21 and LOVING it!!

I am 21!! I have waited for this day, not because I want to booze it up legally, but because I am ready to be officially an adult.

I had the greatest day ever! I woke up late, no commitments... I showered and got ready around 1 and was happy to hear from my dear friend Savannah. She was still in town and would be leaving this weekend, so today, my birthday, was the the perfect time to have one last meet up before she headed back to Austin for school. I was still getting ready, so she decided to prepare a large loaf of pumpkin bread for me for my birthday. After a while, the bread was ready, so we could head out to go get coffee and chat while it cooled.

We met at Starbucks and got coffee, her treat, and we sat and talked while waiting for Jamie to join us. After talking for a while, we went to Savannah's house to get the bread, so that I could head back to the apartment to meet up with my parents.

I arrived at the apartment to be greeted by my loving parents and brother. They had a large bag full of gifts and a couple of boxes as well. My mom is so clever in figuring out a way to get me 21 gifts for my 21st, haha. A set of mini alcohol samples, a hangover kit, a "concealed alcohol" bottle, an I-O-U coupon booklet, a 'believe' stone, a personalized martini glass with gum and mints, a crock pot, a casserole cookbook, a hidden compartment book, and the greatest gift of all: my grandmother's mini .22 magnum revolver. Grandpa had given it to my mom and had told her to give it to me when she thought I was ready. He had told me days before, that I could have it when I got my CHL, which coincidentally Joey had given to me as a birthday gift -a 10 hr course on January 22. It was the most meaningful and perfect gift I have ever received.

I opened my gifts and Joey had come home and changed and we left to the restaurant. Headed to Uncle Julio's for my birthday dinner and to meet Rachel and Brad, I soaked in how lucky I was. I was really happy to have Rachel and Brad there with us, and I wish that we could have had Chelsea and Russel there, but they had class.

We ordered drinks, and my first official alcoholic beverage as a 21 year old. We enjoyed laughter, conversation, and a wonderful meal. I finished off two sangria swirls and opened Rachel's gift with more mini alcohol samples and a cocktail recipe book. Overall a wonderful evening!!

I couldn't ask for better friends, and I have learned already this year that things can not be expected and it is easy to get sidetracked and act selfishly without realizing it. I am going to accept things as they are and stop trying to make everything perfect and expect perfection from people. I am thankful for my friendships, even if sometimes they don't seem to be as I want them, they always end up better than I could have imagined. Joey is not perfect, but who is? I appreciate all that he has done for me and cannot imagine a love more pure.

First snow this season!!

After too much waiting, we finally got our snow this Winter! It seemed like once again we would get passed up, but with temperatures dropping to the 20's and rain in the forecast it was possible.

I woke up to start the second week of the year out right. I went to church with my loving family and enjoyed a service about the importance of prayer. I love our church! The people are always so welcoming and gracious.

After church, Dad, Mom, Brant and I went to our favorite little breakfast place: CHUBBY's! It was raining and very cold outside, but that didn't dampen our spirits. We had a great time and talked for quite a while. As we were getting ready to go and paying for our meal, we noticed that the rain shower had turned into a sleet shower. You could hear the clicking of the tiny ice pellets on the cars outside. We parted ways and they went home and I carefully made my way back to my new home and my love, Joey.

Shortly after starting my journey, I remembered why I don't drive in icy weather... my brakes. I had a very close call and can only thank God for that red light that made oncoming traffic avoid me as I rolled through the intersection very carefully.

I made it home in one piece and enjoyed the rest of the day in the warmth of the apartment. the sleet eventually turned to snow and made for a very beautiful afternoon of unpacking.

Dinner was interesting... Because of the ice, I had not been able to make it to the store to get stuff for dinner. I had a first and last tasting of Joey's chili spaghetti. It was fine, but not what I am used to eating, haha. The bachelor meals have to go!

Overall the first day at my new home was amazing and I can't imagine a better day with my family.

First post and almost a week into the new year...

Not many things have happened thus far, but I have made some personal changes that I think will surely help me make this new year one to remember.

I have chosen to get back into shape and eat right.

I have chosen to be more open with people and open my eyes to the world that is in front of me and embrace it.

I have chosen to live with my boyfriend, Joey. Our second year together is completed at the end of March. I can not imagine being with anyone else at this point in my life and think this move is one that will change my future for the better.

I am dedicated to getting my Associate's Degree in Business in the Fall of this year. I am going to apply myself and get my GPA up to what I think reflects me as an intellect and not my past in school.

I want to learn. I want to listen to the things that people have to say and the reasoning behind their statements. Not only will this help me in my current job, but it will also help me in my life in general.

I am going to make this year one to remember and I would like to keep track through this blog so that one day I can look back and see the changes I have made.