twenty six.

Last Friday, I turned twenty six. I took a day off work and gave myself some treats. I woke up to presents in bed with Marsh, he gave me a lovely dress I'd been wanting, a book about the meanings of flowers and a really fun pen(cil). Then I got my hair and eyebrows done (and met Annaliese in the process) and did some shopping. Oh, the relaxation! It's been a long while since my hair got attended to.
We went for lunch with my parents and sister to The Merrywell, which is delicious! I visited Rachel, got my nails done, and then went back to my parents' for cake and to play with Wolfie. I just luxuriated, it was wonderful. Later, some friends joined us for drinks at Bar Lafayette. Delicious cocktails, amazing duck shanks, giggles and good times.

In the morning, I jokingly told Marsh that now I was 26, I felt I should put on my suit, buy a house, have a baby, and get some grown up braces (Invisalign, hello!) Ummm, not quite. I do own a suit, so I guess there's that. Otherwise, I'd say I'm fairly on track, yes? It feels like a good age and a very exciting time of my life.

Dress: ASOS, Shoes: Swedish Hasbeens, Necklace: A Merry Mishap

the happiest 5k on the planet.

This morning, Jarrad and I crossed off the first of my New Year's resolutions and completed my first 5K run, The Color Run, "the happiest 5K on the planet". At the end of each kilometre you run through a little tunnel of people who through coloured corn flour at you. Blue, then pink, then orange, then yellow. At the end of the race, they give everyone a little packet of colour and you can go nuts. It was such a fun way to spend a Sunday morning! Best of all, I ran the whole way, which is something I never really dreamed I could do, as an adamant non-runner.

Afterwards, we met up with the Lush ladies and their boyfs for chips and cider. Color Run, I love you.

on being 25.

 
I had a long awaited get together with five of my oldest girlfriends last night, which was wonderful. One was freshly engaged, two others back from overseas adventures, and we were catching up. With the sharing of stories (as we snacked and sipped) came the talking of plans for the future and we all marveled at how we were now at this place: in our mid-twenties - some of us married, others getting married, others wondering how far off that will be, talking about children (one of my dearest friends confided in me yesterday, after years of being an adamant non-breeder, that kids will probably be on the cards for her), moving abroad, buying houses... Mostly this chapter is a wonderful celebration, but it comes with a bit of trepidation. Last night I said, "I don't really feel old enough to be 25."

Here are my ladies are doing shots like the classy broads they are.

Upon reflection, this is both true and not true. On one hand, does anyone ever live up to those expectations you set for yourself when you're 16? Married by 21, and a successful career/house/kids/dog by 23? I surely didn't, and I'm not sure I'm ready for marriage/kids/dog for at least a couple of years. When five couples of your friends get engaged in the past six months, this is something you need to be clear on. There's something in the air, 2012, and it's confetti-filled.


On the other hand, I feel perfectly poised on the crest of the 25 hill. When I look back at my life as it's gone, it's been awesome full! By 25, I have travelled, I have finished my bachelor's degree (and started a postgrad), I have begun a career, I have grown with my friends, learned new things, participated creatively and socially, seen the world, seen my world grow! On the other side of the hill (is that an upward or downward slope? I'm not sure) there is still a whole lot of excitement, milestones, adventure. At 25, I'm viewing it with a set of eyes that are more mature and (dare I say) ready for all of that wherever it may come.

Here's to 25, and living life at your own pace.