25

I realize that most people would say that I am in my prime years of life. I agree. However, at times I feel like I'm not doing anything with them. I'm sure we all feel this way sometimes. I don't know maybe it's just me.

• I think I should be traveling
• should be done with school by now
• have super cute clothes in my closet
• (that fit on my perfectly toned body)
• and a career that I love
• and always have fun plans.

Instead I have:

• homework
• braces
• an unmade bed and undone dishes
• a sweet tooth that keeps that toned body at bay
• a job that I don't love so much (although grateful for)
• and Saturday evenings of catching up on a few shows I like.

 But then once I take a step back I realize:

• I am married to the most wonderful man
• I know how to budget (hence the lack of cute clothes in my closet)
• My house is a mess, but I wouldn't trade spending time with my young women to clean it.
• I am still in school, but that it is such a blessing that my husband supports me in it and that I got in. And it's the light at the end of the tunnel to getting me out of my current occupation: do whatever my boss asks me to do even if it is something that she told me to undo last time we talked. I'm beginning to realize I am tired of bosses, although none of the past ones have been as much of a learning experience as my current one. I need some freedom! (So do you think I can last 2 more years until Tyler graduates and we move?)
• Um the braces I have nothing good to say about.
• And the boring Saturday nights are my own fault for not planning more. There is a lot of fun things to do out here in CA, I just need to start planning ahead.

As for my birthday it was quite lovely:
We had some friends over Saturday morning to eat ebelskivers for an unofficial celebration get together. Saturday night Tyler took me out shopping and to dinner. He had to pretend to enjoy himself while shopping with me as one of my presents. He did pretty good in fact when he got bored in the store that I was in he went and bought me earrings and chocolate. My parents sent me some beautiful flowers. Sunday was full of well wishers and I even got a magical cheesecake made for me by Amanda. And if you are wondering if I ate the whole thing by myself you would be correct. Well almost, I did share a bit. Tyler also surprised me with Wicked tickets! I am so excited to see it! My good friend Tia stopped by and surprised me.We were also treated to dinner at my visitor teacher's home on Sunday night so I didn't have to cook. On Monday my friend Kimberly brought me a bag full of waffles and toppings as a present. I was spoiled this year!

Other things:
Recently we got the hot tub in our backyard to work so we have been enjoying that a lot.
School is harder than I thought a part-time program would be. It is never ending, I have class Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and the nights I don't have class I am reading 50-100 pages per class per week. It is insane!!! But I love the material so that makes it easier and I have great professors with a lot of experience in the field.
Tyler is still doing his best in school and even received a scholarship for $2500. When compared to what we are paying each year in tuition it doesn't even cover well anything, but it is still nice to have him be recognized for doing such a good job. And at least that is $2500 we don't have to pay interest on.
Here are a few pictures:

Oh and I love California...it's going to be hard for Tyler to get me to leave. It was 80 degrees yesterday. My professor who is in North Dakota said it was -22 yesterday during class.  That's not going to happen to me!!!! Ever.