Quarter-Life Crisis?

No way.

Today, I celebrated twenty-five years.  I can vividly remember many birthdays ago, when twenty-five seemed so old.  I always wanted to be older, to have freedom, to be a "big girl".  I still remember my fifth birthday, when my mom made me an Ariel birthday cake.  Little Mermaid was my first movie I saw in theaters, and I wanted to be just like Ariel.  I thought my dad was just like Prince Eric; I desperately wanted bright red hair and fins.  I had fights with Maria Elena, a fellow five year old Ariel lover, about who had a singing voice that sounded most like Ariel's.  (I was so upset when my mom became Switzerland - "you're equally as good!")  Don't get me wrong; life was wonderful.  I simply had dreams of being something or someone else.  I had the best parents anyone could ask for, a younger sister to pick on (and another on the way).  I just had an extremely vivid imagination and loved to think of what the future might bring. 

Fast forward twenty years.  Many things are still the same.  My parents are absolutely wonderful.  I have three little sisters to pick on (although I try not to as much these days).  I still love red hair, but I realize now that I can't win a singing contest with a beagle (their howl sounds better than my singing voice).  I had no idea I would have a wonderful fiance, amazing friends, and be nearly finished with medical school and getting ready to begin residency.  This future is much better than anything I could have imagined.  I'm always looking into the future, wondering what is next, what's around the next corner.  I'm learning to live in the moment and enjoy the wonderful friends, family and opportunities I've been given.  I feel thankful and lucky to be where I am.  With, or without, fins.  

Birthdays aren't as "special" when you get older.  You don't get to bring treats to class, and you don't have a huge slumber party with twelve screaming girls which keeps your parents up all hours of the night.  But I think you appreciate birthdays more with age.  You realize how much your friends and family care about you (and how much you care about them).  You celebrate what you accomplished in the past year, and look forward to the exciting things to come.  The whole day does not revolve around you, and presents aren't as important (although I did do pretty well in the present department this year).  And no matter how old you are, your mom still makes you a wonderful birthday dinner topped off with a cake.  This year, instead of Ariel, I asked for carrot, and I'd have to say it was a great decision!  Thanks, Mom!

Enough of the sappy stuff.  One more great thing about birthdays:  the extra kisses from the cutest little black dog around!

Carson and Dann, showing their teeth.