32 things about my 31st year on the planet

So in honor of my 32nd birthday, I have decided to reflect back on the past year. Here's a peek at random facts about 2009/ Jan 2010. I would like to say in advance that it was BY FAR one of the craziest years I have ever lived! So enjoy reading about how just when we thought we had seen it all, something new was in store...

1. Turning 31 was much worse than turning 30! At least when I was 30, people felt pitty that I had a milestone "getting older" birthday. At 31, I'm just a number.

2. My musical tastes have totally changed over the past year. It has to be because I am getting older. But basically I could listen to B98.5 all day long and be happy. I know- I'm not sure what has happened to me. Rob Zombie would be very disappointed!

3. I had an organ removed. To be specific- my gallbladder. Nasty little thing that basically is supposed to make eating Mexican more enjoyable. Until it decides it has had enough, turns on you, and causes months of restroom stops that require you apologizing to anyone nearby. But after said gallbladder was gone, I am great. Totally worth the recovery which was not all that bad really. Which leads to #4...

4. I managed to lose about 10 pounds! I know that's really not that big a deal, but I have not been losing any weight the last 4 years, and I'm pretty sure my body readjusted after the surgery mentioned in #3. I still have at least 30 more to go, but I feel like I have a small start.

5. I saw a man die in the middle of the interstate. I'm still not over this one, and I'm sure I will never be. There was not a thing I could have done about the whole situation. I just watched as life came and went. I really don't even have a lot to say about it other than I wish I could take that day back.

6. I am more in love with Evan Bryant this year than all of the previous years combined. I can't tell you exactly what it is, but our relationship is as solid as ever. He is still my best friend, and I still would rather spend time with him than do anything else. I am the happiest girl alive because of him.

7. And speaking of Evan- for the first time since we have been married, I had to play the role of caretaker to him. In January 2010, he had a complete thyroidectomy to remove a baseball sized mass from his throat. It was all very scary, but through it I feel like we are both better people. I am not known for my compassion (sorry- it's how I was raised), but I learned from this whole experience that I would do ANYTHING to make sure the love of my life is comfortable and taken care of. I hate that it took a major surgery for me to snap out of my selfishness, but to God I am thankful. I now pray that the results of the mass are favorable and I can continue to nurse him back to 100%.

8. I don't hate my job as much as I did this time last year. I am thankful for it and how it provides for us. And it has taught me that sometimes you have to teach others that despite their flaws, you are worth respect.

9. My kids are growing up. I love them to pieces. But most importantly, I am so glad that they love Jesus. What more could I want for them?

10. I have been driving the same car for 4 years this month. I have never EVER had a car that long. But over the last year, I grew up and realized that dumping money into cars is just crazy. And $500 extra a month adds to the security of my family. I'm not saying that I don't WANT a new car (very badly actually--Cadillac CTS or my newest love Lexus IS) but I just know that the one I have right now gets me by just fine.

11. I have developed these weird cravings for sour food and candies. I have no idea where it has come from, but I am NOT pregnant. Sour straws and pickles are my favorite right now. I think it might be a potassium or sodium deficiency, but my stomach lining is suffering because of it. Do they have rehab for stuff like this??

12. I let a dog live in my house for 1 week! Pretty much this is the equivalant of hell freezing over. But everyone lived, no accidents, and it was actually enjoyable. We will NOT be getting a dog though! End of story

13. I have been having my hair cut and colored for 1 year now. Totally out of character for me as before this I walked into Great Clips and thought I was a queen. But I changed my ways when my hair got so dark that it was now longer even remotely blonde anymore. And I must be a blonde. And it makes me feel better about myself, so it is worth the money.

14. I still have a flip phone. I thought I would get a Blackberry, but I don't want to pay for it. So I am content with my phone that causes people to chuckle when I pull it out of my purse.

15. Last year was the first year that Evan and I did not go on one of our adventurous trips to somewhere with cheap airfare. This makes me sad and I want to change that this year.

16. The economy makes me sad and I never thought I would see the day when it was this bad.

17. I still only have one tattoo, and I want to change that this year. I have said this in year's past, but I WANT to do it soon. Not on my toe again though- that was dumb.

18. Several times this year, I realized that I have very good friends. Not even just the ones that are around all the time. But the ones that I haven't seen in a year, but pick up right where we left off when I do get to see them. I am so thankful for all of my friends and the role they play in making me a better person.


19. I want another cat. That's all I have to say about that. I will be one of those old cat ladies in no time.

20. I heart Japanese food. But I'm not as fond of Thai food as I used to be.

21. I am on Facebook more than I should be. But it gives me something to do during my oh-so-long days at work. Plus I am trying to becoame the Bejewled Blitz World Champion Queen.

22. I still love to sleep. But this past year I have not been sleeping as late as usual. Which is interesting since my kids actually allow us to sleep in now.

23. My thimble collection expanded this year to include (among others) a Baby Land General thimble. Appropriate since we visited BabyLand sans kids with 4 other adults.

24. We have lived in our house for 4 years now. Which is absolutely unbelievable in my opinion. And its not decorated exactly like I want it, but its getting there. Gives me something to do this year as long as no one has to have any organs removed.

25. I wish I was 25. I have always liked the sound of being 25.

26. The 26th of September we were married 11 years. Alot has happened in the span of 11 years. Every moment of every day has been worth it. Interesting fact: We got married on 9/26 simply because it was the only day that A) Tech played an away game in the evening and B) our minister was available.

27. This year I have had to learn to be patient with a little guy in Pre-k and his teacher. I won't go into detail except that having a boy is a learning experience and bless the souls of any teenager who gets pregnant with a boy. Ours kicks this 32 year olds butt- I couldn't imagine having him any earlier in life! But I LOOOOVVVVEEEE my boy!

28. Our garage is still messy. But our house is still spotless. So there.

29. My parents started to seem old to me this year. Probably because my dad retired. I just hope they don't get old too quick.

30. I saw my 40 year old brother baptized. Coolest moment ever. Will remember it forever.

31. I was able to meet Paula Deen and her entire family this past summer. I was most excited ablout meeting her husband Michael as I think he is the cutest thing ever (I know that is creepy and weird). Paula was as cool in person as she is on her show and I'm glas we got up at 4 in the morning to wait in line.

32. And last but not least, it's a good thing I'm here posting. As I was certain I was going to have already been in Heaven since I had to have my wisdom teeth removed back in November. And according to my oral surgeon, having your wisdom teeth removed at such a late age (31) brougth about all kinds of risk. WTF? But good grief, I made it you sucker. I beat your anesthesia and I still have the feeling in my lower lip. So there.


I hope you will come back and read future posts, and maybe I will start uploading some pictures to share.