Signs of adulthood

1. Asking your mom to turn your room at home into a guest room.
2. Subscribing to a daily newspaper (paper copy, no less).
3. Requesting socks for Christmas--and actually wanting them.

In case you are wondering, all of those points passed through my mind today. I guess I am growing up. And I love it.

Check one thing off the list!

From L to R: Emily, Josh, Joel and me

This busy, busy weekend I got together with two people from my small group (Emily and Joel) and one of their friends (Josh) to ring bells for the Salvation Army at the Norman Walmart on I-35. As you can see from the picture, we also provided musical entertainment.

We had some great trombone solos, plus our group rendition of "Feliz Navidad" was a musical masterpiece. People would actually stop in the parking lot to listen to us. It was pretty cool to spread a little Christmas joy this weekend.

My Christmas bucket list

Sometimes the holiday season seems to rush by me, so this year I am trying to focus on things that will make it feel special and meaningful. I really don't care about getting gifts that much, but I do love buying thoughtful gifts for people and even more so, spending a lot of festive time with friends and family. So this year I am making a "bucket list" of things that are important for me to do this Christmas.

1. Buy local for Christmas. Did you know that if you shop local 70 percent of your dollars stay in the town where you shopped? With corporations, the number drops to around 40 percent. (statistic here) So this year I want to make sure my dollars are invested the wonderful community that I call home. 
2. Go to a Christmas Eve service. Last year it was at the Catholic church in Idabel, and I loved it. A new Christmas tradition for me.
3. Go ice skating.
4. Read A Christmas Carol. 
5. Make a Gingerbread house.
6. Volunteer as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army.
7. Pay for a stranger's meal without being noticed.
8. Watch all my favorite Christmas movies without multitasking or being online. Because I don't really get to enjoy it if I am distracted. 
9. Bake cookies and candy for presents.
10. Go caroling.
11. Hang mistletoe somewhere.
12. Choose one book to read every year at Christmas. It doesn't have to be Christmas themed, just something I will want to read every year. 

thankful, thankful, thankful

I can't believe that it is already Thanksgiving. In the spirit of the season, I've decided to list a few things that I am thankful for this year.

1. Jesus. Not to get all religious on you, but He's the reason for all of this list. He's not just in my life, He is my life.
2. My family, of course. I love my parents so much, and can't imagine what live would be like without them. So thankful!
3. My friends. How could I have better friends? I know I could count on them for anything. 
4. Coffee. It gets me through the day.
5. My new job. I love what I do and who I work with. It's teaching me that it is possible to love going to work every day.
6. The fact that Starbucks is open on Thanksgiving (see number three).
7. Living in Norman. I love the spirit of this place. Boomer Sooner!
8. My puppies Crosby and Hope.
9. Writing. It makes me so happy to do what I love, even if it's in the form of press releases. :)

Happy Thanksgiving! Hope you have a lovely day filled with the people you love and of course, turkey. 

The answer is in the journey

In an effort to mend by divorce from reading fiction over the past few years, I recently picked up a copy of The Chronicles of Narnia and started reading this childhood classic. Somehow, I missed out on reading these when I was a kid. I guess I was too into Nancy Drew and solving mysteries, so C.S. Lewis and his vivid characters are very fresh for me. And even though these tales are aimed at children, the truths found in the tale are so powerful for where I am in life, in a season where nothing seems to make sense. Here is one concept that really jumped out to me from the first book.

In The Magician's Nephew, the main character Diggory asks Aslan to heal his mother, who was terminally ill. Instead of doing so, Aslan sends Diggory on a journey to retrieve fruit from the tree of life. Diggory obeys, of course, but does so thinking that his request to Aslan was just going to be ignored. He thinks that Aslan said, "no" to the most important and pressing question on his mind.

But he obeys anyway.

He obeys even though he anticipates that the most important person in his life would be lost--due, in part, to his obedience to Aslan.

While he is on the journey, Jadis (a.k.a. the White Witch) pounces on his doubts and reveals that the fruit he retrieved could, in fact, heal his mother. But (after some internal debate) Diggory still takes the fruit back to Aslan, and he is able to plant the tree that protects Narnia from Jadis for many years.

Now here is where the story gets interesting. The tree immediately takes root, sprouts and produces fruit. And Aslan tells Diggory that he can take some of the fruit to his mother to save her.

