I am going to be 25 in a week. I am a little freaked out by this reality, if only because it means that when I fill out paperwork, it means that I have to check a different box. I’ve been so comfortable in my 18-24 box. Now I’m moving up to 25-29, or, in some awful cases, 25-34. I’m not sure I’m ready for this step.

Last year, I chose not to celebrate my birthday. I was 23. I had just been accused of stealing from Macy’s, where I had worked for nine months, loathing myself for it every second. I had a college degree that I wasn’t using. I was in a sort of -not really-incredibly ambiguous relationship with a boy who I knew wasn’t right for me, but I was afraid to move on. I was still living with my parents. In a word, I was pretty depressed. I felt like I hadn’t grown even one inch between 23 and 24.

Now, though, I’d venture to say that I closed the gap. I moved out of my parent’s house. I’ve turned that unhealthy relationship into a healthy acquaintance-ship. I’m in a new, healthy relationship. I have a grown up job that I kick ass at. I’ve made plans to move away to Chile for a year. In short, it’s been rough, but I’ve made my life into something I enjoy living.

My mantra used to be “Be someone worth being.” I think I’ve finally made it there. If nothing else, I’ve certainly made strides in that direction.

So yes. I’m celebrating my birthday this year. Many times over, it would appear.

The Jeremy is coming up Wednesday to help me move into my new place, a little house right by the Capitol. I’ll be sharing with a lobbyist and his dog. That weekend, we’ll drive down to Vancouver to drop some of my things off, and hang out with my cousin that Saturday.

Then Monday, my actual birthday, I’ll work. Because we don’t have any actual plans.

Tuesday, lovely Tuesday. I get off work early, lovely Mackenzie drives down to Olympia, and we all head south. Enchiladas with my family, drinks with my wonderful Portland friends (with whom I was successfully reunited this past weekend), THE BLACK KEYS (!!!!), and general Portland awesomeness.

The next weekend, I will celebrate my birthday alongside Jeremy’s brother’s girlfriend, since our days of birth are only three days apart.

This is a lot of celebration. I suppose I’m making up for last year’s void.

Anyway. Here are some pictures. Not all, because I am lazy. Just some choice ones from the past two weeks or so.

235/365

Good times at the Central. Jeremy, Karl, and I met up with Mackenzie and Tyler at the Tap House for happy hour. We eventually moved here. None of us particularly remember getting home. Excellent evening.

239/365

I got to go up to Kenmore and watch some of our candidates shoot their commercials. Super cool!

240/365

Coming back the next day took 4 hours and 40 minutes. This is usually a 90 minute drive. A stupid tanker truck rolled over the night before, shutting down I-5 completely. I was very happy to be “home.”

243/365

Urban Fondue with Mel, Brad, Whitney, and Danen. This is a mere ten minutes or so after they brought everything out.

I love cheese. Especially melted cheese. And bread. Also, it was a beautiful night, so we sat outside. Don’t think I’ll be doing that for awhile. Welcome, fall.