omnia mea mecum porto

Self discovery is an amazing thing. These past few years of my life have been like a dream. I got to venture to the most fantastically beautiful places. I was exposed to so many different cultures, peoples, ideologies, traditions, and ways of life. I've had the pleasure of seeing places that people only dream of seeing and that not too long ago, I dreamed of seeing. I met the greatest people who have really contributed to my growth as a person and I learned to stop caring about trivial things and plastic people that weren't helping Darline develop. It feels good to box all that shit out.

Living on another continent, in a different culture with someone who's from a different place completely, has really made me wake the fuck up. Initially, learning to adapt was quite difficult. I was used to a certain lifestyle at home, often blinded by materialism and petty obsessions that tend to plague those in my age group. But with all these new experiences, I've truly realized that so much of that stuff isn't important at all. Don't get me wrong, I will always love to buy new things and treat myself but that no longer consumes me. I will gladly forsake a new pair of shoes in exchange for a trip to somewhere I've never seen.. in exchange for new mental imagery.

[Not that I need to explain myself on my own blog but I don't want this to be misconstrued as me putting myself on a pedestal or thinking I'm better than anyone; it's more about self realization & reflections on the inner developments that have been ongoing with me over the years. I've grown to really love this little heart of mine and it's made my relationships and interactions with people a lot more genuine. I'm less tolerant of the people/things I don't want in my life and it's marvelous! ]

The best part is that I even though I'm so far from all that I've ever known, I feel the most comfortable and secure in myself and my abilities than I ever have before. I feel like I haven't lost any part of myself that didn't need to go. I still hold the fundamental values instilled in me by my family true to my heart. I still have my sense of adventure and I'm still impressed by nature's simplicity and wonder. I am content with myself, my loved ones, and my life... & that is not quantitative.

all that I own, I carry with me*

when i make me so damn easy to love..

Beyonce is so damn extra and so damn full of herself but I can't deny that I love this song (and the pin-up style) because honestly, there's nothing not to love about ME! But I don't have the same problem as she does.. I have someone who loves me and it's no surprise.. everybody does!


In other news, I'll be traveling to Nice, France next week with Mic before we go to Ibiza, Spain for vacation, WOO HOO!! I'm very excited since it'll also be Cannes Film Festival week so hopefully some celebrities are lucky enough to bump into me! LIFE IS SO VERY GOOD.

I'm not dead!

There's been so much going on that I've had no time to update this! I don't have much time now, as Mic and I have decided we need to become a power couple at something (we got our asses handed to us while playing Wii with his friends after thinking we were the best players ever) so we're gonna try some board games and maybe play some soccer outside. Translation: we're gonna make dinner and play games that don't require us getting off the couch before eventually realizing it's Saturday night and perhaps heading out for a night on the town instead of being losers. But in complete honesty I'd be fine staying home.. I love couch night's and waking up refreshed and sober on Sundays. We're also planning to go for a run as well as go to Ikea to pick up a few things and I doubt that will happen if we're hungover.

Yesterday was Queen's Day where everyone dresses up in Orange and piles onto the streets of Holland's major cities, drinking, selling stuff, turning the floor into a dumpster and making poor life decisions. Basically, it's one of the best days of the year. While on the train into Amsterdam, we were told that people were so out of control that they were actually walking on the train tracks! Trains weren't going any further than Haarlem, a sexy little city 15 minutes outside of Amsterdam, where I used to live when I first got to Holland. We thought the trains would eventually start working again so we went into the city center to kill some time, but we were mistaken and had to take a taxi into Amsterdam instead. We then spent the day walking around grabbing drinks and I think it's safe to say that we walked the entire perimeter of Amsterdam. Good times.

In other news, I went home for a week and had the most amazing time! It was fantastic to see my family and spend time with my sister and my friends. I really wish that all the people I love could be in the same place and I'm very much looking forward to being visited and showing my loved ones my new hood!

I also may be able to start working legally as early as June which excites me very much! I've had very little time to devote to my book but I'm trying to at least write a few paragraphs/pages a day and it's gonna happen.. I ain't no quitter!

Mic and I are also going to the Mediterranean island of IBIZA May 20th, WOOO HOOOO!!!! I've been browsing that website and I'm loving what I'm seeing (be jealous)! It's known as the party capital of the world (I guess they don't include people in that classification, else I'd sooooo have that honor) so I can't wait to live it up while simultaneously getting to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery with my love. It's impossible to complain when life is this sweet!

More from me soon lovebugs!

