The moment you become a year older...

...it never really feels that different.

Try telling that to your year-younger self. One year ago, I hadn't lost the love of my life. One year ago, I hadn't made so many mistakes. One year ago, I hadn't gotten hit by a car. I hadn't been jaded, I hadn't become lost, and I hadn't found myself. One year ago I didn't have a job, nor did I have so many great memories with so many awesome people. I hadn't realized I wasn't unbreakable. I hadn't realized how reckless I was. I hadn't experienced things that made me thankful just to be able to laugh or wash my hair. I hadn't forgiven some people, and I hadn't yet needed forgiveness from others. So no, in a moment, there's not much that changes. But in a year, there's plenty.

The moment the "it'll never happen to me"...

...happens to you.

You always think, "I'll keep my head on straight." You always think, "I'll remember the license plate number." You think you'll be able to tell someone exactly what happened. You think you'll be able to file a report... to win a case... to get some money. You always think wrong.

The only thing I'm thinking now is how lucky I was, how grateful I am to God for keeping me safe, and how wonderful my friends are.

The moment the city lights begin to sparkle...

...my soul comes alive.

It's like the world is on fire. It's like glitter falls from the heavens. For a brief moment in the day, everything bad, ugly, and stressful melts away into the light. It makes me realize how beautiful this place really is. I realize how beautiful my home is, how beautiful my love is, and how beautiful my life is.

Countdown (n.):

1. the backward counting in fixed time units from the initiation of a project.
2. a period of increasing activity, tension, or anxiety, as before a deadline.

6 days: Mom's/Amy's birthday!
7 days: my 2 year anniversary!
26 days: school starts back up!
28 days: MOVE IN TO OUR APARTMENT!!!!

A lot of things are happening... they are new and exciting and frustrating. And I love it. And I love life. :)

To reconnect (v.):

1. connect back together.
2. reestablish a bond of communication or emotion.

When it seems like work will never end... when it seems like I've given up my life for this... to accomplish these dreams, to make it happen... when it seems like I'm growing up way too fast...

It's good to reconnect. To be a kid again. To grasp at that freedom once again. It's refreshing. Work hard, play hard... and take a breather every now and then.