So this is the new year

Since my birthday is in August, the occasion has always marked the end of summer and the beginning of school. Most years, in fact, my presents have tended to be school supplies (only exacerbating the middle child syndrome). And for this reason, my birthday has also tended to be anxiety inducing. Suddenly summer is over and I haven't gotten everything done that I wanted to do and the excitement and nervousness for the new school year is creeping in more quickly than I'd like. 


This birthday, though, seems to have been just the ticket to stave off those feelings for a little bit. I got to go back to St. Louis to see my family, minus Betsy, and my friends, minus a few. I ate a ton, laughed a lot, saw my favorite places, and got to feel a little more like myself. I purchased a new camera, which I find more than a little exciting. Back in Atlanta, I was surprised by sweet presents from Andrew and celebrated with my friends there. I also made a delicious 1-2-3-4 Lemon Cake with Swiss Meringue Buttercream. It's the same cake that I made for my 23rd birthday, but I think this one was more successful. It's hard to believe that I'm 25 already, but I think it's going to be a good year. Andrew and I are seeing King Lear tonight, Betsy and I are planning an extensive vacation, I'll be teaching my own class, and I'll be finishing my own coursework. Yipes! But good.