I had to get the hell out of Dodge!

To leave somewhere immediately, to evacuate or scram. "Get the hell out of Dodge" is a reference to Dodge City, Kansas, which was a favorite location for westerns in the early to mid 20th century. Most memorably, the phrase was made famous by the TV show "Gunsmoke," in which villians were often commanded to "get the hell out of Dodge." The phrase took on its current meaning in the 1960s and 70s when teenagers began to use it in its current form. And so I did.

I went to Atlanta to celebrate my birthday with Casey my love! He is a true miva and really took care of me. It was such a joy to spend my birthday with such beautiful people in a city not my own.

Turning 26 was a big deal for me, no longer a 'young buck' but honestly an adult. My birthday also was the one year anniversary of the Former giving back his wedding band to 'help me get it'. He was leaving... and well he did. It just took a long time for me to really understand that I was in a marriage alone. This past weekend was also the my first wedding of the year, not just any wedding but a dear friends. It was my first friend of mine to get married since my divorce and I had no idea how emotional that was going to be for me.

The culmination of these very intense things, and a few others became a little to much to handle, so I got the hell out of dodge and it was probably one of the best things I have ever done for myself.

So here is to another year of healing, growing up and to one more birthday!

To fall in to arms.

Open arms, waiting,

catching me like towels fresh out of the dryer,

Just when I needed it most

I jump of the deep end and into warm friends.

To be treasured and celebrated,

to giggle and not to think,

to let your cous cous hang out

and sing with the masses.

It was a bubbly birthday indeed.