23 Has Turned Into 24

I was able to wrap a whole lot of experience into one year....

I gambled in Vegas. Accepted my first job with CPS as an Interventionist. Drank a whole lot of margaritas. 

I saw the Rolling Stones perform their final show at the United Center. And went to way too many summer music festivals for a responsible adult. 

We celebrated another Stanley Cup for Chicago. Lolla'd with my best friends in the best city in the best weather. Welcomed lil Lu into the world and became an Auntie for the first time. 

I took my first office job at Prime Realty and discovered cubicles are not for me, and then promptly scheduled another trip abroad to Uganda. 

Sang my heart out to Nas singing One Love in front of the Chicago Skyline. Collected 250 pounds of shoes and clothing for Juna Amagara students. Rocked a unibrow on Halloween. 

I flew around the world to get to my heaven on Earth alone and watched as Ugandans completely transformed, rejuvenated, and beautified my heart.

I fell in love with my first daughter, Ariyo. And I will never be the same after meeting that little girl. Her presence in my heart and my mind and my choices and my actions is magical. 

Then, because of the change Ariyo fostered in me, I fostered one of the most colorful little girls I've ever met, who reminds me every day to LIVE LARGE and LOVE LOUD and LAUGH a LOT. I love you Ree baby.

And tomorrow, I officially start 24 by attending my first day of work at the Primo Center for Women and Children. Oh, to be able to cash a pay check again! 

If 24 is nearly half as great as 23 is, I am the luckiest girl in the world. Thank you to everyone in my life who made it possible for me to live my dreams and gave me the ability to literally create the life I desire for myself. I love you and I need you and I thank you!

GOOD BYE to 23!