A Toast To Twenty Five

I'm sitting here thinking of something smart or profound to say about my life as a 

25 year old;

But I really don't have too much to say other than I am grateful. 

25 was definitely a year I felt that I have matured and allowed myself to grow.

In hindsight I'm sure I will laugh at that idea that I was at all mature, 

But honestly I have slowed down and feel peaceful at the moment. 

Your twenties seem to be a period of complete anarchy and lack any sense of direction.

However, I find peace in not being totally sure what I am doing.

It's that vulnerability and understanding of myself that allows me to feel that everything will be ok.

25 was a bit of me having one foot in the door of boyhood not wanting to grow up,

And the other foot on the path to full blown adulthood.

I was told that my Disney equivalent is Peter Pan.

The boy who never grew up. 

I have always loved that romantic notion that we are all  just children that had to grow up and lose that Innocence. 

Maybe that's why I am such a goof and have wanderlust for adventure?

25 was a year where I got to accomplish a lot and steer my life in a direction that I am happy with.

I graduated and moved to Southern California. 

I have been able to see so much here and being where I am surrounded by opportunity. 

Hikes, beaches, food, fun, family, etc. have all been involved in making my 25th year a great one.

There's been ups and downs like any other year but for some reason I am at a point

Where I cope better and keep a complete big picture in my head when dealing with the craziness. 

I have always felt like I need to have this HUGE agenda or list of things I am suppose to be doing

And things I am suppose to have already accomplished. 

Really though, I have done SO much in my life already that I need to remember just how amazing my life

Has been and will be.

I've been and seen so many places, both across the good ole USA and around the world.

I have been lucky to meet people and see that mankind is really something so flawed yet so amazing.

I love to meet people, even though I may be shy and introverted, because I  love to hear people's stories.

It adds to my story.

25 years worth of stories and it has helped shaped the person I now am.

Going on to 26 it seems like I will indeed be getting older (even though that is not old).

But I welcome it and look forward to the great times ahead.

I have to do a list of memories from 25:

1. Family reunion in Tahoe (Getting launched off the tube & Spikeball)

2. Enjoying the beaches in SoCal (Oceanside and the sunset)

3. Seeing the fireworks for 4th of July from the Pasadena Mountains

4. Disneyland with Andre and LaRee (drinking mint juleps on the porch on Main St.)

5. Getting my kitten Lilo and having her live in SoCal with me.

6. Seeing all my nieces and nephews 

7. Murder Mystery party with the cousins for Halloween (I was a priest Father Alfredo)

8. Reading A Little Life (great book that was both so good yet so sad)

9. Fish Taco Shack in Santa Barbara (I loved these tacos)

10.  My attempts at becoming a police officer (The Santa Barbara ride along/Reno ride along)

11. Having lunch with my Mom and Evelyn on a visit in Reno

12. Hiking with my Aunt Ellie and hearing her stories in the OC mountains

13. Getting a record player and starting my collection

14. Walking around Redlands and up to Prospect Park with my hammock (overlooking the Orange Groves)

15. Falling in and out of love (No bueno but it is a part of the story)

16. My cozy place in Redlands (sitting by my little fireplace as I type this)

17. Watching the Beauty and the Beast trailer constantly (childhood relived)

18. The long drives back to Reno and visiting Arizona (The sunsets)

19. Sledding/Tubing with the family for Christmas (Sawyer being terrified)

20. My niece Evelyn and her dance moves (Snapchat one is the best)

21. Being asked to be a godfather 

and many more that I have forgotten .....

I will be so cliche and end this with a quote that for some reason is what I feel 

Represents my 25th year. 

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."-Lao Tzu

This is because I feel like my life is just beginning and I am taking a step in the direction where the rest of 

My life will be. 

It is scary because it feels like I am taking that big leap and not sure what may come,

But I also feel invigorated and excited for the possibilities.

So here's to you 25!!

It was a beautiful ride.