Well... Finally a new year. High school came and gone and I don't remember ever thinking that college would be knocking at my door in a couple weeks. It is pretty bittersweet that graduation is this Sunday and I don't have anything to wear...or would these pants and shirt do? Would anyone care?

My mom came into my room this morning and had a sparkle in her eye that had me confused. Usually this meant two things: I had forgotten to do a chore and she is going to discipline me or she has a surprise...

Happily, she pulled this box from behind her back and I lowered my defenses. As she hugs me, she says, "Congratulations baby. I am very proud of you and I know you will kick college in the butt! I also know you wanted a new notebook so your dad and I picked this one.. It practically shouted 'Ari' when we saw it on the shelf."

I took the box from her hands and as I unwrapped it, I saw the purple velvet cover, a quote and my name embroidered on the front, 'Do What Makes You Happy' 'Arichiku Celeste'. I whispered my thanks as I silently stroked the cover and admired the pages. She kissed my head and then headed to the kitchen, but I had not paid much attention.

I was too busy trying to figure out what was going to be written or drawn or painted or...
oh I don't know... the possibilities were endless!

It hit me now (3 hours later), maybe documenting my everyday experiences could be a great start!

Let's see.

Hmm. how about..

'Cheers to the start of a new beginning'.