24 Things I've Learned This Year.

Soooo, today is my birthday. The big 24. Not really a huge deal, but one step closer to be 1/4 of 100. Pretty crazy, huh? Well, anyways. Last year, I did one of these posts, summing up a few things I learned over the year. You can check out last year's by clicking here, if ya really want too. These are the things I learned THIS year.   1. People are 98% talk when it comes to making plans. "We will have to grab lunch sometime!" "Let's plan a trip!" People love to throw out these phrases but rarely follow up with them. I'm guilty of this as well, but I'm tired of getting my hopes up for trips and events that never occur. I'm going to try to be more aware of what I say. 
2. Subscription boxes will bleed your wallet dry. They are oh-so-fun, but usually not worth the price tag. At one point this year, I was subscribed to 3 different boxes and spending more than $65/month. I have since canceled all of them and while I do miss finding the boxes on my doorstep, I don't really miss what's inside. 
3. Heartbreak hurts. I've gone through some painful stuff over the past year and while it wasn't fun, I see now that it was necessary. I am not the same naive little girl I was this time last year.
4. For someone who hates procedural crime dramas, I have no problems with Criminal Minds. Perhaps it's Reid's adorable little face?! Or Hotchner's?

5. It's really fun to be brave and try new things. 

Me and Krystle at the Insane Inflatable 5k, something "old me" never would have done!

6. When your sister gets married, you gain a brother. (and if you are lucky, he's really awesome!)

7. Meeting people online isn't as scary as I first thought, if you are smart and careful.

8. Cooking is really fun!

9. Chris Traeger is lit'rally my soulmate. 

10. Sometimes you have to say "No" and you shouldn't feel guilty. I am such a people pleaser but I will gladly say that this year, I've had to stand up for myself. At first I felt guilty and mad at myself, but once I realized I did the right thing, I was proud. 

11. Banana peppers are the bomb diggity. And they can make almost any sandwich much more delicious. Try it with chicken salad. Mmmm.

12. The Ninja Kitchen System is awesome! I got this for my birthday (waay early, but I didn't mind, haha). So far I have used the processor for so many things and it has been fantastic so far! My favorite dish so far was the mashed sweet potatoes. The processor took all the lumps and created a really smooth finish. I have never cared for sweet potatoes but this is definitely a side dish I will make again and again. Also made regular mashed potatoes...almost cried because they were perfect.

13. I go through highs and lows in my relationship with reading. For the last couple of years I have set lofty reading goals and then knocked them out of the park! But this year I have been struggling. I have only read 11 books this year. I ready 53 last year. Whoops.

14. Natural light is KEY in photography. Natural light produces some killer results, people. I love it.

15. Lemon water is basically a cure for all that ails. Okay, that may be a bit much. But I have a new found love for lemon water. It has helped my skin by leaps and bounds AND I have found it to be a cure for headaches. It also is like a natural energy stimulant when you are feeling tired. I'm not gonna lie, it's not like some richly sweet lemonade, so don't go into it comparing it to that. But it definitely dresses up a plain glass of water!

16. Because other people don't want you to be alone is the WORST reason for you to fear being alone. 

17. The ability to speak is a God given gift and we shouldn't waste it with idle gossip or tearing others down. It should be used as an encouragement to others.

18. The first 5 seasons of the Office (U.S.) are incredible. I can't believe I was so late at discovering this show, but I gotta tell you, I love it. I can always count on Michael Scott to cheer me up if I am sad.

 

19. Toby will literally chew through ANY cord. I've gone through 2 sets of speakers and 3 sets of headphones. The little creep is going to electrocute himself eventually.

20. Going for a walk without music can be therapeutic. I have literally gone 23 years without once going for a walk by myself with no music. I did it for the first time this year and found it to be so calming. I spent it talking to God and really assessing things. It also caused me to speak to more strangers.

21. Doing things alone is kinda fun. Hey, you don't have to worry about embarrassing anybody else.
22. Things don't make you happy. They just cause clutter. Possibly one of the most important things I've learned this year. I wish I had figured this out before I was in credit card debt, but it's where I am currently. (I will say that photographic equipment does not fit this. It does make me happy. And one day I might make a dollar from it, so ...)
23. Pale skin is beautiful. I am tired of feeling like I need to be tan in order to be beautiful. Such a ridiculous theory. I'm proud of the skin color I was given and I'm even wearing shorts this summer. That's a big step!
24. Instrumental music makes me sooo happy. Like this one: 

23 Things I've Learned This Year.

Today is my 23rd birthday. While it's not an epic milestone such as 25, it's still something, right? In honor of my birthday, I thought I'd write 23 things I've learned during this year of my life.  1. Being single can be a good thing. I have faced the fact that being alone is not always a horrible thing. I've been able to do several things this year, things I likely wouldn't have done had I been dating someone. 2. Conscious box is a waste of money. Seriously. 3. I'm ridiculously scared of large statues.

I'm a whovian, but this fear isn't from the weeping angels. I'm just terrified of large scale statues. I think this started when I saw Athena in Nashville earlier this year. 4. I don't have to eat meat at every meal. I went 6 months vegetarian earlier this year and it just wasn't a huge deal! 5. I am more outgoing than I thought.  6. I am crazy obsessed with Disney World. 

Since visiting in March, I've been dying to go back. It's such an amazing place!  7. Don't run on an empty stomach in the heat. You might almost pass out. 8. Don't run on an overfull stomach in the heat. You might throw up. 9. Axl Heck's hair is as beautiful in person as it is on tv. 

We saw them filming at Disney. Also, I learned that I'm apparently a stalker.

10. I love cheesecake. Didn't really realize just how much until this year.

11. Roller coasters are actually fun, not just terrifying. Especially the Rockin' Roller Coaster. 

12. Everyone can be insensitive at times. Don't take everyone so seriously.

13. I have a creepy crush on Peter Capaldi and am really looking forward to August 23rd for the return of the doctor. 

14. I'm obsessed with coffee mugs. 15. Peanut butter, almond milk, banana, and honey make a delicious smoothie that is similar to a milkshake. 16. In the summer, fruit is amazing. 17. There are too many guys you know on OkCupid. 18. Photography can be complicated but also really fun. 19. Amaretto coffee creamer is AMAZING. 20. Vegetables and fruit taste 50x better when you grow them yourself. 21. Adventure Time is really silly but addictive. 22. I buy too many books. 

This is from stocking up while on vacation. They were all used, so at least I saved SOME money. 

23. Don't let someone else's bad attitude ruin your day.

23rd Birthday Trip (Picture heavy.)

(I'm just going to ignore the fact I haven't written since April and jump right into this post.)
        Three years ago my sister and I started a new tradition:  we travel for our birthdays. For the third year in a row, I've chosen the beach for my birthday. I posted about those trips to: 21st birthday / 22nd birthday. My birthday isn't actually until tomorrow, but it was more convenient to go for the weekend. Sarah, Jennifer, and I loaded up the car and headed to Pensacola, Florida. The weather wasn't perfect, but we did get to spend some time on the beach. The times filled with torrential downpours were spent in some used bookstores, which are apparently my new weakness. Anyway, here are some pictures from a fantastic weekend!