July 22, 2011

Turning 25…

I have had a few things circling around in my brain pan over the past few days that I have wanted to get out into the blogosphere, but just haven't really had the time! We had Jana and her four children staying with us for just over a week because their house was being fumigated for fleas. It was a lot of fun having them here… we spent last Thursday cleaning the house and rearranging the living room. I think that I like the new arrangement, but I'm not entirely sure how ScottE feels about it. I guess it doesn't matter that much because he's so rarely here these days. Although he's taking next week off for vacation, and I'm really excited!!

Last Saturday, I turned 25. I feel like such a youngen out here because most of the people I spend my time with are a bit older than me. It's kind of nice being on the other end of the spectrum for once in my life. This birthday was significantly better than my last. I don't think I got a single phone call or birthday wish last year (except for the card from my Daddy, and probably a call or text from my Mom). I am sure there was more than that, I just can't really remember right now… either way, this year was infinitely better. My Honey got my one wish for me – Lord of the Rings, extended version on Blu-ray! Kind of an extravagant gift, but so beyond worth it!! ;) It is so b-e-a-utiful! I also got to get some new clothes… something I've needed for some time. I really like the whole jeans and t-shirt look, most of the time, but I often felt a little underdressed at family gatherings and the 2 pairs of jeans that I wore regularly have significant holes in them now. I really just wanted clothes that fit me properly! So, I talked with one of my best friends, Whitney and we set a date. Friday before my birthday, we went to the Salvation Army down in Tunkhannock. They have a great selection of stuff that I would never be able to afford – I mean name brand stuff!! It's pretty well organized, but we still spent nearly 5 hours there, pulling clothes off the racks, trying stuff on and witling out the stuff I couldn't get for one reason or another. I had a budget of $50, and I spent $65… I was very fortunate that Whit pitched in $30 so I was able to get that much more! I am really happy with the stuff I got and have gotten so many compliments!! I owe a great deal of that to Whit and her amazing sense of fashion – she picked out stuff for me that I never would have even looked at twice. Can you believe I bought a zebra print blouse? I couldn't… but I love it and got so many compliments when I wore it to church last Sunday.

On Saturday, ScottE and I went out with Brian and Whitney and saw the new Harry Potter movie and went to dinner at Red Robin; then we did some grocery shopping (mostly because we really needed some food in our house!). All in all, it was an absolutely fabulous day and I loved all of my Facebook comments as well! ;)

I haven't been going to Philly as much or really at all the past few weeks, because the family has been keeping me busy with hanging out and baby-sitting. I am really grateful for the time I've been able to spend with them, because I am really beginning to feel like a part of the family. I was recently experiencing some significant feelings of exclusion. A large part of why we moved up here to NE PA was so I could spend more time with the family, and for some reason that wasn't happening. No one would call me for help. I am still unsure if it is more of laying down new habits or if it's because they assume I am going down to Philly to see ScottE. Either way, it seems like it's mostly been cleared up. I feel like I am being included in more things and that everyone really wants me around. It's a really nice feeling!

Jana's stay here with me really brought us closer. If for nothing else, it was nice to get to know each other a little better and spend such a concentrated amount of time together. It was sometimes challenging with the kids because they wanted to go home and sleep in their own beds (I didn't blame them one bit!), but overall it was an eye-opening and lovely experience. Not quite sure I want 5 kids anymore! ;) lol