25 Red Balloons & 25 things about being 25

2/4/2014

Today folks, I turn 25! I am so excited! I feel like it is going to be the best age yet :) I can't tell you for how many more years I will be proud to turn a year older, but I will enjoy saying "I'm 25". Hard to believe, ha.... And in honor of my birthday, Chris and I did a little photo shoot this weekend at Freedom Park, featuring the Modcloth dress I will be wearing at our little b-day celebration this next weekend (Chris' 25th Birthday is on Wednesday). I decided 25 red balloons would be appropriate for the occasion, so I got a mini helium tank from Micheals and blew them up right there in the park! The dress and balloons were such contrast to the gloomy day- I love it! A big thank you always, to my sweet boyfriend Chris- for taking these photos and causing a scene with me in the park!
Dress: Modcloth
Shoes: Walmart (LONG, long ago- one of my favorite pairs though!)
Belt: Betsey Johnshon (Long time ago)
Necklace: Vintage- Chris' Grandma's

OKAY, so within this post I am also going to be sharing 25 (personal) things about being 25! I am sure some of you will relate! So I am warning you now- this will be a BIG post!

25 Things About Being 25:

1. I am truly feeling happier and more confident than ever in my life. I am learning this comes with age, and how you feel, not so much what you look like, or what you accomplish.

2. I am also learning that no matter how old I get, how many responsibilities I take on- I may truly never feel "Grown Up".

3. ...I am still trying to figure out who I want to be when "I grow up".

4. Things I used to hate, or really dislike about myself, have grown on me.

5. Literally, like my eyebrows. I used to hate them- soo much so that I would tweeze them to death! Then I became a grown up and had to choose between getting my brows done and hair cuts, and realistically doing neither (for lack of $ back in college) and opting for bangs I let my brows grow and now magically, I love my thick brows! Same goes for my long spider legs, or my pointy nose as well!

6. At 25 you actually WANT to go to be early and wake up early. Now, thats not to say that is my reality. For work, yes of course. But otherwise, I am a creature of the night, and always feel a ping of guilt when I stay up super late, and sleep in super late the next day. Something in you just wants to be responsible!!!

7. But not too responsible....You'll still let your gas go down all the way to zero, and run off of fumes till the next exit. Or eat lunch from the vending machine from time to time. But Hey! You made it to work on time this morning!

8. Day drinking is now way more fun than staying up and out all night long. You just don't have all that extra time for recovery and laying around the next day, and you really need that full nights sleep now too. Because well, hangovers aren't like they used to be.

9. Having a few close friends and my family has me feeling more loved and special than ever!

10. You get what you pay for. Clearance items are usually clearenced for a reason. Do not get me wrong, I always hit up the sale section when shopping but just keep in mind that you don't really need one in every color just because it is $0.99. Invest in a nice leather hang bag, or a winter coat that you will keep for years, rather than one you'll just get rid of next season. It really is more bang for your buck in the long run. And nicer quality things usually feel 100% better on your body- as far as clothing goes.

11. And on that note, if you have to pinch your pennies- the 1st thing I really splurged on when I started my teaching job was nice shoes. Standing all day long can make you forget all about fashion and start thinking all about function. For me any ways. I defiantly am not a high-heel wearing chicka on a daily biases. My favorite comfy, stylish shoes is Sweedish Hasbeens. VERY pricey though.

12. My spectrum of friends has widen to be so broad and I LOVE it. I have friends older than my parents, younger than the amount of fingers on my hand, and from cultures different and alike. I desire for more diversity, and exposure to other people and places and to continue to make friends near and far.

13. I've learned that peace comes from with in. This is something that I believe God and teaching has really showed me over the past year. In order for me to create a peaceful environment inside of my classroom, it has to come from WITHIN me. If I am giving off a crazy frantic energy- I think we all know the kids would be going bonkers. If I am more calm and peaceful, hopefully they follow suit. It is my classroom, I am in control, I set the tone. But it starts with me. And it starts from with in.

14. I am stuck between that spot of longing for and loving this stability that I have in my career. And wanting to be young, wild and free- take risk, travel, see the world and do all that good stuff I dream up. Hopefully, I can have my cake and eat it too :)

15. Sometimes, I find myself feeling like I kinda could relate to a teenager, or a college student. Then I actually hang out with one, or get stuck next to one at startbucks and all I can do is smile and reminisce on how long ago all of that seems and actually was and thankful for those times and that age, but thankful that it is all behind me, and that life is like wine- it gets better with age!

16. And with age comes marriage and a baby carriage....for what seems to be someone else every couple a months now! Get used to it!

17. Making connections- business cards and e-mails are serious things, and not something to be caught without!

18. I don't really put up with anyones bull crap anymore- not even my own.

19. You need at least one day a week to do responsible things like, grocery shop, clean, laundry, get gas, pay bills, etc.

20. Planning for you future, saving and retirement are also real and relevant things.

21. But still being young ( & dumb) enough to splurge for the things that you want and not feel guilty about it!

22. Pizza still and may always will be your favorite food. And eating it once or more a week is totally okay, no one will judge.

23. Saying NO to people is so much easier now. Not to say I was a people pleaser when I was younger, just more so I had a hard time drawing my boundaries and being realistic with myself about how much time I have and how much I actually can do. Now I prioritize and do what I can, and don't allow myself to feel guilty for what I can't.

24. Your friends feel just like your family.

25. Now that I'm 25 I realize that I am forever a work in progress, and my life will always continue to develop. I may not be perfect, but I will be persistent and follow my dreams- the way I always have. I will work hard and have faith that God with lead me the right way. Right now I just feel confident that I am 'lost in the right direction', and so thankful for this season of my life.