The Big 2-1

I’m so terribly sorry for my lack of updates. Things got so hectic after my last post. I have so much to write about, I hardly know where to begin. Here’s my attempt at the most basic overview of the past few days.

Tuesday night I went to a bar known for not carding so that I could drink up until it officially turned midnight, but drinking too much too fast meant that I didn’t even make it to see midnight. At 11:55, I was already outside on the curb half passed out. I won’t fill you in on all of the embarrassingly drunk moments that preceded and followed, but I guess that it’s important to humiliate oneself on their 21st birthday. It will be a nice story to have for the future.

I spent all of Wednesday morning nursing a horrible hangover, but it was made bearable by all of the absolutely wonderful birthday wishes I received. It was one of those days that made me so utterly grateful for technology because between emails, facebook messages, and the fantastic birthday wishes from my fellow bloggers, I awoke to over a hundred little notes in my email inbox. It made me so incredibly happy. Thank you all SO much!

Wednesday night I went out to dinner downtown with my mom and little brother. It was so lovely. We had a phenomenal conversation over expensive food and drinks and I spent the night feeling so very grateful to have them as my family. We talked about life and how important it is to follow your heart. It made me realize how connected to them I really am. I am my mother’s daughter, a thought that never ceases to make me proud.

After dinner, a small group of my friends went out with me to a bar in Manayunk, where for the first time in my life, I had proper ID. It felt so nice not to have to worry about getting in or getting caught. It felt so nice to finally be grown up. The night was much quieter than the previous evening, and I was thankful for that. I needed a little down time. Still, it was lovely. It was so fun to just sit around, drinking and talking with some of the most wonderful people in the world. I really am so very blessed.

This morning I went into work for a little while and then spent the afternoon out at yet another bar with my coworker and friend. She’s nine years older than me and has been counting the minutes until my 21st birthday even more intently than I have. She was so excited for me and excited that we could spend more time together without the limitations of my being underage. We had a great time and a great talk.

I left and went straight to my older brother and sister-in-law’s house. We went to another expensive and beautiful Cuban restaurant downtown and had the most amazing time. They are two of the smartest, funniest, kindest, most remarkable people that I know and we spent the night delighting in each other’s company. I love that I learn something new about them each time that I see them. I love that they aren’t afraid to laugh and be whacky with me. I love that they find that perfect balance of treating me as both their little sister and their good friend. I just love them.

I apologize that this post isn’t in the least bit articulate or eloquent. I haven’t slept much and am still a little drunk from earlier today. I’m really not as big of a drinker as this post would imply, but it’s been nice to have that lifestyle for the past couple of days. It’s been nice to feel so loved and taken care of. It’s been nice to be 21. I can only hope the rest of my year, and all of my years, will be as perfect.