Today, I turn 31, which is pretty remarkable, because that age sounds very mature to me. My parents were in their mid thirties when I was in elementary school, and that was the age I always thought moms and dads should be. It is strange to think that I am now nearing that age. Although I could say “I don’t feel a day over 19,” that really is not true. I have changed so much since college and I feel myself growing with each passing year and each new experience.Taken a few weeks before I turned 31! My second Rent The Runway dress! 

I remember my 21st birthday well. I was starting my 3rd semester of nursing school, and my friends and I had dinner at Cafe Izmir. I received a bottle of wine courtesy of the restaurant that was signed by all of my dinner guests. I kept that bottle for years (because I don’t really drink much), and I think my parents eventually finished it off. Nursing school was all about self induced stress for me, and I was so thankful for those sweet friends that put aside their studying for a few hours to celebrate with me.

A lot has happened in the past 10 years. I finished my Bachelor’s degree, moved into an apartment, and began building my life in Dallas. Since then, I have held onto old friends, made new friends, traveled some, met a boy and had my heart broken, welcomed a puppy into my life, started this blog, finished my graduate degree, met another boy who is now my husband (I still have trouble believing this, and I make it known to him on a daily basis), welcomed another pup into my life, and the list goes on. It’s interesting to think how different my life was at 11 years old, and then 21, and now at 31. I have been given an immensely rich life, and although I have some off days, I try to live out the cliche, and not take a minute for granted.

Thank you to all of my people! I would not be the person I am today without all of you. Much love and hugs to my readers! I’m going to go eat some ramen and cake and see if Professor wants to give me a birthday snuggle.

XO