Part of My World

My 26th birthday was this weekend & for the most part, I was dreading it. First, I don't really think there is any happy milestones after 25. After 25, it's all "over the hill" and old jokes. I am not thrilled about all that. Also, I have this fear that if I ever have a party, no one will show up & I'll just die from there. However, I made the best of these situations after a lot of anxiety, indecisiveness, & general fear. 

I had the party of a 6 year old girl.

I asked a few friends that if I had some people over to my apartment, if they'd come. For whatever reason, I was thrilled that my friends were actually my friends & thought it was a great idea. I went to the local party store & bought The Little Mermaid** invitations & sent them out. No one (seriously no one) was surprised. Everyone RSVP'd, yes! I was still nervous, but getting excited.

The day before my party, David & I went out & bought The Little Mermaid everything. I wanted this done my way & since my friends responded so well to the invites, I decided they would think this was equally fun. 

Day of Party: Commence Issues.

I met my parents half-way for lunch. Before that, I decided to steam my dress...while it was on my body. I know have a massive, painful, and ugly burn on my stomach. You know how you always hear NOT to do that? Seriously, don't do it. It was EASILY the dumbest thing I have ever done. My mom, love her, embarrassed me (payback from years of my shenanigans) by asking the waitress for burn cream because I was THAT bad off. I wasn't that mad. The burn cream did make me feel better. Plus, my parents bought me this awesome backpack that I had been drooling over.

I went home, took a (way too long nap) and after that, I was scrambling. Scrambing to clean, pick up my cake, get snacks, shower, the works. I win at procrastination.

The party went off without a hitch, though. Everyone had fun & sadly, one of my friends couldn't make it due to car issues, but everyone else was there. Have you guys ever played Cards Against Humanity? If not, you should. It was my first time playing & all of us were laughing hysterically. If you don't easily get offended, play it. Now. I am going to try to take it home for Christmas to get my family to play.

Other things that happened:

David cut my cake with his samurai swords (because, obviously).

We played "give Ariel her sparkly shell" (basically a pin the tail on the donkey game)

I cried while playing "give Ariel her sparkly shell" because I hate being dizzy.

I was gifted with different alcohols & a fantastic cat sweater.

I have good friends. Good friends that I now want to have over at my apartment every day after a long hiatus of never having people over because of anxiety & fear of rejection. This was easily one of the best birthdays (if not THE best) in my 20s. I said this as best I could in 140 characters, but I realize now that birthdays aren't about how many people come out to drink the night away with you at a random bar, but having good friends come over to your small apartment to play games & eat ice cream cake with you.

What do you guys think? Would you have a party like this? What was your favorite birthday you've had? I want to know!!

xoxo

** I love love love Ariel. I'm sure you'll see The Little Mermaid as a trend.

photos: Friend Kara!

Hey, Thanks.

Much like the past two years, I decided to stay put for Thanksgiving. It's not that I don't want to go visit family, but I usually only get the day of off & it's a pain to travel like that. But, I volunteer to work so other people in town can spend time with their families & also to get more time around Christmas off.

This year was supposed to be lazy. Make a pizza & watch movies with my boyfriend, David. But, as I learned some good friends weren't spending the holiday alone? Game on. I'm cooking. Everything turned out pretty dang good for all the rushing I did, so I am super thankful for that.

As for being thankful, here are a few things that I am so grateful for this year:

1. Making new friends (& keeping the old, of course) here & finally feeling like I fit in.

2. My nephew, as always. He turned four this year & I just can't believe how smart, funny, & creative 
he is.

3. Finally getting the strength & having the support to go back to school. It's been a long time coming.

4. Going on a much needed beach vacation with David to my favorite place, Savannah/Tybee Island

5. Crafting. Even though I am not even remotely good at it, I am trying & having fun.

6. Seeing so many good shows (like The Postal Service & Justin Timberlake).

7. My two sisters. Their amazing strength everyday has been so incredibly admiring. I have aspired to be like them since I was a little girl & I still do. I want their courage.

8. My parents. Forever & always supportive & loving without question. Truly the two coolest people I have ever met. I can only hope to be half as awesome as them when I get to their ages.

9. My adorable kitten, Gaston. He is such a pain most the time, getting into the Christmas tree, hiding figurines, and howling for no reason. But, he is perfect for David & I. So cuddly, with the loudest purr ever.

10. For a great love with a lot of adventure, laughter, & happiness. There cannot be a close second.

So, what are you guys thankful for this year? What did you do for Thanksgiving? Go home? Host your own? Veg out with football or good movies? Do tell!!

xoxo

photos: all my own.