Today was a really long day it felt like. I got up and went and got groceries. I loved that it was so warm, I had my sunroof open and the windows down all day! I love it! This week we are celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday and Read across America, so I decided to be all domestic and bake some cupcakes to celebrate. I have really become a good cook and baker. Although I don't do it very often. I really think I'm going to start doing it more.

I went to look at my cousin's house today as a prospective buyer. It really is so cute and a perfect size for me and very reasonably priced! It's outside the city of Dickson so I wouldn't have to pay city taxes. It is surrounded by trees and covered with shade. She already had a fence up in the back for dogs, but I would need to expand it a little bit and make it more Ft. Knox security for Sydni because I would be afraid she would jump the fence. I'm very excited. I'm going to look around a little bit to see if there is anything in White Bluff that is affordable, but Amy's house is definitely on the top of my list.

The best part of the day was that I told my dad I would like to have my own place by this summer. He asked me why and I told him to prove to everyone that I am an independent adult and responsible enough to survive on my own. He asked who I wanted to prove that to and I told him everyone who still treats me like a fragile little child who can't take care of herself. That sounds harsh, but I really was nice about it. He understands. I told him that I had also said the first time I moved home from college that I would give myself a year to get things in order before I bought a house, and I am fast approaching being here for a year. So, it's time. But I'm glad I had the guts to tell him and we were able to talk about it in a rational manner. Wow, I really am an adult.

What I love about me #12:

I can talk to my parents about anything. It may take me a little bit to finally say something because I like to play out different ways the conversation can go in my head before I say anything, but I always do. I think this has helped me have better relationships with my parents because I am honest with them (ok, I may have some secrets, but I usually tell the whole truth) and I feel that I can talk to them and tell them anything that is going on in my life or how I may be feeling about something. I really consider my parents to be two of my best friends. I don't know when I stopped looking at them as just a parent and started to see them as more of a friend, but I'm glad that I am at that point in my life. I have great conversations with both of them about different things, both profound and silly. And I feel it is reciprocated in that they can tell me things they don't tell their friends or family (other than Keri). I just love it. It's great to be able to speak about how something makes me feel or what I think about something and know that it is ok and safe to speak my opinion or feelings.