24

I turned 24 a little over a week ago. This one is playing with my head. While it isn't normally a "milestone" like 25 or 30, it's big for me. You see, I'm the same age my parents were when they had me. I am officially in my mid-20's. I can no longer pretend to be a "young" adult. I am the real deal--lacking only a mortgage and a marriage! But, at the same time, it's a great place to be. I am independent; I have a great job, and make good money; I have a group of friends around me that care about me and a whole new batch of friends that I'm getting to know better. I am getting to live the life my parents never got to live. It's a strange feeling.

So, I decided for the glorious event, something big must be done. So, Joy and I bought tickets to see John Mayer in November and I began planning. Then, life happened. Some of my friends experienced tragedy in their lives and were unable to be with me. Others are in the middle of huge life changes. So, it was a small group that ventured down to Ybor City to eat at The Dish--one of my all time favorite restaurants. We got there...but there was no Dish!!! Atrocity of all atrocities!! We had to settle for the Spaghetti Warehouse. While it was good--just not the same experience.

The next week, Dale was in the hospital. Needless to say, we were not in a very festive mood. But, mom took me and Jen and Michael, and Kent out to dinner Outback. It was good to be able to laugh and eat with some of the people that mean the most to me. I got the Vera Bradley travel organizer that I've been dying for. Perfect for the upcoming Brazil trip!!! A Vera wallet and some Brighton earrings. What else could a girl ask for?

Saturday, after spending the morning with Jen at District competitions for Drama, Joy and I went to Orlando. We ate dinner at the Cheesecake Factory--Yummy!!! Then we sang out hearts out for 2 hours with John Mayer. It was the show I had hoped for. Simple, unassuming, yet entertaining. It is a memory that we will always have.

Tomorrow, my little brother turns 13. We're going to Moe's this afternoon to celebrate. And I have to go buy his present. Shhh...our little secret! :-)