21.

Celebrating twenty-one years of life. In Italy.

If you know me, you know I hate the thought of growing up. Nothing about it has ever appealed to me. I still don't even think I know what I want to do with my life. I need to face reality, because I'm not little anymore. I'm 21.

I've never been one to publicize my birthday, or make sure every one knows about it. All I really care about is being with those I want to be with; my family and good friends.
On Monday, we celebrated my birthday by getting a 5 course dinner with bottomless wine at Il Teatro, right under Tara's apartment. Amazing food. Good wine. And a version of my family and friends; Tara plus my roommates and girls we met here/from home.

The people I have become close with from Euroadventures set up this birthday dinner for me, and the woman at the restaurant brought out desserts with candles for me to blow out, champagne, and had the restaurant sing 'Tanti Auguri' to me. We had a good time.
We went out for a little bit afterward to see some other people we hang out with, but so full from dinner, we had to make it an early night.

I got really, really homesick during the day on my birthday. I hated not being with my family, but Tara, my roommates, and girls we hang out with made it so enjoyable.

I stopped at Tara's apartment during the day and she had a ton of my favorite Italian treats with a mini tiramisu cake and bottle of champagne waiting for me. Lauren and Gianna had some treats waiting at home for me, as well. Marissa and Ali bought me these awesome chocolates and everyone I wanted to, came to dinner and out after.

I have so much to be thankful for. I have lived a healthy twenty-one years of life, blessed with the best family and groups of friends I can ask for. Yea, it's scary growing up and I hate it... But looking back at the experiences and opportunities that have already come my way, I cannot wait to see what the future has to offer.


Who can say they celebrated an important milestone of their life, in one of the greatest and most beautiful cities in the world? I can.