24.

If there's one thing I'll always remember about my childhood- it's that birthday's were a huge deal.  And who am I kidding, birthday's are STILL a huge deal, even if you are 24.  My mom always made a point to make you feel really special on your big day...because it's the only day out of the year that's all about you!  You always get the cake of your choice (Happy Birthday song included) and the meal of your choice...oh and gifts, that's a given.

The people who love me, other than my immediate family, have come to learn that my birthday is a time to celebrate.  While my birthday is on March 9th, the celebration started on the 8th.  For as long as I can remember, I've either been studying or taking midterms on my birthday.  Let me be the first to tell you, that.really.blowsssss.  Good news?  I'LL NEVER DO IT AGAIN (mainly because my birthday is on Saturday next year and the year after, I'll be a working girl).  Since I have amazing friends, I didn't feel so bogged down with tests.  On the 8th, after a test, they took me to my favorite Greek place.  With the mention of my birthday, the waiter brought out free birthday shots and possibly the most disgusting dessert I've ever tasted...credit to the waiter...he lit it on fire first.

We headed to study and at the stroke of midnight, my three best gal pals sang happy birthday to me and gave me a sweet print of our Big City.  I was also given a pin that read "Sexier with Age"...and you better believe I proudly wore that thing.  Do I even have to say it?  Yeah, it's true.

Friday, the 9th, was pretty anticlimactic.  I had a test at 12:30 which meant that every hour from 6 AM was spent studying (at Einstein's...which made it better) followed by a test raping.  So I did all that and then drove six hours to my love.  I did get to talk to lots of sweet friends on the drive back.  When I arrived at the pasture, precious Tuck was SO excited to give me my presents.  I was exhausted and having a caffeine withdrawal.  BUT I quickly snapped out of it when I opened a KEURIG and a box of K-Cups.  What a sweet boyfriend!  We took it easy that night.  I even ate a cheeseburger because I was 24 and it was my birthday and it was Spring Break.  Living on the edge.

TK on March 9th.  Really interested in the birthday girl.

Saturday, the 10th, I got my hair DID.  The red is no mas.  I couldn't be happier.  It got funky there at the end.  This was a special gift to myself with love.  An afternoon of pampering and scalp burning.  It was worth it.  The red was engrained on this head, to the point we were worried the brown may not process.  It did and now I'm a brunette again with caramel highlights.  My classic do.  That night we went to a Tool Shower.  I got to see a bunch of friends that night.  I learned that night that everyone we know is married or engaged.  Everyone is fluent in "wedding" these days.  I sit and nod.  And smile because it makes me nervous.  Sunday I celebrated with Tuck's family.  We had a Mexican themed meal because...I love it.  I got to hold the baby and feed him...I hated every second of that.  Tuck made a heart shaped funfetti cake with chocolate icing...we are sweets people and will most likely weigh 8,000 pounds.

Monday was the ultimate.  My birthday with my family.  Is there anything better than birthday time with your Mama?  No.  24 candles to blow out on my Mimi Chocolate Cake (homemade chocolate icing...what what).  Gift presentation on the fireplace.  A Mexican fiesta that night.  It was so perfect.


Spring Break came and went.  I savored every second of it.  Long power walks.  Sitting poolside.  Yard work.  Shopping.  Margaritas.  Patio time. Getting to see my boyfriend both weekends.  Visiting with good friends.  My friend Casserole got engaged...looks like I'll be in another wedding in October!

It's Spring. 

I have pink jeans. 

I'm beyond happy. 

So blessed with irreplaceable friends and family.

24, I think you are going to be a wonderful year.