I think C.S. Lewis is making a powerful observation about how God answers prayers and how He works in lives. When I ask for something, God is far more likely to give us a mission to complete. Maybe it's large, or maybe it's small, but it is all for the Kingdom. It is out of that mission that I find the answer or the solution or the wisdom that I wanted all along.

The answers I need are rarely handed to me on a silver platter, and they wouldn't do any good even if they were. It's through the experiences of life that I learn the most, and in turn, can share my story with others. The answer is in the journey. And I am okay with that.

Unexpected

If I had to choose one word to describe 2011 so far, one overarching theme that has weaved its way through all of my circumstances, it would be "unexpected".  I don't mean it in a negative OR a positive way. Just a neutral description of the many crazy turns that my life took in the past 10 months. Professionally, relationally, even spiritually, I have encountered surprising circumstances that I could have never predicted.

Unfortunately, dealing with the unexpected is one of my least favorite aspects of life. Maybe that is true of everyone, but I can only speak from my personal experience. I like to know what I am up against. Being able to think about the future with a plan is comforting, but when those plans don't exist, or I am in uncharted territory, I have the tendency to clam up and hide from reality. Healthy, right?

That must be the reason that this year has consisted of unexpected twists and turns. Or maybe it is the natural progression of moving into an "adult" world after college. Either way, the amount of personal growth I have experienced in 2011 is at least equivalent to the maturity I gained my first year in college. Life is full of unexpected moments, and now that I am in a world where there is no concrete next step (i.e., graduate from high school, then college, and then get a job), I think learning to roll with the punches is the best kind of education I could receive. I'm thankful for that.

Song obsessions

Helplessness Blues by Fleet Foxes

The combination of the harmonies and the instruments gives this song such an earthy, bluegrass feel. I love it. Fleet Foxes is my favorite band, especially in the fall. They make me want to go on long walks down a country road, or something.

The Call by Regina Spektor

I've been reading Chronicles of Narnia lately and this song always reminds me of the second movie. 

Stay Young, Go Dancing by Death Cab for Cutie

This song is already sweet, with a great sound and wonderful lyrics. But the video adds even more charm. People who have been in love their whole life + frolicking in fields + outdoor dinner parties + cute children = perfection. 

We Are Young by Fun. feat. Janelle Monae

My friend Deborah shared this song with me as she was passing through Oklahoma City last week. It's just really catchy. 

Christmas Lights by Coldplay

I am a bit ashamed to admit this last one, because it is still October. But this is the only Christmas song I'll allow myself to listen to, I promise! And I figure it doesn't really count because the message is all sad and melancholy at first. It's more about the promise of Christmas than Christmas itself. So I am good, right? RIGHT??

fictitious couples that have ruined me for romance

1. Cinderella and her Prince Charming

Love at first sight, dancing in the moonlight and a happily ever after. Cinderella is and always will be my favorite fairy tale.

2. Nancy Drew and Ned Nickerson

I've read all the original ND books and when I was little I used to think Ned was the perfect boyfriend. 

3. Mia Thermopolis and Michael Moscovitz 

I obsessively read The Princess Diaries when I was a freshman in high school. Love the foot-popping kiss!

4. Pam Beesly and Jim Halpert

PB&J! Everything about their love story makes me smile. Their story reminds me how important timing is.

5. Robin Scherbatsky and Barney Stinson

Granted, HIMYM is a new obsession, but I love the entire show. Robin and Barney = MFEO. For real.

Sigh.

Just made this!

Source: None via Kaylee on Pinterest

I followed the recipe, except I added about a cup of freshly brewed cinnamon hazelnut coffee to the boiling milk mixture. Beat that, Starbucks!

Side note: I also discovered that I don't have a sauce pan, which means I had to make it in a huge stock pot. Worth it.

home sweet home

It's October. 2011 has gone by so fast for me, and it's hard to believe that we have less than 100 days until 2012. It's also hard to believe how much has changed since this time last year. It was October 2010 when I decided I wanted to move to Norman. I really had no good reason for it. No job, not a lot of friends. It seemed foolish, even to me, but I just needed a change of scenery.

Ten months later, and I don't regret it at all. In fact, at this point it's the best decision I've ever made. I loved OC, but I never felt a big connection with Edmond. And outside of my friends, who are all going their own directions post-college, I never had a community. But even on my loneliest day in Norman, I am happier here than I have been in any other place. I don't really understand why, but my heart feels settled here.

