20 Years Ago...

Well, the day has finally come. I don't have more any teenagers (at least for another 6 months). Kayla turned 20 years old today, and officially became...well, not a teenager anymore. But still not quite an adult. It's an awkward stage in a young womans life. Old enough to be married like her friends, but not old enough to put a nickel in a slot machine. But that's ok, for both situations.

Going away to college and living on her own has really helped Kayla grow up and learn about fiscal responsibility. Never mind that her and her roommates spent their hard-earned education money to fly off to Los Angeles for a week to see a Korean boy band perform, who cares if they were the only caucasian girls in the audience. I'm sure it was their high enthusiasm and exuberance that caught the eye of one of the band members to give them a wave and a shout-out, not their white skin and blonde hair against the sea of brown and black. Being financially responsible means staying the week in the home of his cousins best friends grandmothers home, so they could afford the $120 concert ticket and $200 plane ticket. See how responsible she's become.

She's grown into such a lovely young woman. She doesn't paint her face up and scare the neighbors anymore. These days, she's learned a natural shade of red is much more appealing. Easy to come by when by eating whole raw habenjeros peppers. She's learned to always wear a good mascara, because you never know what's going to make you cry, and milk not only does a body good, but helps relieve the burn going down. Her roommates have been such a good influence on her. Her digestive tract will never be the same again.

She's become pretty adventurous since she's gone away. She joined the college womans Rugby team, playing against girls so big, they make the Trunchbowl look like a pansy.

(ok, slight exaggeration on my part)

This summer she danced at the Stadium of Fire, and learned how to windsurf. She sailed the entire distance of the lake and back without the need of a rescue party. It was a pretty small lake, but still....It was impressive for a first timer.

And after 4 years of working for a grocery store, she's finally in a more mature job that requires her to dress in slacks, wear heels, and take money without the exchange of food. At least she's off her feet.

The best part about having a 20-year old who doesn't live at home anymore...is when she does come back home.

Happy Birthday! Love you!