La vie, je t'adore maintenant!

Each birthday, I always become hyper-reflective. This year, I feel as though I've become a proper "grown up". I guess that makes sense because, as I learned in Criminology, the brain is not fully formed until the age of 26. Hmmm...

I'm mere months from completing an undergraduate degree that I've been working on for nearly eight years! I can't tell you how excited I am...perhaps its because I've toiled so many extra years working toward this goal that it seems that much sweeter.

I've spent the last three years in a remarkably stable and adultlike romantic relationship. This may sound normal for some of you, but I'm not used to such mature and comfortable togetherness, and certainly not for such a length. Not to mention, I haven't witnessed the greatest examples of amorous relationships in my life, which I feel has given me some emotional handicap. Nonetheless, this is officially the longest relationship I've been a part of thus far, and I have to say, I feel a great sense of accomplishment.

I have big plans for graduate school, volunteer work abroad, and the like. I feel calm - a rarity too! - about where I'm at and where I'm headed. I feel as though I'm finally coming into my own. It's brilliant, refreshing.

This stuff...c'est la joie de vivre.