I'm so thankful. I'm honored to invest in this town, and to slowly, slowly build a community of people. And I am glad that I can wholeheartedly call this home.

weekend update

I've had a crazy week, I'm half-way an emotional wreck, but that definitely doesn't mean I slowed down this weekend.

No, no--instead I tailgated and went to the state fair (for the third time) on Saturday. Tiring, but worth it.

My cousin came to explore OU. Obviously we had to visit the hottest man on campus--Sam Bradford.

This is what happens any time we try to take a picture together. 

But drinking root beer is a state fair tradition.

So pretty!

I love my friends :)

Sorority pic, plus Shawn.

Again, the laughing. It keeps us young. 

More root beer. We are obsessed :)

This poem is on my mind tonight for no particular reason, other than I just love it. Happy Friday!

Source: google.com via Kaylee on Pinterest

life lessons

My roomie Abigail and I were talking earlier about how the older we get, the less we feel like we know. (Try to overlook the wordiness of that sentence... moving on.) I always thought that at this point in my life, I would have a bit more "figured out". Like what I want to do with my life. My career. Where I want to settle. You get the picture.

Alas, that isn't true. The future is one giant, blank canvas, which is at once exhilarating and incredibly intimidating. However, I was working on my freshman year scrapbook (so what if I procrastinate?) and I realized that that hindsight has taught me at least one thing: to trust my instincts.

Like everyone, I've screwed up in life. I've hurt people and embarrassed myself countless times. Looking back on those moments, I realize now that my instincts almost always warned me about the outcome. Most of the time I was too much in la-la land to listen closely, or maybe I doubted myself or the validity of my feelings. The reason I didn't listen isn't important now. What is important is to listen to that sentinel that keeps me on track and trust the small voice. It's never let me down.

Adios, August

I'm ready to leave this month behind (and its hellish temperatures) and get a fresh start in September. Let's go! On to football, fairs and hot cocoa. And sweaters! And boots, and good books and actually being outdoors again without suffering from heat exhaustion.

I can only see positives in my future.

P.S. 3 days until college football. Boomer Sooner!

guess who is coming to the state fair?

It's no secret that I love the state fair. In fact, I once wrote an entire post about how the state fair is like Christmas, and I stand by my theory. Over the past five years*, I have seen Hanson, Boyz II Men and MC Hammer perform with all most of Oklahoma's crazies in attendance. and I enjoyed EVERY LAST SECOND OF IT.

*Side note: Does anyone remember who performed in 2006 and 2007? I was in Europe in 2007, but I know I went my freshman year because I have pictures of me on a tractor to prove it. I just don't have any memory of the concert.

And this year, the Village People will be singing their hearts out from the Chesapeake Energy Stage. Just take a moment to imagine the fantastic music and excellent people watching that will take place during this time.

Well done, 2011 Oklahoma State Fair. You've outdone yourself.

So long, summer

I can't believe summer is almost over! This summer was so unexpectedly great, but unfortunately I did a poor job of documenting it. However, Laura's birthday was last weekend, and I actually got some pictures of that! Yay me!

It was a great birthday party and a great way to start a new school year. For the first time in my life, I am not going back to school in the fall. I certainly appreciate the lack of homework, but I do miss class. I also miss sleeping in and taking naps in the middle of the day. In fact, I think all U.S. businesses should implement mandatory naptime. Everyone would be so much happier and more productive! 

In other news, Laura is moving closer to her new teaching job with one of our best friends. She is moving to a great house in Oklahoma City, and Abigail is moving in with me. I'm going to miss Laura, but it will be nice to live with Abigail again, too. I am probably going to majorly distract her from her law studies, though. I am already planning a High School Musical marathon! 

Everyone should read this

This is the kind of thing I would normally share via Facebook or Twitter, but I am on a little social media fast (I do social media for my job, so avoiding my own personal page is a definite challenge). 

As a communications nerd, I am always fascinated by the way media and advertising shape culture. This recent article in the Huffington Post discusses how media objectifies women and girls, and why it is important. Very interesting! 

HUZZAH!

I AM WRITING THIS WITH SUPER FAST INTERNET IN MY HOUSE!

Needless to say, I am super excited. It's nice in the 21st Century.

I have a problem...

