To scoring the date…

 I think first dates are high stakes of pride and project: pride in the impression you make as your considerably best self, and Project in the fact that every 60 year wedding anniversary was once sitting in this seat. The good news is that love doesn’t hear a majority of things you are about to say but will tell you when you feel the right ones.

To embracing a year of challenges, adventures, and change…

 This year, I moved across state lines, changed jobs, left friends, learned to trust the good and wholeheartedly forgave the bad. I have felt the pokes of fait as it has become one of my most seriously consistent companions. approaching the endless bouts and qualms that this life entails now feels familiar. When I get where I’m going, Rather than being remembered as someone who rolled with the punches, I want to celebrated as the one who danced with them instead. So, here’s to you 2020- let’s tango.

To the things we can’t explain…

LEAVES ON THE GROUND DON’T SYMBOLIZE A TREE’S FAILURE BUT INSTEAD, SERVE AS A REMINDER THAT IT WAS TIME FOR A NEW HAIRCUT. AS WE PUT OUR COMPLETE FAITH INTO THE HANDS OF THE UNKNOWN STYLIST, WE MUST ADMIT THAT WE ARE ALWAYS IN AWE OF WHAT SHE DOES. THANK YOU, MOTHER NATURE, FOR TELLING ME WHAT I NEEDED TO HEAR WITHOUT EVER SAYING A THING.

To knowing you’re more than just one in the crowd…

Pow! Not at you, but for you. Everyone has heard the start for today’s race as they finally set off to this battle across peaks and valleys. The crowd with unknown motivations and a common lust for adventure gathers here with you, shoulder to shoulder. Whether you are in the first half, or a minute behind: whether you have run plenty of marathons or this is your first, everyone is here because they qualified. Some people push, some people cheer, and some people act as though they are the only one on the street. You may not know what the crowd sees, but when you cross the finish line, your face will be remembered by passersbys. Settle into your pace and find your speed because this is defiantly not a sprint. You run this life; not the other way around.

To valuing the past and defining your future…

It’s cool to know that in their search for new land, Louis and Clark’s daily explorations weren’t determined by whether or not google maps would load. Embracing my old soul, I read the newspaper and wallow at the antiques around me. I eye the two-minute limit sign where the payphone used to be and laugh as I facetime my brother for a modern-day hangout on our unlimited data plan. As The old bench squeaks as loud as the brakes pads that got me in this situation, i wonder what this place was like 50 years ago. What did people used to do when they were waiting for their cars? The scent of Lessons learned that made our world a better place and the quality looking souls that know just how tough it all can be drove me into a place of clarity amid the perishing parts of this auto shop. In my opinion, Writing the story of your 20’s is just the beginning of defining which script you want to rust underneath your name in history.

To being unafraid of new challenges…

Today I concluded that I may have bit off a little more than I can chew. As I quickly pull my hand out of the oven post-burn, I focus on remembering one thing: I’m a soggy graham cracker. The first time you ever dipped this brown piece of sugar into milk, you were excited and nerved by the mush you just created, and subtly convinced you just ruined your dessert. But with fear and thrill in the palm of your hand, a small bite opened your buds to a new world of tastes unknown . It was risky; it was dysfunctional; but dang, without question, you will never regret taking that plunge.

To my two day hangover…

you came in like a wrecking ball, insisting I Campaign myself as we try to win the bartenders first serving vote. You walk around like you’re the President of this bar, but in reality, we’re both slow playing with impeachment. we fill my system like the tap is running out and your boisterous personality comes alive. You steer this ship on thin ice as we enter no man’s land of clear and dark waters because now it’s less about the taste and more about keeping you happy. I understand you are my hangover and it’s my job to feed you, but you’re honestly one of those friends I don’t look forward to seeing so I have no idea why I keep bringing you back around.

To being overwhelmed…

it’s 3 pm on a typical workday and most people are just trying to get through the last few hours, but it’s not two hours to you- it’s your whole world. at home, I lay on my living room floor with nothing but a rug; a TV the size of a notebook; and my wall art sitting on the floors around me. I laugh at the fact I’m still shopping for shoes when I can’t afford plates and luckily it’s getting cold because the AC in my car is about to blow. Weekly cash flow is negative, monthly bills are tight but yearly income is officially set, so I’m just waiting to rebuild my personal economy.

To keeping friends of quality over quantity…

Sugar, spice, and everything… bold. Our noses make us drool over the flavors that could be as we look through the reciepe thinking of ways to overload our tastebuds. But, many times, zealous flavor seekers are left with a bland dish and confused sense of what this meal was ever intended to be. Spices lose personality when blended with the wrong ingredients. my grandma always taught me to keep my Salt and pepper shakers full. They’ve proven to be there for me, in good meals and in bad, and that’s a timeless secret you won’t find in any cookbook.

To your self-confidence…

Natural beauty is always in stock, eternally free and never questioned of its value. Why hide from the one thing in life that’s solely made for you?