I'm All Grown-up...Now What?

I’ve been away from the blogosphere for a few days celebrating my legal status. Yes, this Jersey girl is finally 21. I thought the day would never come! I eagerly awaited midnight on Monday night, paused for one minute to congratulate myself on reaching adulthood, and then continued with my homework due the next day (I still have to graduate people). On Tuesday, my roommates and I went to a Mexican restaurant, where I ordered a jumbo Margarita – my first legal drink. I was not carded. The last six times I have eaten at this restaurant, I have been carded and denied. The first time I want to be carded and he just takes our orders and walks away. Isn’t life funny? Last night, however, my wish was granted. I went to a local bar in town with some of my roommates and neighbors (one of my neighbors turned 21 yesterday), and we enjoyed dollar drink night (after being carded) – three long island iced teas for three dollars. I love 21.

As you can tell, I am enjoying my new experiences to the fullest extent. But of course, I'm still me, and what would make me the happiest of all on my birthday? I'll give you a hint, it has to do with books. I made M laugh the other night, because although 21 is awesome, the present I received from my parents made my birthday complete. I received “the best present ever!” – a Kindle. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this term, a Kindle is a digital reading device that allows you to download books and newspapers directly to your device for easy reading at a cheaper price. No longer will I have to pack my bags with numerous books and reading material. It is a perfect gift for the obsessed reader who spends way too much money at Barnes and Noble. I have wanted one for a very long time, but never asked, so I was very surprised when my Kindle showed up in the mail Monday evening. Major brownie points go to mom and dad for knowing their daughter so well. I’m now sitting in front of my computer debating which books to buy. I’m looking at career books since that seems to be the direction my life is heading in. “Finding employment for dummies” is not a real book unfortunately.

I have had an exciting week leading up to my birthday. I already informed you all about the insanity that was Celina, but graduation is becoming a reality as well. I received my honors braids in the mail signifying that I will graduate Cum Laude. I hung them up in my room in order to motivate myself to keep working hard. The graduation list went up this week as well, and my name is on it (my name is actually on it twice, but that’s an easier error to correct than not being on it at all!). I received an email to exit out of financial aid, and all of my bills are paid. So now it is all up to me. I am finally able to see a finish line. It’s an unreal feeling.

My birthday week unfortunately has not been without its “downs.” My mom’s best friend, and someone I have considered my aunt since I was born, passed away on my birthday. Occurrences like this really put life in perspective. While I was celebrating the day I entered this world and my life thus far, a very special person was leaving the world and heading to a better place. We all need to learn that life is very short, and we need to be enjoying and living every single moment of it. I’m living my life to the fullest, and I hope all of you are doing the same. Take risks, have fun, make yourself happy, and spread LOVE.

<3 RIP Aunt Linda <3