today

today is my birthday!

which means i'm either 29 or 30, depending on how you count birthdays.

{this has always been a very complicated calculation for me.  i mean when we finish 8th grade we are immediately called a freshman, but when we finish our 29th year of life, we still call ourselves 29? i would just like some consistency please.  so, just to be clear, i'm beginning my 30th year of life, which most people in the US call "turning 29."  whatever.}

{photo}

looking back over my life, i feel grateful for so many things!
so i've decided to share my gratitude post with you today instead of tomorrow.

after 29 years of life, i'm thankful for:

* the 80's.

* the 90's.

* yeah, the 2000's aren't bad either.

* reese's peanut butter cups.

* my wonderful, large family.

* all the amazing groups of friends i've had at each stage of life {isn't it fantastic how people impact you forever? even if you haven't seen them in years, a little piece of them lives on in your life}.

* music and all of my experiences with it.

* growing up in the country and a teeny tiny town.

* moving to the big city.

* swear words {i love swearing so fucking much!}.

* becoming a therapist.
* the goonies.
* getting my first tattoo {notice my usage of the word "first"} :)

* every single minute i spent living in san francisco.

* the way life brought dannon and i together {by the way, if you missed it, you can read the story of how we got together over on charlotte's blog}.

* all the heartbreak, fear, confusion, struggles, challenges, and bad times.  without them, i'd be so boring {and not very wise at all}.

* all the giggles, late night movies with friends, perfect moments when everything fell into place, taking risks, and all my other amazing memories.

* outdoor adventuring.
* surviving my teen years {phew!}.
* that i never have to go back in time and relive a certain high school haircut.

* being raised by a family who encouraged me to be fiercely independent, to have an open mind, and to search out what was right for me in every aspect of life.

* and you didn't think i'd forget this did you?  the elephants!!!  best experience of my life, by far.

****

also a tremendous happy birthday to all of my dear ones who's birthday is also today!!!
{i have 12 friends & family members with my birthday, plus 5 previous co-workers and acquaintances - yup, popular day to be born.}