breathing easy.

This last week was busy & chaotic. Miraculously, it was also relaxing and freeing. Last weekend was full of old friends and family which always fills my heart. And then around 6a.m. Sunday, I stealthily escaped my apartment with friends in tow and drove toward sea breezes and sandy shores. You see, I have this thing. This need to run away over my birthday. Ever since I was a little toddler I have loathed my birthday. I think it's the attention and the big spectacle part that I dislike, so my coping mechanism is escape. (Therapists would have a field day with me, I'm telling ya.) Anyways, I think everyone each year deserves a few days in the sun & sea, so these were mine to use up. And use them up I did, with some of my very best friends, too. I'll tell you what--I'm the luckiest newly 23 year old I know.

(beach after a big storm)

There is just something about the sound of sea gulls, relentless crashing of waves, sand between my toes, and smell of seafood that instantly raises the corners of my mouth. To experience this all with some of my best friends from college only enhanced my experience greatly. There were karaoke bar performances, cold beers, long, tasty dinners, silly games, and loads of laughs.

(motley crew.)

My escape from my birthday didn't work out too great, as my friends enjoyed telling everyone at the bar that it was my special day. My embarrasment levels seriously spiked during this trip, and I have my friends to thank for that. But still, it was a great escape, and I'm thankful we all still find the time to hang out with one another, embarrassing moments or not.

(sunrise courtesy of Dan. the rest of us were too sleepy to get out of bed.)

Here's to growing up, but not growing apart.