Gonna party like it's my birfday!

Cause it is!

While the initial thought of turning 30 and having to celebrate like a preschooler was a little off-putting, (cranberry juice spritzer anyone??) I have decided to look past the unopened champagne bottles to what exciting, difficult, and interesting nuggets getting to 30 has brought. So here's a list of 30 lessons I've learned along the way.

1.} I am blessed beyond what I deserve.

2.} Being able to drink more than the guy you are trying to impress does not, in fact, impress him.

3.} Any guy you think would be impressed by you drinking more than him is the first sign you are looking for the wrong kinda dude.

4.} God puts people in your life at certain times for a reason.

5.}  High school seems like the end-all be-all of life until you leave, then you realize it was on the 2nd rung on the 20 foot ladder of life's important moments.

6.} Botox can be your friend when used in moderation, just don't go all Heidi from "The Hills."

7.} Doing something purely because that's what everyone does is dumb. You will not have fun and people will wish they never invited you. Lots of people camp in Oregon, it's beautiful and the weather is cool, and I'm glad they enjoy mother nature. I camp too. In a Hilton. With a glass of wine. I will enjoy Oregon from my car window, stopping to take pics every once and a while.
 
8.} Having a tiny human growing inside your tummy is the scariest and coolest thing all at the same time.

9.} Liking the people you work with can make a world of difference at the office. I have been lucky to work with some amazing people.

10.} Traveling France and Italy with the man of your dreams is as fun and romantic as it sounds.

11.} I wish Dave Ramsey was around when I was in high school. If you get a chance, take his FPU course even if you think don't "need" it, it's a game changer.

12.} Marry someone who makes you laugh everyday. I can't remember the last time a day passed without laughter- and that. is. awesome.

13.} Just because an item is on Air Force One does not mean that it is indestructible.

14.} Never make decisions based on what others are doing, do what's right for you!

15.} That über tan you had in high school that you spent years fake baking to keep will come back to bite you in the arse.

16.} Having a loving family, who enjoys each others company, and prays for one another is a hard thing to come by. Having that in your in-laws family and your family is even harder. I hit the jackpot.

17.} If you haven't worn it in over a year- give it away. Someone else will love that dress, and no you won't wear it again.

18.} Lying to your parents is wrong. Unless you are holding a puppy trying to "explain"  to them where it came from so you can keep it. In this particular instance I say lie away. ;)

19.} At no point should dish soap be substituted for dishwasher detergent. Unless a foam party is what you were going for.

20.} Shorts with anything less than a 6 inch inseam do become ridiculously inappropriate and it happens earlier than you'd think.

21.} Where and how you spend your money is where your heart is. I apparently love my house, food and university foundations.

22.} As a Christian you are forgiven by the Creator, so don't beat yourself up about things from your past. Your sins are thrown as far as the east is from the west so take comfort and walk in freedom!

23.}Your parents actually do know a thing or 2 about life. Who woulda thunk?!?

24.} Turning out to be like your parents isn't all that bad either. Unless your parents are Casey Anthony or Adolf Hitler- in which case I suggest you just do the opposite of whatever they do.(Is that bad that I put her in the same category as Hitler? I couldn't think of any coo-coo-ca-choo chick villains)

25.}Gabby Gossiping about someone not only doesn't help the situation (or the person your gabbing about) but often makes you look like a big ole jerk face. (I still have to remind myself of this one weekly)

26.} Pray for things you need help with, hope for, care about, need guidance on but don't forget to offer prayers of thanksgiving, prayers of joy, prayers of gratitude and prayers of humility too. Often times I get greedy.

27.} Unless you are single, trips to places like Hawaii and Jamaica are not near as fun when your spouse is not there.

28.} Spazzing out about things that you can't change is a waste of energy.

29.} Not doing anything but yet complaining about things you can change is a waste of an opportunity.

30.} Knowing that you have not only married the love of your life and best friend but you also get to have a family together, is the single best feeling in the world.

Now I'm gonna go find some cake......