Why hello there, 22

So it's official. I'm 22 years old. Maybe it wasn't one of the most highly acclaimed of birthdays, but I enjoyed it. :) I woke up, got tired, went back to bed, then got up for good around 11. Sarah called to wish me a happy bday and I was happy that we got to talk for a while. Now that she's back in Mississippi, I miss her like crazy. I had a rather healthy lunch of vegetable soup and mint chocolate mousse for a total of 120 calories. Pretty fabulous, except I was hungry very soon afterward lol. I did some walking while listening to my ipod. The music of the day? A little Joe Nichols and Relient K. I didn't walk as much as I should, but I figure on my birthday I deserve a bit of a break, right? I'm sure I'll pay for it tomorrow in pain. As for today, I went pretty much the entire day without pain. However, I'm getting ahead of myself. I was so thankful for all of the people who wished me a happy birthday, whether it was through text, phone call, or facebook. I appreciate everyone's well wishes. :) Gretchen called and it was good to hear from her. Ryan sent me a text and definitely made me smile. I wish I was in Hawaii celebrating with him, but I know he was here with me in spirit. Mom was nice enough to get some things ready while Dad ran some errands. By the time 4 o'clock rolled around, the house was decorated for my birthday and the celebration was about to start. Nathaniel and Amber arrived, and I was so happy to see them. Amber's birthday present of a scrapbook was super cool and I will always treasure it. Nathaniel got me some schweet balloons, a card, and some fleece. Now you might be saying, why fleece? We're going to make a blanket together so that I can stay warm in my hospital bed during these freezing winter nights. It's a project in progress. :) Lynne also sent me her birthday present via the internet, and I was so happy. I love her creativity and ability to make me smile in the most random ways. I am super blessed to have friends like I do, and I have no idea what my life would be like without them constantly encouraging me to move forward. We had a yummy dinner of twice baked potatoes, ribs, corn, green beans, and potato salad. It was delicious! After dinner, out came the cake. I of course blew out my 4 candles (2 on one side and 2 on the other...get it? lol) and was excited to dive in. We stuffed ourselves full of cake and ice cream until we were about to pop. The whole meal was very very tasty. Then we went back in the family room and watched some random videos. A little madrigal feaste, some home videos of when I was little, clips of Amber's wedding, etc. It was fun to just sit and reminisce for a while. Mom and Dad went upstairs, and Nathaniel, Amber and I just sat and talked for a while. It was so great to just have some chill time with two great friends, talking about life and smiling. They most definitely brought up my spirits and made me realized how much I have to be thankful for. The healing process can make you feel like you've lost part of yourself, but in actuality, I've learned more about who I am. My focus is clearer, and I can see life in a different light that shows me how blessed every single day is. Am I a year older? Yes. Does that make me feel old? Yes. Was I lucky enough to wake up this morning, breathe, and have a fabulous day? Yes. Sometimes birthdays are exciting, sometimes they're bland, and other times they make you soak in every drop of beauty from your surroundings. Here I go getting all sappy and philosophical again, but honestly. The last year has brought me many unexpected twists and turns, but each one of them is bringing me closer to the person God wants me to be. I am slowly being formed, the pieces of my life switched around like a rubik's cube until it all will fall into place. Thanks, February 1st. You kinda rocked it out today. :) <3