And I’m Only 23… July 29, 2008

I made it past another landmark! Believe me, when you’re young, every year counts. But I guess that’s true for being old too. *ponders*

This seems like one of the best birthdays in my life. My brother would say, “Just wait. You’re young yet.” Twenty-three is an age that seems so far away when you’re a teenager. It’s kind of amazing to me that I am this old, because I definitely don’t feel 23. Or… maybe this is what 23 is supposed to feel like…

Ok, so you are wondering why this birthday was so great? For one thing I have a great family that makes every year I spend with them so special! To have parents that care about you and yet give you your space, I know I am privileged. To have siblings who are fun to hang out with and who I actually get along with (not to mention being best friends), I am blessed. To have a brother-in-law who is committed to being a big brother to me and helping me with everything I need to know about life, I am so thankful. To have a friend who cares about me and loves me more than a friend and desires to bring me closer to Jesus through our relationship, I am the luckiest girl in the world!

On the morning of my birthday, which was Sunday, my whole family went golfing. It’s something we like to do on Sunday mornings. It’s the one day that my dad is free in the mornings, so we spend a little family time on the golf course. I ended up beating my best score by getting a 33, only 6 over par, and beating the rest of my family. It’s a struggle for me usually to even keep up with my brother, who is really good, so I was happy. 🙂

I spent the rest of the day in the best way, hanging out with some good friends. My good friend Sophie completely knocked my socks off by giving me two tripods for my camera, something I’ve been wanting for a while. Thank you so much Sophie! On top of that, Evan sent me some “Life Is Good” apparel, which is incredibly comfortable.

Speaking of Evan, he will be coming to see me sometime two weeks from now. He won’t tell me what day he is getting here; he knows I like surprises. I haven’t seen him for 9 months now, so I am excited, especially because of the newest development in our relationship (see previous post).

Here are some fun things I received from my siblings on my B-Day:

A digital birthday card from my brother and youngest sister. I like to make my friends birthday cards based on their favorite movies, so my siblings returned the favor. Just click on the picture to make it larger.

Another sister gave me this pencil drawn fan art from my favorite old time radio show The Shadow.

I would like to finish this little birthday speech by saying that I know half of you half as well as I should like and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.

Just kidding.

I really wanted to end by singing a song. I have been looking forward to singing this one for a while, and now I finally get to sing it and mean it. 🙂

I heard it said that every man has his angel
I wonder what became of all the angels in my past
Who’ve flown away and left me with the memory slipping from my grasp

And where this all begins I don’t remember
The night steals in so quietly and midnight tolls again
I can’t find the lifetime where darkness ends and innocence begins

And I’m only 23
And I’ve left what I loved most
The wind just drags me out to sea
Leaves behind an ivory coast
And if this God I’ve come to fear
Would turn His eyes and look on me
Let His love drain all my fear
Take me home and set me free
Set me free

Still living deep inside of me is the memory
And everything but nonsense says these hands are not alone
But all that seems familiar are the angels I’m following back home

And I’m only 23
And I’ve left what I loved most
The wind just drags me out to sea
Leaves behind an ivory coast
And if this God I’ve come to fear
Would turn His eyes and look on me
Let His love drain all my fear
Take me home and set me free
Set me free – “23” by All Weather Human

P.S. It just killed me to find out that I have the same birthday as Jon Arbuckle from the Garfield strip.