"Just A Kiss"

The whole story of this song is beautiful..."

I was going to wait until my actual birthday to do this post but, it has been on my mind for way too long to wait anymore. :)

I am going to be 25 this year. TWENTY-FIVE. What the hell? A quarter of a freakin' century. I don't know how I feel about that. What have I tangibly accomplished in my life? Not a damn thing. Sure, I graduated high school but no big right? Sure, I am currently heading in the direction of finishing college, but I'm 25 and a significant amount of my friends have already finished their bachelors and are starting or finishing (or have finished) their masters. I have had ONE (count it, ONE) relationship in my life and I was 14/15 and it was Jake and, let's face it, it was more of a train wreck than a relationship. Plus, I was 14/15. I have friends that have husbands and children!

Despite my bitching that you have ALL heard, those aren't the things I consider accomplishments in my life; or rather, unaccomplished things. Those are things I strive for (sometimes desperately), and want at some point.

Want to know what I feel I have accomplished in my life of 25 short years?
1) I have become the best and most dedicated and loving aunt to my nieces and nephews that they will ever need.
2) I have been fortunate to be BEST friends with some of the most amazing women I have ever known. They made me stronger, better and they never doubted me and what I could do
3) I have been able to live my life in a way that I found out what I want to do with my life through life experience rather than numerous classes
4) I have been considered a loyal and good friend. I have made mistakes, but those who have considered me this, know that I am just an idiot who sometimes just gets in my own way.
5) I have had more opportunities to see the country than most people my age and in my circumstance do in a lifetime
6) I am aware of myself and what is best for me, regardless of the views of others (as hard as it may be sometimes)
7) I know when and how to ask for help.
8) I have developed a love for service that will carry me far.
9) I have an intellectual mind as well as a compassionate one.
10) I have developed a geniune love and compassion for people around me

I know to a lot of people that really doesn't seem like much but to me, right now, that is enough. I will eventually achieve the tangible accomplishments that are heading my direction (college degree, Peace Corps, relationships, etc), but until then I know I have lived a good life. I have had experiences that have been very very hard, but I have had experiences that have made me so much better than I ever expected. There are so many people who have been a part of that. Just to be fun (but to be clear this is in NO WAY the only list), I put together a list of the people who have been my Best Friend's at the "5's" in my life:

5 yrs: Valarie
10 yrs: Megan, ShaNae, Ashley
15 yrs: Megan, Ally, Deysi, Jess
20 yrs: Sarah, Rachelle
25 yrs: Emallie, Taylor, Nicole

I am not thrilled about being 25, because of the non-tangibles but I am thrilled that I have the chance to try again....and again....

Just for the viewing..er..hearing?...pleasure, here is another song I have been LOVING lately.