So many blogs that I am following have done this. I don't know what I am waiting for doing mine.
So here it is...in photos of course! 31 Things at 31. (My age. Oh yes, seriously. My age. What's the big deal about people being afraid to tell their age? I just don't get it.)1. Smiling is the best medicine in life.
2. Art is a wonderful expression that human beings can share.
4. Oliver, our newest addition to our little "family" this year.
6. My family...we have been through some of the roughest times through the years... But thank God it is getting a little better with time. And, I'd like to kill my brother for not coming home in time to take a picture with us...we have not had a family picture in a LONG time! (Like, since before my youngest sister has been born...!!)
7. pics: our friends. We can't possibly have asked for better friends in this life.
8. Visiting with children is delightful. We are SO wishing for one of our own. And yes, despite the constant cleaning, the diaper changing and potty training, the scheduled feeding times, the shopping for clothes, the sleep deprivation. Yes. We're ready.
9. The only way to freeze time is through photography. You will never physically relive those days again, but you can at least see it through the lens.
10. Facebook. Honestly, I'd never thought I'd join, but then I quickly realized, after moving away from Chicago, it's the best tool for keeping up with your friends without using snail mail.
11. Art follows me everywhere; case in point...
12. My laptop is a Godsend. Because most of my work depends heavily on it.
13. If you must put something in your body, it better be good and healthy. Cooking rocks.
14. Old faithful suitcase in my favorite color: been with me for several years, and still going strong. Now if only those damn airlines would discontinue the luggage fees.
15. Always discovering new hobbies I can pass the time on. It's so much fun.
16. I HATE driving my husband's car. After the 20th time popping the clutch, I feel tempted to drive a car with no air conditioning in it.
17. Being a nerd is cool. Really. It's cool. With so many subjects out there in the world to learn, how can you not bring your inner nerd out?
18. My career is based on helping patients get better. And no, I am not a doctor. At one point though, after high school, I considered becoming a doctor. But then, I met several of them, and found that some think that they are God. I also found out it takes nearly a decade to train. Since I already loathe school, I could not put myself through that. So, the next best thing? A nursing assistant.
19. Sometimes, dumpster diving is a good thing. We found this lamp that someone got rid of. I mean, come on, why would you waste such a good lamp?
20. Never be too proud to say, "I'm cheap." Why? Because companies outsource their work out of the country, and they pay those people pennies; and so therefore, I buy cheap...Kohl's, Marshalls, TJ Maxx...
21. Drinking is not for me. After having a friend of ours in the hospital in an ICU after drinking, and an uncle who passed away last year because of drinking, I'll take virgin, thank you very much!
22. Love going to scrapbooking stores more than a clothing store. Is that wrong?
23. I finally cast my first vote for President of the United States when I turned 29. And guess what? He won.
24. I'm all for socialized society. Because in the end, we all have to take care of each other.
25. Got married after finally finding someone worth my salt. (I know, I know, I should have posted this before posting about my hubbie. But, what counts is this all happened before I turned 31)
26. Being married is hands down, not easy. But we learn to work out...despite a list of differences. Marriage is a sacred thing. Cherish who you are with...and of course, try not to go to bed angry.
27. Have as many dinners by candlelight as you possibly can.
28. Be grateful, always, for the things you have...because it could be worse.
29. I have learned that giving the gift of memories are priceless. Another reason why I love photography and the work that goes along with it.
30. Cartoons are funny. It's an art all it's own. (Credit: MSNBC Political Cartoons section...you will find all sorts of stuff there!) Some will also make you think.
31. Celebrating milestones, for me, is in the every day. Enjoy your life and live it to the fullest.
There it is. My inspirations and life lessons learned in 31 years.