22 Birthdays

In roughly an hour from now, it will be my birthday. To celebrate, and to remind myself of the year I've had, I'm going to make a list of 21 things that happened this year. So, on the eve of my 22 birthday, here are my 21 memories of my 21st year.

1. Waco, pt. 1. I was home for my birthday last year, but I was still very much in a Waco mindset. This summer and last summer has been so vastly different, but both so very good. So much learning.

2. Senior. In college. That was strange. Still is strange to think about, truthfully. Especially since I didn't graduate.

3. I designed costumes. Maybe you don't remember the chaos that brought to my life, but I do. Still, I am very pleased with how they turned out.

4. I wrote a play. And saw that play performed. Weird, again. But really helpful.

5. A lot of time was spent in a blanket fort. I still stand by the theory that the best place to study is in a massive, awesome blanket fort that takes up the whole room. As long as there are lovely, beautiful women to spend time in there with you.

6. I went to Ethiopia. Yeah. Africa. How kick-ass is that?

7. Stage-managing a show almost killed me. Again. I should be used to that, I suppose.

8. One night, in the height of finals week, I burned some books.

9. Massive, awesome, crazy road trip with four very dear women. Spring break should always be that awesome.

10. I applied and was accepted to go to Chicago this year. Sure, that's in my 22 year, but it was an exciting event when I was 21, too.

11. Tulips. Some people will know what I'm talking about. If you don't, well you probably shouldn't.

12. Senior show. A massive party of a play that some of the best people put on, screwing around and having a blast. The best last hoorah of a show I've ever known.

13. Stargazing. Lots and lots of stargazing.

14. I spent a lot of time hearing one friend's story. It was an honor, and I'm blessed to be a part of that story now.

15. I have gotten to understand my parents, to know them, in a way that is both scary and lovely. It's true that we tend to turn into our parents...

16. I started writing poetry again.

17. I went to a lot of free movies. The best way to watch a movie is to be friends with someone who works at the theatre.

18. Lots of cousin time. Almost all of my cousins have moved to Orchard. Spending time with the ones who have always lived 8 hours away was great.

19. Waco, pt. 2. I am so blessed and grateful to be back in Waco this summer. Just getting the chance to spend time with Stevie and Ramad and Ana and so many more friends has been great. And to get the chance to do theatre here again, so chaotic, but so good.

20. I lost a grandfather. But found so much peace and joy in hearing the dozens of stories, learning the wisdom, celebrating the life of a man so very loved.

21. I have started my journey. I don't know where this one will take me, but I do know I'm done taking things for granted. I'm done accepting ideals and beliefs that are handed to me. I'm done looking at the world around me through the lens that others give me. This moon journey will certainly be one to remember.

Obviously there are more, but for now, this is my list. It's been a good year. A hard one, but good in so many ways. And now there are only about 15 minutes until I turn 22. A new year, so many more moon journeys.

Until next time, Happy Birthday to me.