I've put a spell on you & now you're mine..

I love that people are actually reading this! Here I thought this was just a way to keep myself entertained but within this past week, I've had several people tell me they couldn't access my blog anymore because I changed the domain name.. I even had people know things I hadn't personally told them from reading it on here! It makes me happy to know that I've managed to seduce your interests through my constant solicitation on popular social networks and that you're interested! It's a marvelous way for me to express myself and keep in touch so thank you, thank you for your support! Also, a massive THANK YOU for the encouragement on my goals, particularly my novel.. really means a lot to me and can't wait to see most of you when I'm home in a few weeks!

Keep on dreamin'
Darline <3

I've always maintained that I'm insane

... & true genius is insanity.

I've been using all this free time I have to unleash my creative side and I'm going to indulge in a moment of vanity and say that I'm creating artistic masterpieces!

That may be overzealous of me but I did accomplish some things that I'm really proud of, namely the latest Wii characters I've created. They are all kinds of glamourous, culturally diverse and super athletic (Tubby Timmy is surprisingly agile). I also found an old Disney coloring book and I colored the crap out of Cinderella, Belle, and Snow White. They're all Black in my version though.

I am now also officially a composer. Perhaps it was playing around with GarageBand that inspired me but I decided to try my luck on an actual keyboard. Granted, the song is mainly comprised of about 4 actual chords (I'm not even precisely sure which exactly, I'm playing by ear) and lots of improv but I like the melody and what I'm singing about. When I perfect it, make it a little less basic, and work up my confidence, I'll post it. Til then I'll leave you with my horrible rendition of Yael Naim's "New Soul". I'll warn you that it's AWFUL so click play at your own risk!



I tweaked my book idea a bit and I like the way it's coming along. Of course it's a rough draft so there will surely be differences in the final product but hopefully not many. I tend to like the direction I take and my writing flow when I'm excitedly writing about something for the first time. I sent my first chapter to a friend of mine who's brother is an editor and she described it as being, "snarky, intelligent, charming, and wildly inappropriate". In other words, it's perfect!

Speaking of tooting my own horn, that reminds me of Lady Gaga. I came across this video which cracks me up! The dance montage around the 8 minute mark and the man with the tin can hat made my day! I'm hoping that these people weren't serious about all that praise.. her music is catchy and she's definitely entertaining but she doesn't speak to my soul. I lament over the fact that some people draw comparisons of her to Michael Jackson.. he made Thriller man, Thriller!  She's an egotistical, pseudo-intellectual and I'll never believe that her persona is who she really is, rather it's a way of life that garnered her the fame she constantly speaks of and now she has no choice but to uphold and out-do her displays of "art" in order to keep the people in a Goo Goo Gaga trance. She's a genius without actually being insane- she just plays her character very well and I damn sure can't knock her hustle!

Anyway, this made me laugh so enjoy:

back, back, forth & forth

It's Friday and I'm ready to swing, 

pick up my girls and hit the party scene

tonight... oh ohhhhh it's alright ummmmmm.

Amici, Buongiorno! A little throwback Aaliyah to kick off this gorgeous weekend and express the wonderful mood I'm in!

Mic went home to Siciliy for Easter weekend, leaving me here alone to bask in my craziness and debauchery. He's only been gone since last night and I've already managed to get into a near fist-fight with the newspaper delivery people (they squeeze about 324 pamphlets through our slot even though I've added a sign that says NEE to receiving them), take about four thousand pictures on iPhoto, polish off the rest of our wine, and get into a skirmish with one of the neighborhood cats. FYI, He started it.. our door being was not an open invitation for him to come in and make himself comfy on the couch! He even had the audacity to hiss when I tried to get him down which is when I had to use the mop handle to prod him out (Sorry PETA, but I didn't wanna touch him, he had crazy eyes!). It was cold outside, but you don't live here, puss! It's strange to be alone but, Tim Gunn voice, I'm making it work.

I've been fortunate enough to have great friends & family keeping me company on Gmail and Skype, while I keep them from doing silly things like working or enjoying their youth outdoors instead of staring at my unkept hair and protruding collarbones onscreen. But then again, I have the pleasure of seeing them in their undergarments *cough cough Anthony cough*. I've also downloaded a few movies to watch to pass the time if necessary, Memento, Leon and A Clockwork Orange just to name a few.

