my life is sweet like vanilla

It’s alright. I certainly miss my family, but I can keep in touch online. I’ve been thinking about how I’d like to see them soon though.

I'm guessing you'd take Ryder and Elliott with you so that your family would have a chance to meet them? I'm sure they've heard all about them already.

Boop. I kiss your nose. 

Really? I don’t see why it’s any different than any other birthday. So I turn another year older, we all do. It’s part of life. 

Your thirties are when you're supposed to be, you know, settling down and having kids and stuff. Your twenties are for figuring out how to be an adult and then, by the time you're thirty, you're supposed to know.

A year? ish? I think Christmas before last I was up there, but Bradley had something at work; he couldn’t make it back.

Wow, that seems like a really long time. Is it hard not being able to visit home very often?

Well, I’m still twenty-six for a couple more months; but for now, thirties doesn’t seem all that bad. That’s life, you get a bit older, but I don’t see why that has to change anything.

I think you are honestly the first twenty year old I've ever met who isn't afraid of turning thirty.

The best way, Penny. 

Oh, okay! Well, thank you Ryder!

We lived in a suburb outside of Chicago and it was really only half an hour drive to get to the city so it wasn't that far. Did you like it there?

Oh, that sounds fun! Did I know you were from the Midwest, too? I’m from northwest Indiana myself, and all my family’s still there, so I understand the feeling … I haven’t really seen ‘em since Christmas. 

I don't think so because I don't remember knowing that you were from Indiana. My parents came to San Francisco for Christmas so I can't even remember the last time I was up in Illinois. 

That’s so cool, man, I hope you have an awesome time! 

Thanks Sam! I hope I have an awesome time too!

Yes, that’s the one! Oh, Bates Motel? Yeah, it’s pretty good, actually. But it doesn’t hold a candle to the original story from Hitchcock’s film. I agree though; I recommend watching it first.

I'll see if I can convince my dad to sit down and watch Psycho with me. I know he used to love the Halloween movies when he was a kid so he'll probably enjoy this one too.

Two years is a lot when you’re fifteen!

I guess that's true! Two years doesn't seem as big when you're in your twenties, unless you're 28 and in two years you're going to reach the dreaded thirties.

Oh, no. I think if the opportunity to head to England for a week popped up, I’d take it just as quickly.

When was the last time that you were back there to see everyone?

You’re so cute, Penny. 

Thank you?