22 and still young

"Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years.  We grow old by deserting our ideals.  Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul."  -Samuel Ullman

First of all, I'm aware that 22 years old is not classified as "growing old," however it is older than I was just a few days ago. I felt like I was 21 for several years, and no I never had a fake i.d., so I was never fake 21. I've uttered the words "I'm 22" three times so far since Friday, and man it feels weird. Despite the odd feeling of saying it, I am so thrilled to have lived 22 unfathomably incredible years. I'm not afraid of getting wrinkles one day, but I am afraid of losing my enthusiasm. I never want to lose the zest for life that I feel at this moment, that I felt this weekend, that I've felt my whole life.

The celebration of my birthday was unbelievable. The bulk of the success of my birthday is credited to my mother, sister, Jackie, Caitlin, and the Dickson twins & gang (Not to mention the hundreds of "Happy Birthday" Facebook posts, texts and calls  that I received). You all made my three-day celebration spectacular. 

 There was one point on my birthday that I was sad because a lot of people who told me they would come out with me didn't follow through. But when I realized that those who truly loved me the most were trying to make my birthday unforgettable, I decided just how lucky I was. I felt selfish for sulking--there are so many family and friends who took the time out to wish me well, and I was bumming out about a mere few. 

Now here's a recap:

Thursday night: Bringing in the midnight birthday just right with dollar beer night at Aztec. Starting off the night with beers, and finishing with my favorite, Jack and Cokes, may have been a recipe for a black out, but it sure was fun. What was even more fun was that my friends are way too awesome and I didn't have to pay for one drink. Plus, I had the prettiest sober driver in the world--thanks Jackie :) 

Friday day: An impossibly fun day at the Dickson's house playing pizza box. If you don't know the game, learn it. Although quite embarrassed from some shenanigans displayed in front of the Dickson parents, I wouldn't have wanted to spend my birthday any other way. Plus I got delicious tacos for dinner!

Friday night: Beach bar with my sister, Bry, and Jackie (sorry for being cranky guys!). Jack and Bills with Jackie, and Bamboo with Jackie, the Dickson's, Milne siblings, Nick and Andrew. Although I do normally have hatred for Bamboo, being with you all somehow made it an insanely fun time. I won't doubt your love for Bamboo again--or maybe I will.

Saturday all day: To finish off the celebration was a Kenny Chesney/Tim Mcgraw concert that my sister and I received tickets for from my father for Christmas--thanks daddy and Tami! It just so happened to fall on the day after my birthday, which was awesome. This was definitely one of the best days of my life, filled with old friends, new friends, good beer, other assorted liquors, yummy food, and incredible music. We even got to sit in section 110, despite having tickets for section 334--high five to us Sarah!

So, thank you all for making my first 22 years pretty kick-ass. Here's to making the next 22 even better. Cheers.