Long Tall Me.

The other day, I received a package in the mail.

On the package, in big bold letters, it read: "I'M YOURS #LONGTALLME."

I don't often order online. Between the ridiculous shipping costs to Alaska and the unpredictability of proper fit for this tall frame, it is a rare occasion indeed.

But there's this one company, this one particular company, that I simply cannot resist. Their fit, their style, and their mission is all that I stand for (no pun intended).

Long Tall Sally has been a lifesaver. Not only are their clothes perfectly tailored for us taller folk, but they know how to communicate to a taller than average consumer.

I stand 6ft 2" and it is rare that I find clothes that hug my statuesque self. What's more important to me, however, is their message.

Empowering, uplifting, inspiring, and very humorous, I've recently become a fan of their blog, following the funny #tallgirlstruggles and connecting with their tall girl style tips.

Here I was, all the way up in Alaska, thinking I was the only one struggling with the "do you play basketball?" and "how tall are you?" questions. But Long Tall Sally has shown me that there's this whole community of women out there who all come together and celebrate their height.

But it's not just about being tall. It's about celebrating what makes you different, unique, and in this particular case, what makes you stand out. That's what I really take away from LTS.

We need more companies out there that promote uniqueness as something to be proud of. To help women with insecurities or hesitations feel good about those qualities that make them different.

So I thank you, LTS, for blessing me with another pair of perfectly fit pants, and for reminding me to love #longtallme.

Meow Chicka Meow Meow.

I am one year older and yet some things remain the same.

For instance, I still prefer to take bubble baths by candlelight. Whenever I come home, I bolt inside and search for my cat. I do spontaneous dancing whenever I mow the lawn, and I like to settle down in the afternoon for an extended "nap", which is more like a full on sleep.

Some things just never change!

But there are some things that do change, as well as new experiences I've had that've made me grow. Throughout the past year:

I filleted my first fish. I just applied for a credit card. I went out to a beer fest, socialized, and had an unexpectedly fantastic summer night. I made the grownup decision to stay home and help my mom open her new business. I'm officially done with school. I've gone on the most dates within the course of four months than I've had combined my whole life (thank you London). And I've gotten a bit more bold.

It's astonishing to see how communicative I've become, compared to myself a year ago. Granted, they've been baby steps, but I'm well on my way to becoming more expressive with others, something I've been trying to work on for quite some time.

It's exciting to think about my twenty-second year of living. What stories will I have to tell a year from now, what thrills and frustrations will I write in my journal? What new friendships will I make and where will I be, this time next year?

All in good time.

For now, I'll eat my purrrrfect birthday cake pops and enjoy the accomplishment of another year so joyously lived...