Birthday

As of today, I'm 35.  Big deal?  Not for me!  I have had the best birthday I've had in years.

It went a lil something like this.

Wake up to Landon's chattering.  Feed my lil sweetie breakfast.  Sweep the floors.  Play with the Love Bug.  Play on Facebook.  Throw in some laundry.  Play with Love Bug some more.  Eat lunch.  Shower.  Get a pedicure.  Donate blood.  A couple other Good Deeds.  Go to work.  Find flowers on my desk from Mama and Shan!  Come home to my sweet family.  Pizza and cake.  Visit with Mom and Dad F.  Blog a little. 

I was overwhelmed with love and joy today.  It's interesting because I didn't do anything "special" but the whole day definitely felt special. 

Perfect day!

BDGD 35/35 - I DID IT!!!

I left several handwritten notes on cars in the parking lot near my office.  The cards read, "Your presence is a true gift to this world.  SMILE!  :-)" 

I am nearly in tears as I type this post.  I can hardly believe I actually saw this through!  I am overwhelmed with joy right now.  This was the absolute best gift I could have ever given myself. 

One thing I've realized during this process is that there are always opportunities to do something nice for those around you.  It takes almost no effort and can change lives.  This process definitely changed my way of thinking.

I am grateful for all the opportunities I had to lend a hand, smile, hug or Good Deed!! 

BDGD 34/35

I left a card on a car parked in the "Blood Donor Only" space.  I thanked them for their donation and for saving a life.

BDGD 33/35

I donated blood today.  This is something I was in the habit of doing a long time ago.  Turns out, it's been longer ago than I thought.  2001 to be exact.  Things sure have changed since last time I was there!  The check-in process, iron test and list of questions are all computerized now!  One thing that hasn't changed is the sweet white haired ladies working in the canteen.  That was my favorite part of my experience.  I heart sweet old ladies! 

FYI, our local Red Cross is low on all blood types.  If you can take an hour out of your day, go donate.  You just may save a life!

BDGD 32/35

Baked cookies for the husband and his work peeps.

BDGD 31/35

Sent a note of gratitude via "snail mail".

BDGD 30/35

Let Scottie have full control of the remote for a night and didn't complain at all about what he chose to watch.  Even when it was sprint car racing! 

BDGD 29/35

Offered my (solicited, of course!) advice to a friend. 

BDGD 28/35

Listened as someone used me as their sounding board.  Hey, we all need to vent every now and then! 

BDGD 27/35

Allowed someone ahead of me in traffic.

BDGD 26/35

Expressed my sincere appreciation and gratitude to several people in my life who really make a difference to those around them.

BDGD 25/35

Bought Starbucks for the person behind me.  Yes, again!  :-)

BDGD 24/35

Made breakfast for my hubster, making sure his bacon was extra crispy, just the way he likes it.

BDGD 23/35

Loaned and delivered my baby sling to a dear friend.  I hope she finds it as helpful as I did when Landon was little!

BDGD 22/35

Praised a Mama on her wonderful children! 

BDGD 21/35

Made a connection between two people in order to help someone in need.

BDGD 20/35

Gave up my close parking space for someone else.

BDGD 19/35

Lightened the load for a Mama who was trying to carry everything along with her two children.

BDGD 18/35

Held the door for a stranger.

BDGD 17/35

Baked and delivered a meal to our friends who just had a new baby.  :-)

BDGD 16/35

In a very private matter, I helped someone in need. 

BDGD 15/35

Left a generous tip.  The recipient was so appreciative!  She thanked me more than once and smiled from ear to ear.  Totally amazing.  Totally awesome.  Totally worth it.  She made MY day!!! 

BDGD 14/35

Picked up and discarded someone else's trash.  *shakes finger at those litterbugs*

BDGD 13/35

Let someone in front of me in line at the grocery store.  Yes, another grocery store GD.  So what, I like to grocery shop!  :-)

What Dreams May Come

Throughout my adult years I have looked for hobbies and thought about possible career paths.  For some reason I tend to shy away from the things which someone else in my life "already does".  I'm not sure why I've done this.  During some time of deep reflection lately, I've come to terms with the fact that no matter what I choose to fill my time with, there will always be someone who has paved the way, so to speak. 

At times being a nurse sounds like a good path for me, but that's a no go because it's what Stef does.  I've thought about getting in to hair and make up as a career, but no, because that's what Joni does.  I've considered teaching, but uh-uh, that's what Kristi does.  I've considered photography as a hobby (for MANY years now!), but nope, that's what Jesse and Aunt Carolyn do.  Culinary school would be tons of fun, and I really think I would love it, but there isn't a school here in Wichita. 

All these "buts" in my life have really held me back! 

Why on earth has it taken me so long to realize this?!? 

I am no longer going to let what others do stand in the way of my dreams. 

I am saving for a professional camera and I am enrolling in some photography classes.  I've wanted to do this for way too long and the time is now!  I feel excited, more excited than I've been about anything in a long time.  Besides, I have a pretty darling little subject at home!

 

BDGD 12/35

Baked and delivered yummy treats for the umpires at the NBC tournament.