Turning 24

“Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends.”

So it's been a little while...and here's what you missed:

My birthday, TAKS prep like none other, Jana's bachelorette party, night our in Fort Worth at Billy Bob's, Jana and Kyle's wedding, decisions about the summer, TAKS tests...did I miss anything? 

Lauren, Jana, and I out to eat in Austin for Jana's bachelorette party. 

    

 We had an incredible time in Austin a few weeks ago. Friday night was so relaxing with just dinner and out and headed to bed early. (Ever since I've started teaching, by Friday night I'm ready to crash!) Saturday we got to sleep in and then go shopping all afternoon on South Congress. Adorable location, but not quite my style as far as the stores. Then we headed back to the hotel in downtown to get ready...and I know it's a small thing, but we walked to Starbucks to get coffee. 

I don't think I'd ever want to live in a downtown area, but I love the idea of being able to walk a lot of places.

Dinner at this fun Mexican restaurant and then going out. Going out on 6th Street is a totally different experience than going out in Dallas. We got asked to come into every place along the way and then were provided with free champagne to celebrate! Loved it. Nothing too crazy, just so much fun and lots of memories were made to say the least.

 Then came my birthday weekend. It wasn't anything too crazy different, but it was still so special. It was one of those weekends where I realized I had been taking for granted all the amazing people in my life. I can't tell you how many birthday cards I received...and that's such a good feeling to go to the mailbox and receive something besides bills and coupons for Pizza Hut. One of my close friends from College Station even came in town to help celebrate (and brought me this adorable red and black lunchbox)! At school the next week, my students even threw me a surprise birthday party. And yes, there were tears, cupcakes, and sweet smelling bath and body works goodies!

My family of course contributed with their always hilarious cards. For the first time in awhile, I actually felt older on my birthday. That sounds dumb, but 24 just seems like okay, you're for sure out of the college stage and full-on into a grown-up working person. I'm sure I'll find some loop-hole for that along the way. :)

In all seriousness though, I am so incredibly blessed and God has put the most caring and genuine individuals ever into my life. Even though I don't always realize it, I'm surrounded by people who love and care about me always. They are full of encouragement and understanding. Love it.

Please be jealous of this picture.

The boys were about to kill me for this, but deep down they LOVE this picture! This is "Lone Star, " the famous Ft. Worth longhorn and I hAd to have my picture taken with it. This sweet old Cowboy was tired of taking pictures and told me I could still have mine if we followed him to a back alleyway. (I promise it wasn't as creepy as it sounded.) Then he told me to jump up on there. It was sweet. And I love that I have this picture. Oh yeah, we had fun at Billy Bob's too. :)

I'm mildly upset about the fact that my camera died at Jana and Kyle's rehersal dinner, but trust me when I say the wedding was beautiful. (Pictures on facebook.) I could not be happier for them and I know they are going to build an amazing life together. Congrats you two!

Woohoo!! TAKS is finally over!!!!!!!!!!!! Weight off my shoulders...yes.

This past month has been so busy, but so fun. I have really been able to sit back and see that even though you may be in such different places as some of your friends, it doesn't change the relationship the two of you have. Or make it any less special. Also, there's something special about those friends who know everything about you. It's the type of relationship you can't just create overnight...it takes time, and more importantly trust. No matter how those relationships start, they always bring a smile to my face when I think of all of the incredible relationships and people in my life.