20

Well, this is it. I'm no longer a teenager. I wish I could say some glorious wave of maturity and grace washed over me as I woke up this morning to get ready for work. But alas, i found myself singing the Lion King soundtrack and tripping over my dog as I tried to make my way out of my room. The truth is, nothing has changed and I'm glad. People always say that they are so ready to grow up and turn the 'magical' ages of 16, 18, and 21, so they may drive to their hearts content, dance the night away and gloat to the world that they are officially and adult, and finally say that they can drink. To tell you the truth, I never plan on growing up. I don't want to sit in a box all day, I don't want to leave behind the things that comfort me, and i definitely don't want to leave behind the friends i have made before 'adulthood' arrived. 

The thing that I keep thinking about while typing is this : “If growing up means it would be beneath my dignity to climb a tree, I'll never grow up, never grow up, never grow up! Not me!” ― J.M. Barrie (Peter Pan)

Now, I'm not saying I'm never going to get a job, or I'm never going to have a family, etc. etc. What I am saying is:

I will never deny myself laughter when I feel the need to laugh.

I will never stop watching Disney movies 

I will never stop reading

I will never stop learning

I will never stop being a hopeless romantic

I will never not cry while watching Les Miserables

I will never stop being a klutz

I will never stop reading Harry Potter

I will continue listening to music obnoxiously loud in my car.( Yes I am one of those whippersnappers.)

I will never quit something I love because 'It's not practical" 

I will love what I do, and do what I love

I will love my friends and family. Always.

      And now, my life through the years.

1 - I don't remember my life. I was little. How am I supposed to know.

2- My sister was born. I treasured the last moments of my single child life that would never return (just kidding. I love my sister).

3- I stepped foot in one of my favorite places on earth for the first time: Disney World. I loved it so much, I thought I would help Mickey out with his parade and join in.

4- At this time, I'm pretty sure I was into ballet. Apparently it's bad if you keep spinning after everyone has already left the stage. 

5- I remember praying for God to give me a brother. He did! 

6-  My fashion sense was at it's highest. Complete with awkward bandanna dresses.

7- The year 2000.  Woohoo! I actually don't remember much about this year. 

8 - I made the trek from Georgia to Colorado. Goodbye peaches, hello 6 foot snow drifts.

9- Ski lessons + klutz= rolling snowball.

10-  Violin and piano lessons had begun. 

11- Braces, glasses, middle hair part. I'll spare you the pictures.

12- More Violin, more awkwardness, and more snow.

13- I remember getting my ears pierced. I was particularly obsessed with Pirates of the Caribbean, so I thought I would express my love through earrings.

14- This is the year we decided to move to TEXAS. At the time, I was devastated, but honestly it was the best thing that could have happened to me.

15- First year in Texas, humidity, and public school. 

16- Drumline! Wee! This is where I found my people and my passions. This is when I met my best friends Hannah (and momma Frey) and Caitlin. This is when I found music and art

17- By this time, I was a pretty cool  kid... Maybe not, but I made good grades, marched on drum line, and made snow cones after school. 

18- FREEDOM! (not). College Applications, Drum-line Auditions, Graduation, LIFE

19- This time last year I was a shy college freshman, surrounded by other college freshman on Drum-line. This time last year I became a Baylor Bear, and met some of my favorite people.

20- Today. So far I have showered, ate some yogurt, and drove to work. Simplicity is what I like. I know I will spend the evening with my family and Hannah, eating fondue and probably playing Disney Scene it. Years ago I would have demanded Chuck E Cheese  with a new Barbie, now a cup of tea, music, and a good book will appease me. 

So thank you. Thank you to every single person that has made the last 20 years of my life the best I could ever hope and pray for. 



- Jessica