I had a hard time sleeping last night and found myself awake and feeling refreshed at 6 AM. I wish this was the case when I used to work at the UCONN Recreational Facility and had to be up at this horrific hour. I felt inspired to write so I continued working on my book about long distance relationships and I think I can get through the first chapter by today (Marjorie, expect an email with an attachment from me by the end of this weekend, also with the poetry you requested!). After a bit of that, I decided it was time to pay back our neighbors for the loud, obnoxious music they've been blasting and the way they've been trodding above us like horses, by practicing piano (really just banging on the keys) and screeching like a wild banshee singing.

Following that, I brushed up on my I-talian so I can impress Mic when he gets back. Sono intelligente e un assaggio ti dice che le olive sono maturate di fronte ad una cattedrale. I think he'll be impressed, as I'm sure you all are.

I'm updating my brother Matt & Mama on my life via Skype now, and after that I'm going to get my Martha Stewart on by clearing out the mess that is our garden in preparation for the upcoming warm season. It'll be relaxing to do some writing in the sun and Mic has been completely supportive of me becoming an artist (Madrid's Thyssen Museum touched my soul) so I'd like to buy an easel and frolick in paint on the weekends. My sister Damaly, is actually very talented in this department and I think it may be in our genes (tell me is there anymore room for me, in those jeans..)

By then my favorite Dutchie Lizzy will be here to wreak havoc on my life! Sidenote: Mic just called me to rub in the fact that he's laying on a beach in Sicily right now in 80 degree weather *#*&$&^$&!!!! Come on Spring, come on SUMMER!

Ciao for now, ciglia sul volto di asini!

A few hours later..

Mic just sent me something that made my life.. Seriously though, TIP OVER and CAPSIZE?

Madrigal Madrid y Toledo

I have put a ring on Spain's finger because I absolutely love it! I went to Barcelona last year and a few weeks ago, I ventured to Espana again to visit Madrid and Toledo and WOW- such beauty, such culture, and you haven't lived until you've had authentic Sangria.

Spaniards also really know how to party, while simultaneously being completely relaxed and seemingly unpretentious. It's custom to have dinner as late as 1 AM and then head out to a club. You party until breakfast time, get something to eat, nap, have lunch, meander about the streets, shop, then head back to your place for a siesta around 7 or 8 (some shops would actually close around this time just to reopen in a few hours!) You wake up, grab a 10/11PM dinner then start the process all over again. SIGN ME UP! The biggest adjustment was learning not to devour too much paella and avoid taking shots of tequila on a full stomach.

We were happy that our room looked exactly like the photos we saw on the web and the location couldn't have been any better. We were a stone's throw from the Puerta de Sol square and within walking distance from countless bars and clubs. The first night, we made it our mission to stop in as many bars as possible and enjoy a shot of tequila in each. It wasn't the best idea we'd ever had but it made for an interesting evening.

We even managed to be up earlier than I'd ever thought possible, enjoying lunch and a stroll in the noonday sun. We did a bit of shopping, took in a Monet art exhibit at the Thyssen Museum and managed to lay out in the sun for an hour, admiring the beautiful scenery and letting the sweet melodies of a nearby guitarist take us away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Luckily we walked around for hours, because I ate my weight in food throughout the weekend, and drank my volume in alcoholic beverages. Not to mention the fact that we were eating late in the evening, one night as late as 12 AM!

I also got to see my Brazilian friend, Mayra, who also has moved to Europe to be with the man she loves. They live happily near Toledo, Spain in a beautiful country house with 4 of the sweetest, cutest dogs ever. Toledo is about 25 minutes away from Madrid by Spain, but we felt like we were boarding a plane due to the security! We had to have our bags scanned and there was even a little desk by the door leading to our platform, where employees were waiting to scan our tickets and rip off that little piece like they do with airline tickets. These precautions were necessary after the 2004 Madrid train bombings.

It was great to see them again and it was reassuring to talk to someone going through a similar situation. I could tell Mic really enjoyed the day and that it reminded him of his native Sicily, with the beautiful olive and almond trees. He'll be spending Easter at home so I'm sure he's very excited. Me, not so much. What the hell am I gonna do with myself for the 6 days he's gone?! Oh, I know... I'll devote more time to my book, learning Italiano and wreaking havoc on the streets of Holland!

We still got the taste dancing on our tongues

I had a bad taste in my mouth earlier this morning and although pride doesn't follow this statement, I had to wash it down with red wine.

