23 years.

i turned 23 yesterday. after nearly having a nervous breakdown the night before my birthday, i would say that all in all it was great. it is crazy to think that i am already quickly approaching my mid-twenties. actually, it is kind of scary. when i think back on the plans that i had for my life when i was younger, and where i hoped to be, it is not where i am at all. in high school, i remember thinking that i would get married when i was 21 or 22, being in medical school by the time i was 23, and having the time of my life. obviously, that is not where i ended up. when i stop and think about how different my life is from what i had planned, it really makes me see God's sense of humor, and that we really need to write our life in pencil, and give God the eraser. He certainly has enjoyed erasing and rewriting my plans!
but anyway, 23 is going to be a good year, a really good year. i am sure of that. i am graduating [may 7th, 2011...8 months and counting. get pumped people], living by myself for the first time, and am really going to try to make some big changes in my life. some changes: take all my vitamins everyday [silly goal i know, but it is still up there], spend more time in the word, journal more, be more intentional with friendships and relationships, drive down to escondido more to see the family, take more risks, and honestly, as cliche as it sounds, love more. i feel that i have learned so much about love in my 22nd year of life, and i am ready to live out what i have learned in year number 23. so people, prepare yourselves, minnick's 23rd year of life is going to be filled with greatness, i am going to make sure of it. boom.

and i got to celebrate with some amazing friends at yardhouse last night. it was great. you all are like family, i am so blessed by each of you!