I am not exactly sure what it is like to be 22 quite yet, but so far I am enjoying it! This entire day has been a constant reminder of how many wonderful, special, warm, loving, & kind people surround me everyday. I am so loved it's INSANE. I am so so lucky and grateful for this beautiful life I have.

Both my mother and father tell me about how cold it was the day that I was born. They also remind me that I was 9 pounds at birth... (#sorrynotsorry). I guess it was a rough experience - like most child births- but they always smile when they bring up that day. They tell me how much they love me and how proud they are of me, daily. I love them. My parents have always supported my passions and ambitions - I am so grateful; my personality is largely contributed by their support! Thank you, thank you.

My sister, Ayra. It was so lovely to see her today and receive yet another joyfully written birthday card. She made a list of 22 awesome things about me, here it goes:

1. you're funny

2. you're kind

3. you love to laugh

4. you're smart

5. you're always curious

6. you're an amazing friend

7. you're strong

8. you make people feel calm

9. you are fun to be around

10. you are accepting of everyone

11. you work hard

12. you never give up

13. you are great at planning adventures (except that one time)

14. you love the planet

15. you know random facts

16. you're helpful to everyone

17. your style

18. your attitude

19. you are good at video games

20. you inspire others

21. you are beautiful

22. your future is so bright!

Thanks Ayra <3

To elaborate on #13.... I took my sister cross country skiing in Bragg Creek and there was no snow :/ (etol fail).

To have a sister that is equally a best friend is so cool! We call each other daily. Jeez, we call each other on the way home from hanging out. I call her when I am next to her - just kidding. I love you Ayra, you have made every birthday so special and everyday a treat.... except when we are mad at each other, because then I can't call you.

I like chatting on the phone.

To all my friends, for I will not list since I have so many amazing close friends who I could each write a blog about separately! Thank you for all the love I received from you today! For instance, I walked into class very late today... (I know, not like me right?!). I bet you are thinking "oh no, did your teacher get mad?" For one, professors don't really care if you are late - they notice... but they don't make a comment. Well in my case, I sit down, the teacher stops talking and looks at me in silence, then the entire class breaks out into the happy birthday song! I stopped a class lecture! I love everyone in my program & my teachers!!!

And now I return home at 11:11 pm (make a wish!) from grocery shopping with the one and only Kaylee Hope (aka. life coach and gypsy goddess) until we closed the place down. We spent most of the night questioning what to make for breakfast during our winter camping trip this weekend!

Today wasn't just about circling the sun again, but that I celebrated this incredible life I have! It was very sweet to be celebrated today but I know that there are many things I still want to work on! This year ahead will be beautiful but it was also be tough; I am going to keep swimming, swimming swimming.

Namaste,

Zoey Fern. #year22