Food For Thought

After having such an amazing birthday, I found myself spending a little time reflecting on the past year. I started to take note of the good things that happened and to reflect on where the last year took me. I learned some really good lessons that I don't ever want to forget.
It may have taken me 23 years to learn a few of these, but at least I finally learned ;) Some are serious and some are fun--what are your favorite life lessons?

1}Growing with your friends over the years is so rewarding. Regardless of what you go through...at some point you become family.

2}Don't take those special people in your life for granted. 3}Listening always leads you in the right direction. Sometimes you have to just shut your mouth and open your ears. This one can be especially hard... 4}Save money. It really matters and makes a difference in your life. 5}Try not to have tunnel vision. The long away future isn't what you have to worry about everyday. Just enjoy the moment.

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6}Don't pass up cuddles. Ever. 7}Coffee should always be strong. 8}So should your morals. 9}Hard work doesn't just get the job done, it's rewarding. 10}Quality over quantity. 11}Worrying is tough. It takes a lot out of you. You should only worry when you really need to. 12}You only get one body--you have to take care of yourself and learn to be healthy.

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13}Don't be too hard on yourself. 14}Take time for yourself.  15}Don't stop learning! 16}Love will get you through. And it teaches you sooo much.

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17}Go to new places. Be adventurous.  18}Be nice just because. Some people really need it. 19}Laugh. Just laugh.

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20}Don't be afraid to be yourself. If someone doesn't like it, then just accept you're not their cup of tea.  21}Never stop dreaming. 22}Keep your promises. It means the world to some people. 23}Remember that you have the power to create your future.  ------- What have you learned over the last year? Do you have any wisdom to share? Spill the beans! :)

Happy Birthday.....to me!

Happy Monday y'all!!  Take note that this is probably the first/last/only Monday I'll be over the moon to see it come. Why? Because it's my birthday! I can't believe how quickly 23 went by...I'm so happy to be starting 24 where I am in my life. I'm so blessed and I know this coming year will be one of my best yet.

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------- The birthday weekend officially started on Thursday when the boy took me to get....wait for it.....cowboy boots! I have been dreaming of a perfect pair of cowboy boots for about 5 years (as long as I've been with Ryan!). He decided that this year was the one, and he took me to find the perfect pair as my birthday present. Isn't he the best?!

Aren't they cute?

It might have something to do with being a Libra, but I never make up my mind about anything without a lot of deliberation...well that was not the case with these boots! I guess I've looked long enough and I just knew what I wanted. It took me all of 30 minutes and only trying 2 pairs on to walk out of the store with my new babies!

Boot Love!
Ryan wears is late grandfathers boots...melt my heart.

It wouldn't be a legit birthday celebration without your best friends would it?  It was only fitting for some out of town visitors to come stay with me to help celebrate the big 2-4.  My MOH and best friend Jess came!

Another bridal party member and best friend Kayla came!

After some shopping on Saturday morning, the girls and I made our way back to my place. Only to find a surprise birthday present under my front mat.  It as a sweet card from one of Ryan's best friends (and a good friend of mine as well) letting me know that there was a room at the Loews hotel downtown with my name on it!! Not only did I get to go downtown for dinner and bar hopping with my favorite people---I also got to stay downtown in one of the top 3 Nashville hotels. I was definitely over the moon! Naturally we wanted to go to the hotel to get ready. And have a photo shoot!

Casey! 

Casey and Jess

Prom!

Apparently I was too tall for everyone.

In the elevator on the way to dinner.

All of the girls at dinner!

Oh you know, just taking cute pictures...

And then the boy almost falls and catches
himself by grabbing my dress strap.
Needless to say I wasn't happy!
Silly boys ;)

 The next morning some of us enjoyed breakfast at the Loews restaurant.

I seriously felt like a princess all weekend! 

------- Shopping, flowers, homemade breakfast, sleeping in at the Loews, a trip downtown, homemade cupcakes....the list goes on and on and I still have 12 hours to go. This birthday has been amazing--definitely one I will never forget. Thanks to everyone who made it so amazing!
P.s. I'm linking up with Sami for the weekend blog hop!

This Might Not Make You Laugh

The following image might not make you laugh...
but it cracked. me. up.  And that's all that matters, right? ;) Actually, it might crack you up too. If you're reading this ol' blog you might share in my sense of humor.  Either way, here's my current favorite SomeEcards image....

Hahaha Are you laughing? Didn't you ever feel this way? I get like that for a few days sometimes--I like to just let it ride. Sometimes it's good to have some time to yourself and to not worry about things for a while. ------- When's the last time you stepped away from everything & just relaxed?