I turned 25 on Saturday

It wasn't as scary as I was expecting. Perhaps because I feel that I've come a long way in the past six months and I like the direction my life is heading in. I'm actually excited to see what lies on the other side of 25.

I feel in control of my career. It's fun being my own boss, having my own clients and making my own deals. I also love that I can work as much or as little as I want! I have two 2 week vacations planned with my family - Greece and Turkey in October and Burma, Laos, and Cambodia in January.

Since my job can be a little soulless, I'm doing some volunteer work to get some balance in my life. I visit an elderly woman in her home once a week and talk to her, take her on walks, help her with errands etc. And soon I'll start volunteering at the ASPCA - playing with the kitties in the shelter. Awww.

The most exciting development in my life in the past month is the fact that I'm in my first real relationship in years with a wonderful man who has given me new hope that I may indeed get to live happily ever after. (I admit, I was a little cynical for awhile...)

My actual birthday was very nice. (In great contrast to last year where I spent my birthday alone in a hotel room in Okinawa, watching it rain outside, and calling my mom crying. Sigh.) I had a nice family dinner celebration a few days before, then brunch with the boy, Chapin girl picnic in the park, then the boy and I continued onto the Central Park zoo, dinner downtown, and a jazz club.

I love summer in NY. Something about wearing flip flops and skirts everyday that makes me so happy. And I love going out for dinner wearing a dress and heels and not needing a sweater.