Happy Independence Day

It all started last night around 9:30. I was meeting a friend at a Starbucks in Carrollton to drop off some files for REC (the Religious Education Center) she needed to have for this Saturday’s classes. A mutual friend of ours was also there, so I sat down and we began chatting. We were talking for a while and then she announced her engagement to me. I shouted, “Oh my God!” out of surprise and excitement and immediately thought to myself, “This is so amazing. I’ve been hearing of acquaintances getting married, but to have a close friend announce her marriage is a totally different feeling.” I instantly began thinking of ideas for her bridal shower, and fun things we could do. I felt blessed that I had a friend close enough that would think to include me when first announcing her engagement. I drove home that night with a smile on my face.

* * *

6:00 A.M.: “Turn off the alarm.” That’s what I say to my Moshi Voice Control Alarm Clock every morning to shut it off. (I know. Badass right?) I crawled out of bed and started getting ready for work. It takes me about 20 minutes to get ready in the morning so I have some time to sit and check email and catch up on the news online. After a few minutes, I got up and put on my black Kenneth Cole tailor fit trench coat. It was the first coat I had bought with my own money a few winters ago, so I have some sentimental attachment to it. I left my apartment and walked downstairs to my ’09 Camry. I got inside, started the car and thought to myself, “I can’t believe I’m grown-up enough to be able to purchase a brand new car.” I turned on NPR and began driving to the train station. About 15 minutes later, I was sitting on the train listening to Bollywood songs on my iPod watching the sunrise out of the window as the train drove me to work.

I got off the train and it’s a bright, sunny and slightly chilly morning. I walked about a block and half to my building passing the Majestic Theater and giant posters about the All-Star game coming up. I continue walking feeling wonderful and slightly important that I work in a high-rise in downtown Dallas. I walked into my building and went downstairs to the Starbucks where the barista knew my name and my drink: tall White Chocolate Mocha. I waited for my drink and took the elevators up to the 22nd floor of where I work. I walked inside and looked out the window where I can see the whole city from above.

I took a deep breath, sipped my coffee, smiled and thought about how blessed and lucky I felt at that moment. This is the life I wanted for so long. This is the feeling I wanted since I was 13: the feeling of independence, accomplishment and happiness. I’m finally there.

“Mommy wow! I’m a big kid now."