Me at 19

I've decided to link up with this other blog to participate in Flashback Fridays. I love browsing through old photos and I love the stories that go along with them so I'm excited to start this!

This photo was taken when I was around 19 years old. I'm not sure where we were going or coming from but I am sure that we were having a blast! These were what I like to refer to as my "party days." On the outside I was a very responsible 19 year old. I went to school full time, got pretty good grades, held down a part time job, and was a member of a cheerleading team. I answered to my teachers, bosses, teammates and parents (though they didn't always know where I really was or what I was really doing). But, really, I was free to do as I pleased and I took full advantage. I hadn't yet learned what real responsibility was and I was immature and naive. I think most 19 year olds are.

Some days, when I feel like I'm drowning in all of my responsibilities I remember those days and I wish I was back there. I wish I could run out the door, jump in my Ford Escort, throw on my Michael Jackson's Greatest Hits CD, and drive down to the beach at a very unsafe speed to dance the night away. Most days, when I walk past this photo (it's framed on my desk at home) I smile. I remember what it was like to not have to care about anyone else but myself and I'm so grateful that those days led me to where I am today. I'm so happy that I now have people to care for and who care for me and I'm grateful that my irresponsibility turned into lessons learned. More than that, I'm relieved to not be 19!