30 Years Worth of Lessons, Blessings, and Musings

I am officially out of my twenties!!! It seems so surreal to finally make it to this big milestone. Plus, let's be honest, there were definitely some times where I was not so sure I was going to make it here. This past week, one line of one of Alan Jackson's classic songs has been running through my mind. "Remember when, thirty seemed so old, and now lookin back, it's just s stepping stone..."How true that is even from my perspective of being in the middle of it. I remember thinking all growing up that by the time I reached this decade I should feel more capable and self-assured and be more adult-ish. However, I also did not realize all of the life lessons aka stepping stones that I would stumble across. So, here I am knocking at the door of my thirties, bruised, scarred, and covered in grace ready to embrace a new era that is hopefully leaps and bounds ahead of the last one I just went through. As I am writing this and taking stock of my past 30 years, there are some life lessons that I will take with me into the next chapters.

1. I will never leave home without some kind of camera because precious moments are quick and fleeting.
2. Singing classic musicals can make any situation better... "I have confidence in sunshine..." (thanks mom)
3. Most of life's questions can be answered with one-liners from FRIENDS and Seinfeld.
4. A hand written note is always worth its weight in gold.
5. You are never too old to enjoy classic Disney movies.
6. When you vacuum up parmesan cheese, your vacuum will forever smell like vomit every time you turn it on no matter how much you clean it out.
7. You are never too old to need your mom.

In addition to these lessons and musings, I am also holding fast to a lot of blessings and gratitude.

1. I am sooooooo glad that I still have my grandparents around to celebrate life with me.
2. I love that my daughter got a double share of confidence, and will be a ball-buster when she is older.
3. I am blessed to journey through the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful with an incredible family.
4. I am also blessed because my parents actually make me more hip and cool... seriously.
5. I love having a tribe of people that have seen the broken and vulnerable me and still love, support and pray for me unconditionally.
6. I am grateful to know that after facing death, I can face anything else that comes my way.
7. I am so grateful for the inventor of the camera card so I can indulge in my love of capturing every little detail of life on film... hey it's the small things in life that count too!
8. To top it off, I am so grateful for the grace, mercy and hope that I find in Christ. "Better is one day in his courts, than thousands elsewhere."

 So with a little inspiration from my friend Ericka here's to making my todays better than yesterday. Here's too learning to love and accept the person who God made me and to continue to embrace each new day.
Happy Birthday to me!!