From Baby to Adult

I always get so damn sentimental on birthdays.  Who am I kidding, I get sentimental a lot of the time.  Here I am 25 and I have been freaking out about the fact that I have been on this earth a quarter of a century.  But then I got to thinking of all the things in my life that I have accomplished, learned , loved, experienced, laughed & cried over in the past 25 years and I have to say I’m pretty blessed. 

I have a loving, supportive and dysfunctional (who’s isn’t?) family that I love to a million pieces that I would walk over burning coals for.  My family taught me to be kind, respectful, caring, strong, to be myself and to have values. My family took me on vacations and camping trips including Disney World, Universal Studios, North Carolina, Cape Cod, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Texas, Montauk, The Grand Canyon, Maryland, Delaware and shoot I’m sure there are more.  I wouldn’t be who I am today without them.  Shout out to Mom, Dad, Marty, Sean, Liam, and Martha.

I have danced, ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and now it’s just a mixture of my own thing.  I have been part of a few sports teams that I actually think are one of the greatest experiences to have that teach you a lot about working with others and what it means to be a team.  No I was not the best at sports but I will never forget the memories in track, cross country, basketball and cheerleading. I had Barbies, American Girl Dolls and a bunch of beanie babies that kept me very busy as a child! 

I was always/am surrounded by pets ranging from cats to dogs to iguanas.  Okay so the iguana’s weren’t mine but my brother had them in the house.  I remember coming home one night and the iguana got out of the cage and I would not sleep unless it was found.  I was not trying to wake up with an iguana looking back at me.  No thanks.  Pets have become an important part of my life.  I almost like them better than people some time. 

I grew up in a small town and had dreams of getting out, which I did but now realize how much I love that place, not to mention it’s gorgeous.  I had the experience of going away for college.  Oh hey, JWU! I joined a sorority and met my other half, I’m not talking about a guy here but a best friend.  I had some of the best and worst times here.  I made some stupid decisions and learned a lot of things the hard way.  I had my first apartment with friends.  I partied and danced many nights away.  I even pulled a few all nighters to do school work.  I’ve had some good and some pretty bad boyfriends.  I learned that one the hard way too.  Do not date assholes that repeatedly apologize for their behavior because they will never change. I had my share of tears over guys but I have finally found my prince that I love spending every moment with.  Love you Philip!

I transferred schools and had to meet new friends all while missing my old ones. I’ve had tough times from feeling lost to losing friends to not having any money. 

I’ve traveled to some pretty great places including Spain, Mississippi, New Orleans and many islands in the Caribbean.  I’ve discovered that traveling does something to me that makes my heart smile.  There are so many places on my list to travel to, Ireland, Nashville, Napa Valley, Thailand, and Africa to name a few. 

I’ve been to sporting events (Pacers & Colts), Amusement and Water parks, Museums and Fun Centers, Zoos, proms, formals, wine tours and weddings.  I have hiked mountains, canoed for 6 days, been winter backpacking and have truly grown to love nature and the outdoors.  I graduated and packed up my things and moved to the Midwest all on my own. 

I have two tattoos, have dyed my hair many times, had my belly pierced and I have scars.  I’ve learned that “without struggle there is no progress.”

I became an Aunt to the sweetest nephew and niece.  It seriously is one of the greatest joys in my life.

I love putting a smile on people’s faces and I have from the moment I was born.  So let me sing you a song and embarrass the crap out of myself and you because life is way too short.  If there is anything that I can preach it’s to beat to your own drum and don't worry so much about what others think.  It's good to be different.

I started a blog, which has been one of the greatest things for me because it has truly helped me to get out of my comfort zone and share my life with people from all over.  I have already "met" some of the greatest people and hope to actually go on some blates this year.  I already can't get through my day without snap chats from my favs!

 

What I have learned the most is that without having good people to surround yourself with life is absolutely awful.   I have some of the greatest friends, both old and new.  My childhood friends are still my friends, okay not all of them but the important ones!  They have gotten me through some of the toughest times and have been there to share some of the greatest and laughable moments. 

Thank you to all my friends and family that have made my life worthwhile because it wouldn’t be the same or as enjoyable without you all being a part of it.  Cheers to many more laughs, tears and memories to share with all the people I love.  Oh and I guess here's to lots more growing up to do and as my friend Abby would say at the end of any cheers "Here's to the guys that love us, the losers that lost us and the lucky bastards that get to meet us."

PS. Go hug a puppy today! :)