For some reason, I can't always finish what I start if I am very attached to it. Case in point: One of my favorite shows of all time is Gilmore Girls. I own every season. Yet for the past 4 years, I have been unable to watch the last two episodes. Thinking about it fills me with a sense of dread, and being the stubborn Taurus that I am, I just can't force myself to watch it.

For the longest time, I have been the same way about the Harry Potter series. I started reading the books when I was a junior in college, but I made it to the last book and I just couldn't continue. So the book just languished on my bookshelf, untouched since the fall of 2009.

But, thanks to a little bit of encouragement, I finally finished the Harry Potter series this weekend. It turns out, finishing wasn't quite that bad. Even though I hate to see things end, I realized that by not reading it, it was still over. Duh. So to celebrate I watched the final movie at the Warren, which was all kinds of fabulousness. Talk about a movie going experience.

Still, I'm not ready to watch the end of Gilmore Girls. But I'm working on it.

The day I rode the bus

It shouldn't have been a big deal, really. But for some reason, I worked up every ounce of courage and gumption before I could board the Sooner Express for OKC. Even though I have depended on public transport in The District and in Europe, using the bus here in OKC seemed a little more intimidating. For one, the busses aren't as frequent. So if you miss it, you are out of luck. I was also afraid of walking to the transport hub in the afternoons, but I psyched myself up for it. And yesterday, I rode the bus.

And you know what? It was wonderful. The people were friendly. The passengers knew each other's names and there was a sense of real community. And I didn't have to drive. And I met new people. And I didn't have to drive. Oh, and I am contributing less to air pollution. And did I mention I didn't have to drive?

Needless to say, I loved it. I may be riding the bus to OKC every day.

Check it off my bucket list

Guess who is going to the London 2012 Olympics? Yeah. That would be me. Me and my high-school-age cousin, whom I will escort for her first European trip. Let the planning begin.

Love, twue love

Goodness, I love weddings. Especially when one of my besties is marrying the girl of his dreams! And especially when the wedding weekend involves lots of play time and dancing. Those are the kind of weekends I could live with forever.

It was a long weekend, so I will take you through a quick run down.

We decorated.

We rehearsed.

We told stories.

We sang.

We acted goofy.

We got pretty.

We took pictures.

We teared up, watching the most precious ceremony ever.

And we danced the night away.

I was honored to be a part of such a meaningful and sincere ceremony. There is no doubt in my mind of how much Tim and Cara truly love each other, and in a world where real love isn't as visible, that is a special and precious gift. I can't wait to see where God takes them on this journey!

What I love about Oklahoma

As almost all my friends know, I have an extreme love and loyalty to Oklahoma. Some people call it a fly-over state, but I see it as an up-and-coming area that has the perfect combination of hospitality, charm and determination.

That being said, I found one more reason to love Oklahoma this past week.

Find photo at the official facebook page

Did you know that Mike Morgan, Chief Meteorologist of Channel 4, has a severe weather tie that is BEDAZZLED? Amid the fear of the recent tornado outbreak here in the heartland, this was the only bright spot in an afternoon of destruction.

I'm not usually a Morgan-watcher (mostly because he reminds me of Uncle Albert on Bewitched). During the snowpocalypse I had a crush on Rick Mitchell of channel 5, but Mike Morgan is far more entertaining when the weather is more serious. There was a lot of yelling, especially when David Payne was trying to get his attention. Thanks to the tie and their crazy antics, the News 4 crew made a life-threatening situation a little more bearable.

So here's to you, Mike! I hope I don't have to see your tie for a while, but I will be watching you next time the occasion calls for it.

Cruisin' for a bruisin'

I just spent the past five days celebrating my birthday--well, and life, in general--on the Carnival Ecstasy and in Progresso and Cozumel. Honestly, cruising was a wonderful . And sometime between reading, imbibing (not too much, don't worry), dancing and flirting (a lot), I did find time to really think about my life. It wasn't planned, it just sort of happened. Which is ironic, because I've discovered my theme for my 23rd year: to live in the moment. But more on that in a minute.

I had what I am going to call my "profound thoughts". They may not actually be that profound, but I felt like they were extremely applicable to my life right now. And since you are SO interested, I am going to list them here.