I'm great. I got a lot done today, for which I'm very proud of myself. I managed to make a dent in some of the goals I discussed in a previous post, started up another idea altogether (top-secret for now, don't want any copycats)and even managed to do some domestic things around the house. It's been a running joke with Mic and my friends that I spend my days in my "office" (um, the couch), doing lots of paperwork, faxing, composing financial reports, etc. (translation: watching television, resting, and watching episodes of The King of Queens online). Today I actually got work done!

I decided that my book will be about my relationship with Mic, our living on different continents for 3 months, and a bit about long distance relationships and how to make them work. I began my outline today of what I want to include and how I want to begin and how to go about publishing it. I came across several options and got more of my outline done than I thought I would. Once I started writing, I felt very comfortable and didn't have to force it at all.What I've always enjoyed most about writing is the process: you have an idea and you express it uninhibitedly in your own voice. Even if only 10 people purchase it, I'll be content knowing I came up with it all on my own and I worked hard to achieve my goal. It's less about attention, rather it's mostly about ME. That being said, I'd still very much appreciate all your support and maybe my experience will benefit those in similiar situations who've given up hope!

Th3r3'5 a F1r5t T1m3 4 3v3rYtH1nG

I've never posted twice in one day but having little else better to do affords me such luxuries.

So I'm browsing through Facebook and I realized: a lot of my 'friends' are complete strangers, total idiots and depressingly illiterate. The fact that I don't know many of my contacts on The Book is admittedly my own fault; I shouldn't have accepted them as friends or gotten so drunk at Nickel Night on Thursdays during college and made so many beer buddies. But I am not to blame for the stupidity and overwhelming spelling and grammatical errors plaguing the pages of that blue and white addictive demon who seems to have a death-grip on so many of our lives.

Recently I've gotten into the habit of taking advantage of the 'Hide' option on my News Feed so as not to be bombarded by people who treat Facebook like it's their Twitter (constantly updating me on gems like them watching TV, urinating, having a Cesarian section, breathing, etc.). I also don't want to participate in Mafia Wars, Farmville, Let's eat Gerbils, or whatever silliness people insist on sending me invites to. Don't get me wrong, there are people whose lives I'm genuinely interested in but I undoubtedly couldn't care less about your deviated septum or who you're hitting with those god awful pillows!

Despite the majority of my friends being college educated, you wouldn't know it from their posts. I'm not asserting that a college education makes you any smarter than someone who didn't go any further than high school. In fact, I'm arguing the very opposite. I am flabbergasted by some people making it even past the 6th grade. I realize Facebook is a social network and it's informal blah blah blah but COME ON... some of these errors appear to be blatant- like people are actually going out of their way to misspell things or TyP3 1iK3 tHi5. It just doesn't make any sense! This pales in comparison to some of the 'intellects' that post on topics like politics and religion. While these posts lack grammatical errors, they tend to be based on under-developed ideologies and lack any research/truth/thought/originality whatsoever. They're walking puppets who think they know everything about everything because they watch Fox News.

I've just explained to myself why more than half of my FaceBook friends are hidden from my News Feed. Good riddance.

GO BIG OR GO HOME.

So it's been 2 weeks since I left Stamford, CT and relocated to Rotterdam, Netherlands. It's been amazing to be back with Mic and strangely enough, it wasn't difficult for me to make the decision to come back. Perhaps professionally and monetarily it wasn't the wisest decision but when there's a battle, my head tends to defer to my heart.

& my heart is here, simple as that.

That being said, things haven't been as simple. I realize that not much time has gone by but I am perhaps one of the most impatient people you'll ever meet (I perpetually burn my tongue on piping hot food because I refuse to wait). I don't like CAN'T sit still so being home throughout the day is quickly losing its appeal. Last week was great because we'd just gotten a Wii system so I could amuse myself with that. Then we flew to Madrid and Toledo for a long weekend which was amazing.

This week I've devoted myself to trying to find work but that's basically impossible on account of me not having a work permit yet. That will come in due time, I know, but it doesn't make the waiting any less arduous. I have a penchant for shopping, traveling and keeping this unruly mane of mine tamed (oh and paying bills, but that's obviously not as important as me looking damn good), so this whole "no paycheck" thing really isn't my style. So I've come up with a few ideas/things to do that I'm diligently going to work on while being unemployed and even after I've found work:

