Tag Archives: party

The One Where I Turn 21

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Earlier this month, I finally turned twenty-one. This is supposed to be the age that characterizes you as a “legal adult”, but truth be told I feel no different. Maybe this is because I hold the same goals and aspirations that I did when I was eighteen and started this blog. I knew then exactly who I wanted to be, and with this site I have been able to be just that for the past two and a half years.

At this age we’re supposed to have everything figured out. While it may seem like I do, in reality I know nothing at all and I’m still learning. The more I write, the more I learn about myself, the person I want to become, and the person I am capable of becoming.

While most people can’t wait to turn twenty-one so they can take their first legal sip of alcohol, I eagerly awaited turning twenty-one because it meant that I was able to see another year with the same amazing people in my life.

My favorite thing about my birthday isn’t receiving anything, it’s getting to spend time with my family and friends. On the night of May 3rd, I decided to get dressed up nice and dine at a fancy local restaurant alongside family.

Post-dinner photo shoot!

I have the most loyal, kind-hearted friends who always make time to see me although we live miles apart. Even when my best friend Temora wasn’t able to make it home in time for my birthday, she still surprised me and sent a beautiful bouquet of flowers! When we were finally able to get together, we had the greatest time catching up with one another until the sun went down.

the bouquet included my favorite flowers: roses!
Its never too late to celebrate!

I had previously gotten the chance to celebrate with my great friend, Suzy. What started as a random silly idea turned into a actual party for two. My favorite feeling in the world is nostalgia, so we held an early 2000s themed movie and music night-in to reminisce on the classic films and hits from our childhood. We even dressed for the occasion!

Though we were just babies in the early 2000s, I think we did a great job capturing the fashion trends of this era.
Actual footage of us two.

I never intended on making a month-long spectacle out of my birthday, but I would never pass up any time I can get with my friends when they can visit home. The friends that I have are some of the most important people to me and are the reason I look forward to special occasions such as birthdays. While one keeps me grounded and provides me a sense of refreshing familiarity, the other keeps the happy-go-lucky child in me alive. I can’t imagine my life without either one of them.

So here’s to reaching twenty-one years of life, a milestone to some, yet to me just another chapter in my book of many more cherished stories to come.

Turning Twenty

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A week ago today, I officially turned twenty years old. In the days leading up to my birthday, I didn’t expect to do much, nor did I feel the need to. Lucky for me, I have amazing family and friends that went out of their way to make the entire week of this year’s birthday a special one.

The day before, I got to celebrate with my dad’s side of the family. We had a delicious dinner, then cake for dessert, only after I was sung to by the restaurant attendees and workers. We encountered some difficulty when trying to light all twenty candles. With only some of the candles getting lit before we became too impatient, according to my cake I was turning fourteen. All in all, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to kickoff of the week’s festivities.

For the night of May 3rd, what was supposed to be a small gathering for dinner with my mom’s side of the family, turned into a fully decorated apartment hosting a fun-filled birthday party. After a few last minute internet searches of party themes, the perfect idea for a birthday party came to mind that I just couldn’t miss out on. I decided the only right way to celebrate turning twenty, with a birthday two days before Cinco de Mayo, is to have a Selena themed fiesta! As you may already know, I am a huge Selena fan, so the thought of getting to honor her legacy while having a my own birthday celebration made me muy…excited to turn twenty!

Later that night, I took a chance by messaging actress Noemí Gonzalez, who portrays Selena’s sister in the Selena: The Series on Netflix, in hopes that she might see my Selena party. She is my favorite actress from the series, so I was thrilled when I saw that she had responded to me with a birthday wish!

The Instagram message from @iamnoemigonzalez, the actress who portrays Selena’s sister, Suzette, in the Netflix series.

Even after my birthday, just when I thought the fun was over, I got to see my best friend for the first time in months! At the end of the week we made plans to spend quality time together. First, we ate at one of our favorite restaurants, then drove to a crafts store to buy all the necessary supplies to paint. Though we overestimated our painting abilities and this endeavor definitely didn’t go according to plan, still I can’t think of a better to way to have reunited with her. As one of my best friends, she is one person who I knew would selflessly spend a day making me feel special with a belated birthday celebration.

Like many, my birthday looked drastically different compared to last year’s. I’m glad I was able to have safe gatherings with my loved ones and I’m grateful to have reached two decades of life.