"I'm Thinking ...."

Wow. The big 2-6. I can't believe it has FINALLY happened and MAN did I have the best weekend ever. I spent tons of time with my friends and family (minus E - LOVE YOUUU), laughed my heart out, smiled my face off, and yes, cried my appreciation out. (don't worry, no bad tears here). There is no point in recapping the weekend because I won't be able to do it justice, but I will take this opportunity to thank everyone who made it so special. All those who went out of there way to celebrate with me, the cards, the gifts, the drinks, the hugs, the calls & texts and the laughs. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I promised myself that when I turned 26 I would turn over a new leaf. I would stop throwing pity parties, and I would make my grandest attempt at just loving those who (actually) love me. You all make this easy.

"Girl put your records on, tell me your favorite song" - patio'ing it up!

Go figure, I made a new friend. I insisted on a picture in memory of my sister. E, this one is for you! See ya there!

night 2: smiling our faces off because thats what we do

MY GIRLS!!!!!!! i.love.you

prom pose 2009 - pre-dance off

My weekend was non-stop, and as I mentioned before "Friend AND Family filled". Mother's day was fun and relaxing and best of all, I got to spend it with my most favorite lady in the world. Although I failed to do a nice Mothers Day post, she deserves a big shout out!! Happy (belated) Mothers Day, courtesy of Kris.10.K. (We did spend the day together, and I gave her a bottle of Chardonnay called "Good Daughter". This is only appropriate as her other darling has ventured to the other side of the world and MISSED Mother's Day!! I will milk it for all its worth.)

On my drive home late last night, tired and overwhelmed with emotion, I stopped to listen to a song that I never pay attention to. The lyrics moved me and I feel they explain this time in my life so well.

I've been waiting for my dreams

To turn into something

I could believe in
And looking for that
Magic rainbow
On the horizon
I couldn't see it
Until I let go
Gave into love and watched all the bitterness burn
Now I'm coming alive
Body and soul
And feelin' my world start to turn

And I'll taste every moment
And live it out loud
I know this is the time
This is the time to be
More than a name
Or a face in the crowd
I know this is the time
This is the time of my life

Holding, onto, things that vanished
Into the air
Left me in pieces
But now I'm rising from the ashes
Finding my wings
And all that I needed
Was there all along
Within my reach
As close as the beat of my heart

And I'm, out on the edge of forever
Ready to run
I'm keeping my feet on the ground
Arms wide open
My face to the sun

This is the time of my life. - artist: David Cook