Time.

I have recently realized the immense value of time. It's getting to the point of needing to remember to schedule time to eat and sleep. That's why there has been zero activity on the blog for a week or so. Let's see if I can catch everyone up...

Well, my birthday was January 27. I stayed up until midnight. My friends sang 'Happy Birthday' to me...and I cried. I went in my room, grabbed my tshirt quilt and scrapbook, and cried. I missed my brothers and my parents. This was my first birthday away from home. It was also my last teenage birthday. I know that sounds ridiculous, but it seems so strange to me. I'm not old, but my childhood is officially behind me. It's such a bittersweet realization. I'm growing up--faster than ever, it seems. My birthday itself was a fairly mediocre day. I wasn't down and depressed all day, it just didn't feel right. Then...mom surprised me and came to have lunch with me!!! It was much needed and wonderful. I feel so fortunate to be

able to go to such an amazing university, but still be close enough to go home to see my family. I am also extremely blessed to have a mother that would drive four hours, have lunch and shop, then drive four hours home. I know everyone says they have the best mom in the world, but I can honestly say that my mother is an exceptionally wonderful and awe-inspiring woman. I don't know anyone more selfless than her (except God and maybe Mother Theresa). She has a heart comparable to none other. I hope to one day be half the woman she is. She amazes me everyday with everything she does. I cannot even begin to stress to you how serious I am. My mother is legit, THE best person I know. I love her so much.

OK. Onto the Birthday Weekend. My wonderful friends and I went to Birmingham to the Cheesecake Factory and to go ice skating. Cheesecake Factory was amazing, of course, and the birthday cheesecake was precious. After all of the sadness of being away from home, I realized that I have two homes now. The people I have in Tuscaloosa hold such a large and precious

place in my heart. I seriously doubt anyone has had a freshman experience like this. I walked into college and instantly had 15 close friends. I have a family here that I love so much. The gifts they gave me were fantastic, not because they were extravagant or anything, but because they were the most thoughtful I have ever received. I even got a card that said Happy Birthday Champ. I'm pretty sure it was for a 5-year-old boy, but it was so perfect. The signatures were never the cliche, "Happy Birthday! Hope your day is great!" They all were way more meaningful. It may sound stupid, but I'm just realizing that these people are the people I will forever remember. These are my future bridesmaids and adopted brothers. It makes the homesickness fade. I don't stop missing my family, but it doesn't hurt as much. I am so fortunate and blessed.

Thank you my mother for being an inspiring example.

Thank you to my amazing friends/family in Tuscaloosa. Thank you God for blessing me beyond my wildest expectations. Thanks for everything that makes me smile.