1. From here on out, I am going to treat every birthday as a celebration. For some reason, after 21 birthdays feel like something to dread instead of something to celebrate. It's like, "Oh no, I'm 25 and I don't have a super established job or a husband yet. I'm behind." But it doesn't have to be that way, and I am determined that I am going to celebrate each passing birthday as a way to honor the past and a method of hoping for good things in the future. I am proud of where I am today--content, even--and I want to feel the same way when I am 35, or 48, or beyond. 
2. Speaking of measuring the passing time, I am tired of the seasons of my life being defined by the guy I like at the time. There is more to my life than that, obviously, but when I think back on my past, the emotions associated with guys are what float to the top. I don't really know how to change this about myself, but maybe it is time to start. Boys are great, but I think my life should be about more than that. At least for now.
3. Which brings me to my final point. The day before my birthday I decided I wanted to use the cruise to help me figure out the focus for my next year. As I was sitting on the deck one, day it came to me, as clear and certain as if someone actually said it. This year, my theme will be living in the moment. Not only does this mean that I will actively focus on worrying less, I will also build up contentment in my life. No more wishing for the future while ignoring the present. I know that I am the weirdo, type-A planner by nature, so a little more spontaneity in my life is needed for me to realize that I am NOT in control. And you know what? The world will go on turning when I don't have my fingers tightly grasping it.

birthday week

I know it isn't my birthday yet, but I can't help but feel like it has started early. When I went home this weekend, look what I found waiting for me!

I feel like a spoiled brat posting this, but my dad got me a pony horse for my birthday, and I couldn't be more excited. He got me a solid black filly, because about 7 years ago I mentioned that I would like to have one. He has a great memory! 

I'm also going to see Fleet Foxes in Dallas on Wednesday, we are wrapping up the Loveworks tutoring initiative for the school year this week, and then I am leaving on Saturday for a cruise to Mexico. 

Obviously, I am excited about this week! I love going on adventures, and having a vacation will be such a nice break. And then, a summer of working and finishing up some lingering projects around the house. I need to work on finishing my scrapbooks, making a T-shirt quilt (I have about 40 shirts that I never wear but don't want to donate), and reading a ton of books that I haven't finished. I think I'll miss the lazy days of summer but it might be fun to work, too. I'll choose to stay positive about it for now :)

What does this dream say about me?

Two nights ago I, predictably, dreamt of the Royal Wedding. Princes William and Harry were there, but in my dream, there was a third brother. Can you guess who it was?

Ron Weasley. Yes, that's right. I dreamt that Ron Weasley, Harry Potter's BFF, was actually Prince Ron, Prince Harry's younger brother. Hey, they both have red hair.

This isn't the first time that I have confused Harry Potter world with real world. In fact, I once confused a legendary OC professor's life story with that of Albus Dumbledore.

You can draw your own conclusions about the state of my subconscious.

Happy Sunday!

From the tombs of Westminster Abby, c.a. 1100 A.D.

When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights and decided to change only my country.

 But it, too, seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.

And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed my self first, then by example I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I would them have been able to better my country, and who knows, I may have even changed my world.

 

'Twas the night before the royal wedding....

Sometimes I wish that America had some form of monarchy. Yes, I know this is illogical. I am definitely not basing this off of any political reasoning, by the way. I am just fascinated by the royal family. Tomorrow is the wedding of Prince William and Kate, and I cannot wait to watch it!

Obviously, I am excited. I am making scones as we speak. I bought jam. We have varieties of tea to drink. And I am waking up at 2:30 just to start watching it all. In the meantime, I am even having my own movie marathon of royal related stories such as Cinderella, the Princess Diaries, and What A Girl Wants.

Call me crazy, but this is a once in a life time event. It's gonna be great!

The past two weeks...

...can be summed up with one word: neglect.

Granted, I haven't neglected my job, tutoring, or working out. But everything else has gone out the window.

My neglect was spawned by a huge blessing. I am now working full time! My job has expanded and brought new challenges and new learning opportunities. For example, I am now writing television scripts. Needless to say, my educational experience didn't really focus on that. But I love the variety and my six supervisors. I am always on my toes and I always have something to do!

But back to the neglect. I am sure you are all going to roll your eyes on this one, but working 40 hours a week is a bit draining. I am still adjusting, but it is more tiring than I thought it would be. So I haven't blogged, gone grocery shopping, washed my laundry, and so on. Major league neglect.

I am getting my sea legs, so to speak, and am trying to manage my time more effectively this weekend and forward. So look forward for more blogs, and soon!

