Birthday Thoughts - and more!

My Birthday Portrait

I've never had a thought in my mind about being 25. My world kind of changed from here. At first I thought, "no big deal, 25 is just another number", but it isn't. When I really think about it, it brings me to think about the the things that I haven't done that I wanted to do by the time I was 25. That list is surprisingly long... It also makes me think of the things I have accomplished in these 25 years. I was pleased to see that the list for that is pretty long too. (phew)

One thing that I have learned over the past 7 years of working at my "other" job is that money isn't everything. I know that when youngsters think about what they want to be when they grow up they get dollar signs in their eyes. Sure, you may make a lot, but do you enjoy what you do? Will you spend more time at work making the money rather than being able to spend time with loved ones? (people don't live forever) Does the stress make Tums a new food group for you? I think it isn't worth it. I wanted to be "that" person. The power suit woman who other women hate and guys are intimidated by. Stress isn't worth it and money won't buy me happiness if I hate what I am doing to earn it. That is where photography came in. My passion. My love to make art.

So here is my wisdom passed on from me to all of the youngsters out there. Follow your dreams and don't let the green lead you the wrong way. It isn't worth it in the end.

Now! On to the good stuff - what did I do on my birthday that was fun!

My sweetheart gave me my birthday present early, yesterday, since we weren't going to get to see each other that much ON my birthday. He gave me something I have wanted for a long time, gorgeous diamond hoop earrings. So sparkly, I love them.

Adam, so kindly woke me up this morning asking if I wanted to go to breakfast. Of course I did especially since I wasn't going to see him for most of the day! =) I got up, took my shower and as I got out Adam says, "how creepy, there is a balloon in the window" I had remembered that my sister, Angie, had mentioned that she wanted to do something for my birthday so I figured that was her big "tada" NOPE! Adam looked around the rest of the house and insisted I come out and look. She and my nephew Skylar had decorated our front porch with a party. It was so funny.

Our front porch, all decorated

Once this was found and lots of pictures were taken, Adam & I decided to head out to breakfast. Where else in Midland to get a fantastic breakfast but Omelettes & More right by our studio! I took a picture of Adam in front, but he didn't realize I was taking the picture until it was too late.... for him.

Adam, victim of a photographic drive-by

Our breakfast was fantastic, I had the sunrise with two eggs, grilled red-skins (with a side of salsa) and a gigantic piece of grilled Texan toast. YUM-O

After breakfast, Adam & I headed to the mall. (Our usual hang-out) After some light shopping, Adam headed to work & I went home. Angie and her kids came over to hang out, (my mom & dad & Ray (my brother) & Sara (his girlfriend) also stopped by on the way to their motorcycle ride) It was nice, they sang Happy Birthday to me on the street. I had that same feeling you get when you are being sung to in Applebees or something.

Angie, her kids, my 4-legged kids and I all went to the dog park by the Tridge to hang out. I haven't taken the boys to the dog park in a while so I thought it would be fun to do. Afterward, we came back to our house and had pizza. All in all, a pretty good time. Here are a few pictures from there.

My nephew Justin & I

The treeclimbing nephews (Sawyer, Skylar & Justin in this one)

Justin looking creepy =)

I would have to say this was a pretty good Birthday.