I did not see that party intimate dinner coming. Not one bit. So imagine my surprise when I stepped into the restaurant to see my family and some of my closest friends welcoming me with hugs and laughs, as if to say, "Gotcha!"
I have never been keen on surprises (because I never really know how to react properly without stepping on someone's toes), but this one was just off-the-charts amazing and precious. I speak on behalf of my twin when I say we are beyond thankful for the shower of blessings - not just those granted on our birthday but also those we receive every single day. I may not feel like I deserve any of them on some days, but God is compassionate, loving, and unparalleled, and is always assuring me, "They're yours if you want them!"
So this year, I dropped the bratty birthday wish lists (haha!) and prayed instead for immaterial things that I know in my heart will truly make me happy: sleep (because ugh the Finacc + Apmath combo this term is killing me) and time with my family (because I don't see them as much). Lo and behold, the Big Guy gave me those and so much more. :)
My thanks go out to those who came to celebrate with us, those who sent their well-wishes, those who gave presents, those who prayed for us.
And to those who've been wishing me luck as I face my quarter-life crisis (because what is 25 really about?): folks, I've already been at my lowest and I am so happy I got out of that rut with your help and with God's grace. Haha!
In fact, my friend, Dani, asked me to share thoughts about my 23rd (i.e. my so-called "lowest" year ever) and I had this much to say: "In a nutshell, my 23rd was all about getting back on my feet following a slew of terrible life decisions and bouts of bad luck. I recall being in the 'anywhere but here' and 'anything but this' states quite a lot until life went on and I eventually managed to pick myself up. So despite the mostly-bad-but-admittedly-there-was-still-good-somewhere-in-there year, I will hold close to my heart that it was a year of change, renewed faith, and possibility."On my 25th, I am hopeful that despite the bad days, the year will mostly be good, not just for me, but for everybody else. I'm claiming it!! :)