Elizabeth Taylor, the last of Hollywood glamour

As my mom put it earlier, "She lived quite a life." And she will be missed by all (except for Debbie Reynolds). If you haven't seen any of her movies, watch Life With Father, Father of the Bride or A Date with Judy for some of her earlier works.

My non-spring break

Well, I just survived my first "spring break" post-college.  Meaning, spring break did not really exist for me. I know, it's a hard knock life.

Actually, I still managed to have a blast. The week kicked off with Will and Holly's wedding, which was wonderful. He is my first guy friend to get tie the knot and it was fun to have everyone in one place. 

Photo courtesy of Aaron. Thanks Aaron!

I think this picture is the only thing that makes me miss being in college. We all had so much fun over the past 4+ years! Every memory I have includes one of these lovely people. So thanks, y'all, for making it such a blast! 

Also, I was one of the cake cutters! They had an awesome Abby Road cake complete with bride and groom figures leading the Beatles. Will and Holly share a mutual love for the Beatles, so it fit their wedding perfectly!

And this one is from Karissa. Sorry I am such a photo stealer.

Miriam and I made an emergency food run after the wedding and went to a Non concert at War Paint Clothing in the Plaza District in OKC. It seemed like a wedding after-party because so many people ended up there. I always love Non concerts, too, because they give me the perfect opportunity to people-watch. (Trust me, indie kids can border on strange and unkempt. No judgement, just facts.) It was fun, but I was exhausted when it was over.

Kim stayed with Laura and me, so we spent Saturday being lazy. My mom and Abby got into town that afternoon and we went to Victoria's to celebrate my beautiful Mom's birthday! (Victoria's has wonderful pasta if you are ever in Norman.)

And if one wedding and one concert isn't enough for a weekend, I spent Saturday night at a Glenn Miller Orchestra concert with my mom. I am a huge 40s music fan and I felt like I had died and gone to heaven. We had third row seats, and I could see some of the sheet music they were using--some of it was probably from the original orchestra! So neat! 

The rest of the week went much more slowly. Tiffany, Megan and Abby all kicked it with us for the first half of the week. We cooked good food, played scrabble and Trivial Pursuit, and explored OU's campus. 

 For me having to work, it was a decent week of vacation! 

Remember when this happened?

Well, it is happening again. On my 23rd birthday. (wish you could come, Karissa!).

I can't wait! 

A walk down memory lane

First of all, Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!


I hope you are wearing your green instead of getting pinched all day. Because that is ANNOYING. Thankfully I remembered to don a bit of green. Actually, I set an alarm on my phone so I wouldn't forget. 


I'm feeling so productive today! I got my eyebrows waxed, my recent ticket dropped (the cop was just waiting for me to make a mistake, the stinker), things mailed and photos sorted--all before noon. Hastings is providing me with free Internet today, and I am working on uploading pictures so I can have actual prints in photo albums instead of digital prints on Facebook albums.


I love Facebook albums, but I really want to have at least some physical documentation of what the last 4.5 years of my life have looked like. So I got to Hastings, hauled out my external hard drive (which caused a WOW-playing computer nerd to hit on me, awesome), and sorted through every picture I have taken since college began in 2006. Which translates into thousands of pictures.

It was interesting to visit those places in my life, because each picture carried a specific memory. Some of those were funny, and some were painful. Some I wish had never happened. I know the pat answer to questions about regret always is, "well, I don't regret anything, because it brought me to where I am today."


And for the most part, that is a true statement for me. But I still can't help but wonder how my life would be different today if I had done things differently back then. But even if I had the power to change it, I am not sure I would. My life, the things I have experienced, and the people I know are priceless treasures in my eyes. And the most important things, like where I am with God and the wonderful friends in my life, are the aspects I wouldn't change at any cost. 

Looking back at those pictures also made me appreciate the candid moments in life a little bit more. Take the next photo, for example. If I remember correctly, Wil decided to sneak attack everyone by picking their nose while taking a photo. This was also the night that he hid wax fingers in every hiding place imaginable (including the ice maker).

I can't believe that I actually felt ugly or fat or stupid in any of these pictures. Even if I didn't look "picture perfect" in every shot, it captured a moment that was funny or silly. It was a real moment, and worth so much more to me now than any posed photo. So if this means I am moving into an era of life where I am more accepting of myself and more laid back, then I am all for it. I could use a bit more of that in my life.