View from my Sunglasses

I had a certain pair of sunglasses that I had becomed completely attached to. These blockers of the harmful rays were my perfect accessory. The kind of sunglasses a person wears helps define them. When you find a pair that works, you stick with them. Many people decide that they want to keep up appearances and go for that really expensive trendy pair with the thick white frames or the tricked out shades with bling covering every inch. Not this sassafrass. I am an aviator girl. No, I did not start wearing them when they became "cool", my first pair of aviators was a gem left behind and forgotten until I picked them up and slipped them on my face 4 years ago. They were perfect. Absolutely perfect.

Through my first pair of aviators I saw the best summer I have ever had. I saw my sophomore year of college and how truly important my friends and my sorority had become. My friends saw me behind my aviators; the outspoken, opinionated, strong, determined and loyal friend. They helped me define my world and they helped me define myself. Then, my aviators broke. I mean, I was already missing one side of the nose piece, but I wasn't quite prepared to lose them yet. I needed a new pair, and they had to be perfect. I found them, and I bought two pairs, just to be safe.

Through this new pair of aviators I saw the rest of my college years. Theme parties, formals, early morning classes I didn't want professors to see my eyes, roadtrips, spring breaks to Chicago and L.A. I was growing up and my aviators were right there seeing it all. I could not imagine a different way to see that magical and unforgettable 4 years of my life.

Recently, that pair of aviators passed away. It happened at a friend's wedding. I think it was a sign that I really was becoming an adult, life was changing and I needed a new pair of sunglasses to help me down my new path. I went out and bought a new pair the next week. Through them I have seen myself as an alum going back to my sorority. I have seen myself as a professional working a PGA golf tournament and then, I saw my friends pack and move away. Through this new pair of sunglasses I have seen my carefree college days turn into life as a young professional, and you know what? I can't wait to see more.

Did I mention that although I may be growing up, I still bought aviators. Some things you can always rely on.