twenty four years of living

Wow! What a great 24th birthday it has been so far. Crazy how time flies and life happens so fast! I can honestly say that I am one blessed and loved young woman. What a gift it is to know how valued and loved I am as an individual, something not everyone can say. That is one thing I really try my hardest to do, let people know how valued they are in my life. Life is a gift so we must take full advantage of it! In lieu of my birthday, I decided to post 24 things that I didn't expect at 24. Also pictures and fun details of my birthday! Here we go:

1. Did not expect to be living in Louisiana.

2. Did not expect to be 5 months away from obtaining a second degree.

3. Did not expect to have room mates who were 3 years younger than me.

4. Did not expect to ever make the dean's list.

5. Did not expect to have 4 speeding tickets under my belt.

6. Never imagined having "children" of my own, that aren't really my own but feel like it because I love them so much. (Conley, Cooper, Sydney, Gabe)

7. Never imagined I would have trained for a half marathon.

8. Didn't expect to ever see myself having introverted tendencies.

9. Never imagined going to bed most every night before 11pm.

10. Never imagined I would have trained myself to like bananas.

11. Never imagined the amount of money I would spend on gas in the past 2 years.

12. Didn't expect to have obtained my masters in being a bridesmaid.

13. Never thought I would be involved on campus again after graduating from UCA.

14. Never thought I would be working with children at a hospital.

15. Didn't expect myself to be so adjusted to the hard truth that friendships fade but strong ones remain.

16. Did I mention the amount of money I spend on gas? haha!

17. Did not expect to meet a professor who truly changed my life and directed me towards my goals and aspirations.

18. Never imagined that at 24 I would still value disney movies as much as I do.

19. Never imagined I would experience the true feelings and emotions tied to loneliness, and over come them.

20. Never thought I would have been spiritually, emotionally, and mentally led by girls who knew me for such a short period of time. Its common for life-long friends or even friends who at least know you for like 5 years to challenge you or lead you, but these girls did it in a matter of days. (Jess, Jordan, Ems)

21.  Did not expect to appreciate Kroger as much as I do.

22. Never thought I would still diligently wear my retainer.

23. Didn't imagine life geographically stepping in and ripping me apart from some of my closest friends physically. ( Ems...this is you.bleh and you Casey.)

24. Didn't imagine life would ever be as good as it is right now at 24.

25. I hope at 25 it only gets better.

What a special day it has been. I love these girls! Not only these but all the ones that truly love me and inspire me everyday!! I can't imagine life without my loving family and friends!