As always, first and foremost, I thank God for the people and experiences that have shaped my so-called life. I know I sometimes doubt Him, but there are reasons why things turn out the way they do. I'm just grateful He brought me together with this group of crazy chics I now call my friends.

Pop and Mom, it's still a fight trying to get me through to graduation. I know you didn't anticipate my extended undergrad years anymore than I did. Your plans for me have long been shattered, and I know how hard that is for both of you. If you only knew how hard it is for me, the pressure of trying to make you proud, and at the same time trying to come into my own. I know I seem begrudging and irritable, but thank you for pushing me so hard. I'm crying as I write this, and I know I should've finished in four, but I'll get there. I love you.

Bro, I know we've always fought more than we should. In the beginning, it was because of the age and gender gaps, but now it's because we're more alike than I know we'd care to admit. Two firey personalities are always bound to clash, and have we ever. As we try to mend what's been broken, that temperament is starting to become more controlled. It's a step in the direction of finally closing the space between us. I know this'll be embarrassing, but...I love you.

Russo and Coz, lately I've dealt with someone that once again, made me appreciate who my "real friends" are. You are two in this rare and dying breed. Proof? I've never had to second-guess either of your friendships. Joe, I trust you more than 100%, which is why you're taking half of MY issues to YOUR grave. Chris, we've known each other so long, there's just no second-guessing. Thank you, and I only hope that you share the same regard for me.

Jaclyn, the first in my *NSYNC Sorority. =) You let go of the boys sooner than I'd have thought, but I know you'll always hold a place for the memories: Listening to "O Holy Night" from the suite, watching Justin get stuck in the Palace rafters, getting pelted by Nutter Butters, wearing those bitchin' tiaras, spending many harsh winter's nights in line for tickets, and so many others. This is only a fraction of what we've been through together over the years. Our friendship has been broken more than once, but we always manage to piece it back together. Muchas amor, mi amiga!

Brit, I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. When you passed the torch on to me and asked if I knew what I was getting myself into, I had absolutely no clue. It's been a trip! From hatemail and plagiarism, to editors' drama and anniversaries, you continue to be a great friend and support. Thank you. Much love and best of luck in everything you do. You're gonna be as great a teacher as you are a mom. =)

Lux, What up, DORK?! LMAO (You know I'll never stop greeting you that way.) It's been an adjustment for me since you moved to New York. I'm so used to being able to call whenever, and knowing you'd be home if I wanted to pop by after class. Now I have to worry about long distance charges, and wait for holidays to see you...but it's gravy baby. It just gives us all the more to talk about, and more incentive to hang out and cause trouble. Remember to never be ashamed and that IT'S JUST ABOUT RESPECT! =) In the two years we've known each other, you have quickly become one of my bestest friends. I'm thankful for what we've been through, and the nuttiness that IS our friendship. I luff you, homegirl.

Tabz, WHAT ARE YOUUUUU DOING?! (You know I'll never stop greeting you that way, either.) So here we are...two years past DC, one year since Orlando. I have no idea where to start. If we thought jading Delaware, DC, and Bowie was an adventure, we could only imagine what would happen when we got to "where the boybands grow on trees." The constant dynamic was that for everything that sucked, something even better rocked our socks. I'm glad we spent part of Challenge together. It was only a weekend, but this time we had total freedom...and did we go to town! We gave "playing NSYNC" a whole new meaning. ;) It's rare to find a person who lets you be yourself, and never lets you forget it. You are one of those people, and I'm thankful for "the incident" (you know of what I speak), because our friendship came from it. I love you, miss you, and pray that we have 150 billion more (mis)adventures together in the future. Send Koty and Skye all my hugs. TWO STEP!

Beck, I dunno what to say. When we met a little over two years ago, it instantly felt like we'd known each other for ages. Since then, we've laughed, cried, collaborated, and inspired each other. We spent one hell of a jaded weekend together, kicking off what would become the summer of my life. YAY BUDDY!® I never understood why we clicked so quickly, but I never questioned it. "Friends by chance, sisters by choice." Lately, that tie has unraveled. I know I'm harsh sometimes, but the reason I push so hard is because I believe in you, and your potential to accomplish whatever you want. I miss being on the phone every day, our inside jokes, and confiding in each other. I'm sorry you don't consider me worthy of that anymore. Yo lo amo más que su hermano, pero usted no lo puede decir eso. I luff you, sis.

