Turning 27

I have been 27 years old for 2 days now. It's a little odd when you try to ponder about how many years you've been alive. It's made me think a lot about what I've done in those 27 years and what I plan to do in the next 27 years. I've also tried to think about all the great things that have happened in the past year. So... I am going to list 27 things I am grateful for or excited for or have been thinking about...

1. I love photography. It brings so much joy into my life. I love capturing moments that no one wants to forget. I love watching a sun set through the lens of my camera. I love animals. I love children. I love capturing the genuine excitement and love on someone's wedding day. I can't get enough.

2. I am grateful for my nieces and nephews. I am grateful for how loved they can make me feel. I am grateful that every time I see them, my worries drift away. I am grateful for their honesty and their smiles.

3. I am grateful for lessons I've learned this year. One lesson in particular, When you go on vacation, you are there to have fun - so chill. I know things can go wrong sometimes, but when you are somewhere to have fun - laugh it off and keep on going. Don't wind yourself too tight.

4. I am grateful for laughter. I cannot explain how much laughter can make someone's day. If you can put a smile on your face and laugh and joke - I strongly believe your life will be much brighter.

5. I am grateful for good friends. This past year I've realized how awesome my friends can be. There is one in particular that I could call and tell her ANYTHING and I mean, ANYTHING and she'd still love me. I have one friend in particular who gives the best advice. She always knows what to say. And I have another set of friends in particular who would help with anything and always push me along to do things they know I really want to do. :)

6. I am grateful for my parents. I get frustrated sometimes, but when it really comes down to it -- my folks are being darn amazing. I've had scares with both my parents where they were injured or had a very serious issue and I was able to realize how important they truly are to me. My mom and dad give me so much. Not only do I live with them and they feed me, but I learn so much from them. I learn to give 100%. I learn to always help out your friends. I've learned to love your family no matter what, when, where and why. I've learned to take life as it comes.

7. I adore my job. Yes, there are some days I do not want to go, but I really love what I do. I love the design element. I love the customer service element. I love the photography element.

8. I adore my boss. He is one of the best people I know. He is so intelligent. He is sincere. He is hard-working. I consider him a friend.

9. I love the girls I work with - all of them - from every office. That is one thing that makes my job so lovable. The girls are sweet. They make me laugh and they care.

10. I love Clayton Productions. I've been a teacher there for 4 years, but this past year I was also able to be the Assistant Dance Company director. I learned so much. I got to know a lot of the girls and the teachers. I have gained so much this past year. LOVE YOU ALL!

11. I love Christmas. Every year I love it more and more. I love the togetherness it brings. I love the lights. I love the snow. I love the music.

12. Guns. I know how weird you think I am right now. But I am so grateful for my right to bear arms. I love the knowledge I have about shooting. I love going out and shooting targets (like men made out of balloons). I really enjoy the sport.

13. The Outdoors. I feel like that is enough said. Amazing. Beautiful. Inspiring.

14. My Dog. Duece is such a wonderful creature. I cannot explain how many days I come home tired and irritable and his little face turns it all around.

15. Dancing/Performing. It is freeing.

16. Choreography. I love putting dances together and teaching people.

17. I am so grateful that Brian was accepted to pharmacy school this year. He worked so hard and is so deserving.

18. My husband. I'm not sure I can come up with the words to tell you how grateful I am for Brian. I know he loves me and wants the best for me. I know he wants me with him through every part of his life. He can make me feel like I am living in paradise. He truly is my match.

19. Poetry. I love poetry. I love reading it. I love writing it. I love listening to it. I love sharing it.

20. Art - In all forms.

21. The Sun

22. Swimming. I really like the water. I like swimming pools. I like lakes.

23. Rain. Especially lately. I love the thunderstorms. I adore thunderstorms.

24. My garden. Brian and I and my parents planted our first garden together this year. We planted tomatoes (a couple different kinds), cucumbers, zucchini, squash, potatoes, carrots and corn. They are started to come up and I am very excited about that. I LOVE fresh vegetables.

25. My In-Laws. Amazing people. Brian's parents taught us a lot about our garden. Sheila is going to teach me to can this year. Talented and great people.

26. Lazy days. Naps. Cuddling with Brian. Watching our Shows. Listening to Music.

27. Trials. It seems interesting to choose to be grateful for your trials, but you learn a lot about your self when you go through certain things. I hope to continue learning who I am and trying to make myself better.

Thank you! Thank you to all of you who love and support me. Thank you to those who make me laugh. Thank you to those who help me through my day to day struggles and make me feel loved and needed. Thank you for being a part of my life. All of you who read my blog and all of the blogs I read are a part of who I am, the thoughts that run through my head and examples of who I am striving to become. I love my life. I really do. And I hope I am living it as well as I should be.. .. ..