrilled when Shantel told me about it and my hotel The Pierre was able to support the event’s silent auction. She did a fantastic job coordinating the A-list entertainment, which included knockout performances from Hamilton’s Ari Afsar and The Greatest Showman’s Keala Settle.

Last but most definitely not least, 2018 provided two fantastic weekends with my 80s cruise BFF Natalie. In June, we met up in Vegas for the finale of my beloved Ricky Martin’s All In residency at MGM’s Park Theater. More recently, Natalie came in from Ohio for my annual Holiday Party.

I was over the moon to share this magical time of year with her. In just 3 years of friendship, Natalie has already given me a lifetime’s worth of unconditional love and support, becoming a cherished friend as well as a favorite travel companion.

I am profoundly blessed and beyond thankful to have all of these incredible women as part of my chosen family. Looking forward with great anticipation to more adventures with each of them in 2019.

Happy New Year all!

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