*Teach myself to play the piano- I've always wanted to be able to play. Mic has shown me some basic songs and I thoroughly enjoy it. Additionally, it will also help with...
*Perfecting my singing skills- Those of you who've had the pleasure of hearing my renditions of various songs can tell that I'm blessed but I'd like to sharpen my talent so that I can eventually...
*Write an original song! I've been writing poetry since I was 11 and would love to apply them to melodies. I'm sure I've written poems cheesy and nonsensical enough to be made into music.. But nowadays, I'm sure I can create a hit by cooing into the microphone and singing about a sandwich I'm about to make. Include a video with a creative dance sequence and broads in their bras & panties and I'd shoot straight to the top. Yes, people are that damn stupid.
*Learn Italian- Thus far I've perfected several phrases and song lyrics but I need to do better. It's an alluring language and it'd be great to communicate with my Mic and his friends and family who may not have the best grasp on the English language.
*Write a book- This is something I've wanted to do since high school. I've always said that my life would make a great television show but apparently shows are given to people my age who are shallow, already rich and not that interesting. I'll attempt to keep that dream alive but in the meanwhile, I'd love to detail my life abroad or even write a book about this romance I got going with my Sicilian. I kept a journal and can always reference this blog for inspiration.. Mic and I also wrote each other emails for everyday we were apart (excuse me while I barf up breakfast, due to all this sappiness) so I could very well create a screenplay. I could even star in it, hmmmmmmm.

Those are only a few of the ideas raging in my medulla oblongata but they are my currently my largest obsessions. I realize they're also huge tasks to take on, but I thrive off challenge. I'll keep you all updated on my progress on here as well as my youtube channel:

Ciao, buon giorno!

I knew you'd take all my honey..

So I woke up this morning with the intention of updating this and finally posting pictures from last September. Instead, I've been distracted by the epic collaboration that is Lady Gaga's "Telephone" featuring Beyonce "that bitch" Knowles. For those of you who have failed to experience this over-the-top, thirsty display of creativity and awesomeness, feast your lovely pupils on these two pupils of fuckery:



Now to be clear, I am a huge fan of people expressing themselves but come on Gaga, COKE CAN ROLLERS & CIGARETTE SHADES?! If that's not a cry for attention, I've failed to absorb all the psychological babble I've heard over the years from people who are obviously experts on psychology, sometimes as soon as having only taken an introductory class. Not to mention, these were the very people losing their own damn minds and suffering from the very ailments they diagnosed and criticized others for. But I digress; back to Gaga & Honey B...

I will give credit where credit is due: Beyonce has managed to thaw my icebox heart in the past (but only by a few degrees, no bitchassness) with her singing (shout outs to Dangerously in love & Halo!). She's obviously beautiful, puts on a great show, and sings live while dancing/seizuring her ass off. Usually her lace front game is tight, and while I understand they were going for a certain look in this video, all signs point to that weave being TRAGIC. But B has finally found someone she can't upstage.. Gaga answers the bell with her telephone receiver bangs. CHECKMATE.

A lot can be said about this video but in summation, it was exactly what I'd expect from BeGaga: EXTRA EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT! I wish I could've seen Beyonce's entire outfit from when she was driving, it looked trampy enough to be cute but perhaps all the time she's been spending with Gaga has diminished her looks- she was looking rather manish in the face. & despite Gaga trying to shoot down hermaphrodite rumors by putting her pussycat on display, she could be post-op and I'd even say she is 1/3 horse. Great effort though! Nonetheless, this is a video that will get people talking, have renditions of it on YouTube and create a buzz over a song that honestly, isn't that good. Mission accomplished.

I'll leave you with a bonus treat:

1, 2, 3- not only you & me

Down to the last three days, ahhhhhhhh!!!!! I can't believe this day that I've waited for for so long is finally here after all this time. I feel like going to bed earlier each night just so it'll feel like mornings are coming quicker.

My parents are surprisingly handling this very well. My mom is still trying to convince me to stay home and take a CNA class, even though I've never expressed an interest in nursing. My dad has actually been pretty nonchalant and we talked about the areas I'd look into while out there. They're both skeptical, which is reasonable, but they've accepted that come 6:30 PM on Thursday, I'll be buckled into my aisle seat, en route to Amsterdam.

I've already packed and can proudly say that I'm not bringing much with me. So far I do have a bag to check in but I may even be able to fit everything into a carry-on and a big purse. Actually, I'm being completely overzealous; no way is that possible.

It's National Restaurant Week in the Netherlands from March 2-8th, where some of the best restaurants across the country will be serving up 3-course dinners at the flat rate of EUR 25! Mic made reservations at LULU restaurant which boasts authentic Thai, Indonesian, Indian and Chinese cuisine

It's a popular place with comfie seating and amazing food. After dinner we'll head out for a night out on the town, woo hoo! Let's hope my jet lag has the decency to wait until Saturday to kick in. Let's also hope I don't drink too much and add a hangover to my Saturday afternoon as well.

