Happy Birthday to Me!

So, other bloggers, on their birthdays, will have their spouse write a beautifully eloquent (and equally sappy) birthday post. I’ve always wondered: how does that work? Is the spouse truly that amazing that they not only think ahead but volunteer to write the post? Does the blogger put the expectation on them? Maybe the blogger writes the post themselves and then credits the authorship to their spouse (ie. cheating)?

Well, here I am, writing my own birthday post.
And, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Today I turn 28 years old (or if you ask Derrick, 29 – but it’s 28 though, I promise).
I love birthdays. They’re exciting and full of surprises and cake! I’ve been counting down the days until my birthday on my Instagram Stories – because, why not? I know a lot of people dread their birthday, hide from it, pretend it doesn’t exist, but I love it!
Next year, I may have a different view on birthdays (the year after I will definitely have a different vantage point), but I hope I still love it.

So, I thought it would be fun to write a 28-list.

Here are 28 reasons why I am the most blessed woman on the planet –
(or 28 things I’m super-crazy thankful for):

1. Derrick – obviously he missed the “write your wife a beautiful birthday blog post” boat, but that’s okay, he’s still pretty awesome.
2. Braelynn – being a Mom is hard, okay? If anyone tells you otherwise, they’re lying. But her adorableness makes the ride totally worthwhile.
3. Abby – because everyone needs a dog laying at the end of their bed to stick their feet under & keep them warm.
4. Our house – which was my “birthday gift” 2 years ago when we signed the paperwork the day before my birthday.
5. My family – which I’m tempted to list individually, so I can get to #28 faster.
6. Derrick’s family – who knew that marriage added a whole ton of new people into your life that are absolutely amazing?
7. The ability to travel – we were in Washington DC just a few days ago, and a few days from now I’ll be photographing a wedding in New York!
8. The ability to eat – and not be allergic to things I love the most, even tho there is an intolerance there, but intolerance-insmolerance when it comes to cake.
9. The ability to smell – candles and cinnamon and apple pie – oh my.
10. The ability to read – I’m looking forward to the “off-season” for many reasons, but the time to sit down and chip away at the pile of books calling my name is definitely a big one!
11. Facebook happy birthday posts – I’m not sure if there is anything more uplifting and fun than a whole slew of random people wishing you “Happy Birthday” on Facebook!
12. Deep Creek Lake – my happy place.
13. Free birthday treats – did someone say free? I still have a free piece of birthday cheesecake waiting for me at the Cheesecake Cafe in Irwin, PA!
14. Soft socks – my Mom got me these socks that say “If you can read this” on one, and “Bring me the pizza” on the other!
15. Photography – well, duh.
16. My clients – the people who make carrying a huge heavy camera around for hours on end completely worth it! Seriously, my favorite part. I love y’all.
17. Movie soundtracks – because every life deserves an epic soundtrack – why not borrow some awesome themes from the movies?
18. Our Mitsubishi Outlander – I know I was reluctant to buy a new car, but seriously, it’s the best thing ever.
19. Shopping trips – no explanation needed.
20. Lunch with Grandparents – lunch, in general, is delicious and when paired with time spent with my Grandparents, it’s divine.
21. Consignment shops – who really can afford to buy all of this stuff at retail? I surely can’t. And I love the treasure hunt that goes with a consignment store!
22. Hard drive space – because I’m a digital hoarder & like to keep everything.
23. Coffee – how did I survive without the stuff running thru my veins?
24. Friends – to all of those that texted me today saying “Happy Birthday” – y’all literally made my day – thank you so so much!!
25. Amazon wish lists – how did I ever accomplish Christmas shopping without them?
26. Crunchy leaves – you know what I mean, the extra crunchy ones – the ones that make the cooler weather worth it.
27. Hoodies, soft blankets, and clothes straight out of the dryer – because I’m a naturally cold person, and I like to be warm.
28. The end – because who knew that writing a list of 28 things could be so challenging?!