Lisa

Even though her real name is Lara, our whole family has always called her Lisa. Like a nickname that's not actually a shortening of anything. To be honest it weirds me out when Matt, my brother-in-law, calls her Lara, because I forget that's her real name and somehow it doesn't sound right.

Lisa's my sister and, as the years have passed, more and more of a great friend. When I was little there was such an age gap that we didn't really relate as friends or share clothes or any of that stuff. Part of growing up and then living in New York for the last 4 years has meant that we've become friends, equals - i love that. I feel like if we were ever flatmates we would have the time of our lives.

This post is to tell you a little about why Lisa is an amazing sister and an amazing (and as you can see gorgeous!) person:
- She is incredibly kind-hearted and wonderfully gifted with people. She would be the one you would want baby-sitting your kid, answering the phone on the customer service line, looking after your grandma in the old folks home, organising your wedding decorations (thanks!).
- She is an AMAZING mother. Really, I'm blown away by how patient and loving she is with raising two adorable but seriously hyperactive boys. She totally inspires me that parenting is doable and worthwhile.
- She knows how to have a good time. There' something kind of Irish about her outgoing impulses, her humour, her social ease. Oh, you also really want her on your team for games. Especially card games. If she's playing against you, prepare to die.
- She is the only person in the world that can get me into absolute and irrevocable fits of giggles. I don't even know how she does this, but ever since I was tiny she could bring this hysteria out in me in a way that no one else has been able to replicate.
- She's tender-hearted. She cries at commericals.
- She's fiercely loyal and can be tough-minded, steely and protective when someone she loves is threatened.
- She's an eternal optimist. She's had a really winding and often tough road through life, but in every situation she finds a way to see the positive side and to put a smile on her face.

I know they say you can't choose your family, but Lisa would be my first pick every time :)