Alli, we've come a long way. We're older, wiser...and mesh a hell of a lot better than when we first started. lol ;) I'm proud of you for finally seeing your first NSYNC concert. *tear* I miss our 3am calls, humor IM's, and randomness. I know we'll get to meet up soon, and I promise that eventually you'll get to read your role in "the epic." Love ya!

Jules, my frequently MIA sister. To quote Lucky, COME BACK! *cries* I miss you so much. Heckling Stever, watching "Office Space," and late night chats just aren't the same without you. I have no one to discuss dream weavers and crotchless panties with, and you're not there to defend your man against BexXx's claim that "BAM is an ass clown." I meant it when I said that although you're rarely around, you're still a huge part of EF. Take care homeslice, and remember that I <3 you thiiiiiiiiiis much. MUAH!

Macky, where ARE you? Holla back so I know you're still out there! =) I could never forget my other Stories coeditor. You're a fabulous writer, and I hope you keep working at it. I'd love to read more of your stories in the future. Stay sweet!

Katie, our PLB sender, who's as prompt and reliable as the postal service. =) Through rain, snow, sleet and shine...or in our case, through creative droughts, unsubbies, and address changes...you always manage to get the issue out. You've been a great addition to the team, and are a talented author in your own right. Thanks for sharing your story, and best of luck in finishing it. Much love!

Em, my pinay partay gal. =) It never ceases to amaze me that half the time, we're thinking the exact same thing. The other half of the time, we can converse and honestly understand how the other feels about everything from war to pop culture. I'm blessed for our sistership and that we can share a few laughs, and shed a few tears. I'm so bummed you and Ter closed GUnGD, but I know we'll still be down with each other in the future. I luff ya, chic!

Liz, Howdy! lol All I have to say is, thank you: For putting up with my mood swings, my crying, and the constant bitching and venting over the person who shall remain nameless. You're also one of few that understand "the obsession." Now THAT's friendship. ;) I love you, woman! PS: She's eating too loudly! *looks at tree* You know you wanna touch the bark! lmao

Kimmie, for the 150 billionth time, thanks for being my rock and reminding me that I'm "better than that." You continue to see me through the peaks and valleys of life at, and outside of, NJEF. I appreciate that, and the friendship we've had since I first introduced you to my "friends." The *nformercial series and the "epic" were fabulous ideas, and I pray that we finish the latter and share it with the world! =) As Tony says, big love!

Dia, Liz and Bri, my Challenge posse. It seems like only yesterday we were in Orlando sporting matching Skechers, repeatedly hearing "Hot in Herre," browsing "real estate," and posing in front of all our landmarks. And of course, we got to see our boys. ;) I had a blast and hope we get to do it all over again! I'm really glad we got to meet and share the experience together. Y'all are three of the crunkest chics I've ever met. An extra hug goes to D, for helping me deal with difficult people and situations, and all your contributions to the site and zine. I luff you all!

Liv would also like to thank:

The past editors of EF (Amy, Alex, Nikki, Brianne, Missy, Mary, Nina, Kari); Hal (Where you at?); the FRO (I'm sorry J thinks he's too good for you); my former coworkers (who I love and miss); Sheri Shaw (for being one hell of a singer, and looking out for us); the American Idol rejects (for keeping me so damn amused); Johnny (MAD love from yer Angels); Scary Guy and crew (for working the hotel elevator); the Tony Lucca clan (for remembering Lux and I, and welcoming us into the madness...y'all are a talented and sweet group of people); Bob (my waddling albino opossum); Jay Leno (stop jocking our material!); Conan O'Brien (for the NSA-inspired "string dance"); Laura (for complimenting my psychotic side); Rica (for help with LJ codes, and NO MORE DRAMA!); the Cap'n and Sgt. Swab (for supporting woodchucks); Mattel (for clothing the Merry Men); Paul my ticket broker (if it weren't for you, I'd need binoculars); all the gals I've met over the years camping out for tickets; EVERYONE who's contributed something to NJEF, PLB & Stories; and everyone who's peeped the sites, or subbied to the zine, you guys are what keeps us updating. Cheers to FOUR YEARS! =)

Finally, I can't forget the guys that continue to inspire me in various ways. During the past year of your hiatus, it's been great seeing you grow individually...but I miss you all collectively. I professed my appreciation and love in my personal messages (even Wade and Steve), so I would just like to say to Josh, Chris, Lance, Joe, and J: Thank you for the memories...and for jading me and EF.

Love,
Olivia