Meet Peechie! Crystal has been a constant in my life since day one. More than an aunt, she's my sister, my confidante, and my unwavering support. A Yale Road devotee, and the reason I know what true, wide-open laughter sounds and looks like. Need advice? She's got it. Got sweets? She'll 'help' you eat them.

From Yale Road backyards to imaginary Olympic podiums for ice skating and gymnastics, that's Leslie! My 'number five' sister, fellow swimmer, and partner in all things childhood. We didn't know it then, but we were always family. If she says hot cold butter peas, RUN! We used to play dress-up in the garage with her mother’s wedding gown, and I couldn't imagine my special day without her in it.

Susie, my social media star, always the life of the party! She's got this infectious energy, always pushing for a dance-off, even if it's in perfect formation. We've known each other since the days of mismatched CVS foundation and questionable fashion choices, and boy, have we grown. Sure, she can get on my nerves, but her smile is pure sunshine, and her positivity is—well, just Susan!

Kim is the definition of a ride-or-die. From our wild Philly escapades to the quiet moments when I needed her most, she's been my constant. Her unwavering positivity has pulled me through the darkest times, and she's always ready with a helping hand, even becoming Smokey's surrogate mom. Kim's strength is undeniable, and her love for a good two-step is infectious.

Once my beloved 'gusband,' now a happily married man! Jeffrey is my partner in crime for kitchen adventures, endless laughter, hilariously butchered song lyrics, bike rides with Smokey, endless Blue Apron boxes, and a shared obsession with Ina Garten. A friendship forged in the fires of an ex-colleague's hangout @ 190  Berks, and it's been a blast.

AD. I can't quite explain it, but there's a connection between us—a 621 to my 216, a language only we understand. She's incredibly special, sensitive, and has a heart of gold, almost to a fault. We found each other during a chaotic chapter, and despite my insistence on that truly awful green juice, she embraced me for who I am. I still adore her, even if she's sworn off Vegas trips with me forever... and even though I might occasionally wreck her favorite kitten heels.

Ree, or Doretha as I know her, I'm so grateful she's part of our lives! Her capacity for love is boundless, especially for those who show her kindness. Prepare for a dance-off, because this woman has soul—you know, my Motown sista! She's a lover of smooth tunes, perfectly crafted espresso martinis, capturing fun moments on Snapchat, and enjoying pasta and cocktails with friends. More than anyone knows, she's always keeping it real and genuine.

It's amazing how those G Lounge memories have evolved into such a profound friendship. With Megan, it's more than just shared experiences; it's a spiritual understanding. We speak the same language of cardinals and auras, find solace in the beauty of plants, and revel in the magic of a perfect cocktail and a Delilah night out. She truly sees me.

Having known Toussaint since middle school, Jarret’s memories of the two of them run the gamut of emotion. Whether he was consistently beating Jarret in RBI Baseball IV on Sony Playstation, or stealing his girlfriend in 8th grade.....come to think of it, he's been besting Jarret for as long as he can remember. Thus, nobody else he’d rather have as his best man.

Cub Scouts. Varsity Basketball. And several years of Brandon sharing his opinions on all the finer things in life, we certainly call him “Rich Brandon” for a reason. Somewhere over the last 30 years we moved from friends to family and Jarret’s life is certainly better for it.

Colleague, neighbor, golf buddy, rabbi, confidant, etc etc etc. One of the best humans Jarret knows, though they share misery in Sixers fandom. Having met as co-workers, they quickly realized their time was better spent on the golf course than in the office. We’re all incredibly proud and excited as Mac scales up his girls youth basketball clinic/league in Philadelphia.

Jack may play the underdog story on paper (re: "Puerto Rican From The Bronx"), but don't be fooled. He stays winning. World class education, beautiful/loving wife, rising among the most talented execs at Amazon, yet still finds time to play baseball. Not softball. Hardball. Respect. Much like Brandon, Jack will know the best place to grab a cocktail in almost any city in the world.

Jarret had the privilege of marrying Matt and his wife Devon several years ago, however their friendship started long before that. Though not a student, Matt would show up at Penn State regularly during Jarret’s years on campus. Soon enough, Jarret and Matt were fast friends and haven’t looked back nearly 20 years later.

Before Jonah decided to buy a beautiful beachside home in Florida, they were thick as thieves in Philly. Often travel buddies, Jarret is still upset that Covid cancelled their trip to Spain. Nevertheless, Jarret can always count on Jonah joining him for an excessively fancy dining (or any other) experience.

Jarret is still not 100% sure how he appeared in his life, but he’s certainly not complaining. Jaret has never met a doctor more committed to fun and always being unabashedly authentic, including in the operating room. Count on Nii Amon to show up, in an expensive timepiece, and elevate the turnup at all costs.  A+ human.

Last but certainly not least, Ryan has it all figured out. Former Deloitte colleagues, Ryan quit the firm to live abroad for a few years. Now living in sunny Florida, he’s poised to retire before all of us. Ryan also is one of Jarret’s golf buddies as the two of them have played all over the US, and parts abroad.