Is 23 old yet?

At what age does one officially become "old?"

happy birthday "two" you, baby lyssa. it's two bad your bangs aren't straight.

I was feeling pretty young today when I got a birthday blessing by the birthday fairy at school. This gem of a lady visits the school every month to "bless" each child for the month of their birthday.

birthday fairy blessing, hoo-rah! I even got to hold the wand.

With my 23rd birthday tomorrow, I'm kind of still feeling like I'm never going to be old. I'm going to be that old lady who still cures boredom with the Disney Channel, has a stupid excitement over bulk candy stores and ice cream, still thinks Jesse McCartney is dreamy, and loves to bust a move on the dance flo'. I do share a birthday with Elvis, after all.

let's face it. we'll be doing this 'till we're old and gray.

It's so funny how turning 21 is what everyone looks forward to with so much anticipation... and then, it's downhill from there, right? Sadly, running around declaring, "I'm twenty-threeee!" isn't near as cool as screaming "I'm twenty-ONNNEEEE" all day at the top of your lungs.

that "2-1" made an appearance all night long.

It's also a lot harder to hold up the 2-3 in the right order than it is when you turn 2-2.

foreeever yooouunnggg..

Let's face it, I'm never growing up. ;)

Does this mean I have to take down my coveted 22nd birthday card my good friend, Abby, made me? It's been on display in my room for a year now...

the birthday card that keeps on giving... Abby's so talented.

I'm off to Lake Gaston after work for a birthday weekend with my wonderful friends, John and Cynthia. I can't waiiiit!

Wine tastings, funny movies, and lots of corny games are in my near birthday future.

And probably not a birthday puppy. ;) I'm still holding onto my dreams!

what a surprise! A puppy?! I never even asked for one of those!

Next time I post, I'll be "twenty-threeeeee!"

My Dad Is AWESOME.

I can always count on my daddy to tell me how proud of me he is.

Catawba Homecoming 2009

I could always count on my daddy to hold my hand. As a child, I'd grab onto his (long, Halter) fingers to cross the ski slopes in the Pocono Mountains. In grade school, he showed me his hand in math at the kitchen table. In college, he escorted me across the field to have me crowned as Homecoming Queen. Now, he lends me his hand for the many tasks of moving, building, fixing, and advice in the adult world.

Catawba Graduation 2010

I can always count on my daddy to teach me life's lessons: to not leave the lights on, to shut the front door and not let out all the heat ("picture those dollar bills walking out the door!"), or to always keep the wrist strap on the Wii because "people throw these things at their TVs and break them."

look! he's got hair!

I could always count on my daddy to help me with my math homework, eat breakfast with me at the crack of dawn before school, teach me how to tile a floor and use power tools, or teach me to drive a stick shift.

Dad was always my buddy in pumpkin carving.

I could always count on my daddy to cheer me on at my sporting events, cheer the loudest when I'm onstage for voice recitals or musicals, to sport a Shawnee/Catawba field hockey shirt or hat, or to take mom, maggie, and me out in Key West on my 21st birthday.

Key West - January 2009

I can always count on my daddy to be awake early in the morning when I need something... and to most definitely be asleep before 11 p.m.

Dad and all his good lookin' kids ;)

I can always count on my daddy to eagerly jump at the chance to take me office supply shopping or to have some ice cream with me.  I wonder where I got my sweet tooth and love for electronics? ;)

Dad designed their NC house!

I will always remember how proud he was of me when I graduated high school, then college, and when I made him tear up at my first ever voice recital when I sang my favorite Disney song, Part Of Your World.

celebratiiiooon!

My dad is awesome. He's such a strong, smart, intense guy who has always helped me with whatever I need. I don't know what I'd do without him!

I'm pretty positive I have the best dad in the world.

Happy birthday, Daddy-O!

What makes your dad awesome?

It's a MAGGIE Day!

I feel the need dedicate this post to one of the best friends a girl can have.

HAPPY 23rd BIRTHDAY, MAGGIE!

Maggie and I grew up together, and although I'm now in Virginia and she's in Pennsylvania, we still remain so close. In middle and high school, we did almost everything together.  One of my favorite shirts from high school read "blonde leading the blonde," and it was pretty spot on. ;)

Look at us - just little babies!

She's been with me through everything, even when we were miles apart.  She spent my 21st birthday with me in Key West, she went to Mexico with me for Spring Break, and we just took a Senior cruise together before graduating college!

"twenty ooonnneee!"

Maggie's the best, and I wish we lived closer (hint, hint.. move to VA Beach, Mag).

So, in honor of Maggie and the upcoming holidays, I made a batch of Maggie Mix last night.

"Maggie mix? Whaaat?"

I was introduced to Maggie Mix by my college roommate, Emily.  Her mom would send her this delicious mix by the tub-full, and we would inhale the stuff.  When I passed the Quaker Oatmeal Squares in the grocery store last night, I suddenly had a real hankering for the mix.

Getcha some Quaker Oatmeal Squares cereal (one box = one baking tray.. if you want a big batch, you probably want two to three boxes), any lite maple syrup (I prefer Hungry Jack or Aunt Jemima), and cinnamon for some extra flava!

Spread the squares on a baking sheet and drizzle them with the syrup.  Don't go too crazy, or you'll have a big sticky, soggy mess of a Maggie Mix!  Then sprinkle a little cinnamon on top.  I was feeling a little Thanksgiving flavor, so I added some nutmeg as well.

Toss the squares around in the syrup until they're all coated evenly.  Then throw them in the oven at 350 for around 18-20 minutes.  Prepare to babysit the mix, because it needs a good tossing with a spatula about every 6-7 minutes.

After 20 minutes, take out the mix and toss it again.  You'll need to break up the pieces, but after a little bit, it should all be hardened and deeeelicious!

If you looove cereal and are a snacker like me, you'll adore Maggie Mix.  Caution: you'll be addicted!

Have a great weekend, everybody.  My weekend plans include a Tree Lighting Festival, and I'm exciiiited!  Pictures to come!