Ladies and germs, the day has finally arrived.

Today marks the thirty-one-day celebration of my existence. Technically the official day is the seventeenth, but for the last ten years I haven't let that stop the party.

Ten years ago...

I turned fifteen and had the big "festa de debutantes", which is the Brazilian equivalent of a sweet sixteen. We call it a debu for short. Since that time, my family has celebrated each others’ birthdays for days, for weeks, and eventually for the whole month.

First Adventure...

Want to take a wild guess as to what I look forward doing every year?

I do it every two months and will be eligible to do it again on the week of the actual day of my birthday.

Here are a few clues to help you.

I was awarded a pin for it
Most people afraid of needles avoid it
It saves lives
They classify me as O-
They typically give away t-shirts
I am a couple of donations away from a “two gallon” pin
Think Big Red Bus!

Did you get it?!

Blood Drive. You got it!

I have been donating my blood and anyone else I can convince to come with me since 2006. I was inspired by them in high school. Our small school of 2,000 students or so had the highest percentage of donors.

Cannot forget my dear friend @undeRGRound

He very generously purchased my shirt for my birthday. Please go show his page some love!!! You can read more about my shirt by clicking HERE.

Thank you Hive account@miraimage & Hive account@dbzfan4awhile

Much to my surprise, they sent me surprise gift! I LOVE my Jubby-wubby-kubby-kub cup/jar. It has pink and my name on it! I use it every day while thinking about my beautiful friends and their generosity.

Birthday suit on the loose!

Dinner with my girlfriend and her beautiful baby to start the celebration right! The first of the month is usually started with the end of my mama's birthday. Mommy purchased my dressed. So, to celebrate the last day of her September Birthmonth and begin mine, I wore her gift!

Thank you, Mama!

I will be twenty-six years old.

Twenty-five was so beautiful and fun. I can only imagine the fun this next year will be. I do hope you will join my mad house celebration. I am sure you will smile with me.

Truth be told, I struggle the most with negativity and depression during the month of October. I use my birthday as a distraction to survive it by choosing to be grateful each day. I believe my twenties are the best years of my life.

To be young. To be beautiful. To be healthy. To be fully employed. To be loved.

These are the true gifts of life.

Every year, there is so much pain, loss, and frustration. However, every day that we are gifted with life should be celebrated. We have made it another year, my friends. Let’s light a candle and warm up our vocal cords! It's time for the birthday song!