Today I am 24 in most of the world and 25 here in Korea. What have I learned in 24 years...good question. I've learned that I am blessed with a Savior that delights in me and is the love of my life. I have a family that is encouraging, loving and supportive. Friends that are blessings, the most amazing dog in the world and what it's like to love and care for a beautiful, God-seeking man.
I love birthdays! I love celebrating someone's special day, thinking about what makes them "them" and creating a day that honors them. I can't remember all of my birthday's, but some do stick out.
When I was 13 I hosted all of my friends a surprise party. I figured the favor would be returned, but later began to doubt it. So, I begged my dad for a "surprise party." My dad continuously shrugged me off. However, I persevered until the evening of my birthday when still no surprise. Being the brat that I was (notice past tense), I made sure that I was not looking appealing for anyone's attention and therefore not likely to participate in a "family party." My brothers wanted to go to the skating rink and my dad tried to convince me to go with him and "hang out." Again, not likely. We ended up getting into a huge fight until I was "forced" to go. I went and walked in sulking to my SURPRISE PARTY! What a brat!
When I was 15 My parents gave me my first car! That car made many birthday's with me...When I was 18, I drove the car to Panama City Beach with some girlfriends for my birthday.
19-20 are a blur, but 21 was great. One of the most special men in my life, Grandpa and Aunt Jo (one of the most special women in my life), came to visit me in Athens, took me for pizza and bought me a beautiful ring that is here with me in Korea and adorning my hand today! What is a better birthday than spending it with the man you love?
So, I didn't have a 21st birthday...instead my best friends in the entire world, who I seriously think have more insight into me than I do by far. One of them I'm pretty sure can read my mind...(Brooks). They decided that they would have a 21st-22nd birthday for me...this included my favorite birthday favors in THE WORLD! PIZZA HUT DEEP DISH PIZZA AND ICE CREAM CAKE!!! You can't have a birthday in my world without these essentials. Also included were my other guilty pleasures...wavy chips and dip, and I'm pretty sure I remember mac and cheese! My favorite birthday gifts, the kind that are homemade and a new journal! Seriously, i have the best friends in the world!!
23 they just kept it up! The girls organized a volley ball tournament complete with burgers and chocolate cupcakes...ummmummummm. My closet friends were there. It was great. I spent the rest of my birthday in Washington, D.C. trying to carve out my place in the world with my dream job. I walked around Jefferson and took endless pictures of the cherry blossoms...roadtripped back to North Carolina to that most special man in my life, Grandpa's. Spent the rest of my birthday with family that I love...I am a blessed girl.
So, that leads me to 24/25. My mom managed to surprise me with a gift that she left with Derek. Jewelry! Thanks mom!!!!! You are sneaky. Lucy and Nancy made me a feast of my favorite foods here in Korea and we watched happy feet. Anna, Nancy's 11 year old daughter gave me a facial! Derek spent the day with me, brought me flowers (my favorite), made me dinner and watched a movie.
It was hard being away from people that I love and are about on my birthday. It wasn't the same without all of you being there to talk to and to hear my grandmother sing happy birthday in a pitch that only dogs hear (mema), but I had a good time with a good looking man.
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