Mic and I are also headed to Madrid the following weekend, hooray! We are staying at Petit Palace Puerta del Sol, right in the center which seems to be beautiful in the pictures, but we'll see if that's actually the case.

To be honest, I'll be happy enough just to be there, seeing new things and spending time with Mic <3

Passport? CHECK!

It's official.. In ONE WEEK, I'll be relocating to Rotterdam, Holland!! I'm very very excited to leave boring CT and although it'll be bittersweet to leave the people I love, I'm happy to leave the nouns (people, places and things) I no longer care for and have outgrown.. avoiding them will be a lot easier when I'm 3,000 miles away!

So I fly out the 4th of March (next Thursday) and there's such a mix of emotions running through me. The strongest is happiness but I am also a bit nervous, as I don't have things all planned out and I have a feeling things won't be as easy as I'm hoping. Nonetheless, I have no fear about my decision. I'll get to be with the one I love, be around the same amazing people that helped me fall in love with Europe, continue my traveling expeditions (I'll be posting videos on Youtube this time, be on the look out!), being adventurous yet responsible, and doing things that most people only dream of but never do.

I bought a hot pink bag today that goes perfectly with my mood. I also decided to get myself this camera:

What a sexy camera.. just like it's future owner.

Mic and I will also be traveling to Madrid from the 12th-15th of March to get away from Holland (even though I'll have only been there for a week) but I've never been to Madrid so I'm looking forward to it. A good friend of mine, Mayra, is living with her boyfriend near there so we'll meet up and double date.

That's all for now, cheerio!

so put another song on the jukebox baby

Lately I've been in the greatest of moods. Things are going well for me.. I have my family, my health, my love and I got a manicure Monday and LOVE this new color! I went with my mom and my sisters which was fun, and I'm taking my grandmother this weekend for her birthday. I meant to talk about this before, but fortunately for my family and me, none of our immediate family was harmed in the earthquake that ravaged Haiti. I'm very grateful for that because the images that were plastered all over the tv, magazines, newspapers brought tears to my eyes. The thought of all those children being orphaned and having nowhere to go breaks my heart. I'm lucky to have such compassionate parents who despite their heavy workload, are looking in to ways to bring more of my family to the US, via adoption and helping them with legality issues. I support it 120% and will help any way I can.

I've been in a very giving mood these past few weeks. I spent Valentine's day with my brother Matt, doing damage at the Stamford Mall and somehow he managed to convince me to buy some expensive sneakers for him, treat him to lunch and take him to see that Percy Jackson movie- which was actually quite good. I bought my mom a new dress, my dad a few dress shirts and of course, lots of new delightful things for me! Is it sad that my favorite purchases so far involve Dove bodywash and socks?

I've been working a lot, and rather strange, hours which is fantastic. Not only am I making money, but it's helping time to fly by. I'm very excited for the month of March and the direction my life is heading in. As the days go by, I get increasingly happier knowing that soon I'll be reunited with my Mimmo and it doesn't get any better than that <3

Turning 24 was easier than I thought...

Normally I count down the days to my birthday and plan some kind of big get together but this year, I honestly didn't care about it at all. It was great to turn 21 because then I could finally start using my own ID. 22 was great because I'd become a seasoned veteran of legal aged drinking and could act all nonchalant about it. 23 is my favorite number and I brought that year in with a BANG (ask Damaly for the details, she tells the story fantastically!) Next year I'll be a 1/4 of a century old then at 26 I'll have my nervous breakdown on account of being closer to 30. 24 just didn't count.

Perhaps it was also because I got to see my Mimmo this weekend which completely overshadowed the joyous event that is usually my birthday. After writing each other everyday for 75 days and having to settle for seeing each other via Skype, it was great to be able to see him and do all the sappy crap couples do. We made all kinds of future plans including a two week road trip from Denver to California and spent 2 and a 1/2 blissful days together that I hold dear to my heart.

I learned so much about myself this past year and I'm pleased with the person I am. I know the people & things I do and don't want in my life, the things that are most important to me and what I want for myself. Oddly enough, I still don't have a clear cut plan for what I want to do exactly but when I see myself in 5 years, I'm smiling and I'm happy and my bangs have finally grown out. There's money in my bank account, food in the fridge and my favorite buttana in the whole wide world sitting next to me, spoon-feeding me shrimp & mushroom risotto and he's wearing some kind of hat.