turning 27

I’m not sure if you gathered from this post that I’m a huge Wicked fan but I am. When I was first thinking about writing this post, two lines sung by Elphaba from Defying Gravity continued to run through my head.

Something has changed within me
Something is not the same

These two lines really resonant with me as I turn 27. 6 years ago Anthony got down on one knee two days before my 21st birthday to ask me to be his wife. The proposal wasn’t anything special, but it was very much us. We have come a long way since our junior year in college and the excitement of being able to legally drink.

We have made two entirely differently places home, making friends and then leaving them, the ups and downs of marriage, the joys and stresses of grad school, the fun times of being able to see parts of the country many people only dream of seeing, and growing as individuals.

When I looked ahead to my future (not sure I ever dreamed about 27), I never pictured myself living in the northeast and being a photographer. I was for sure I’d be a nurse or something in the medical field. Strange as it may be, nursing is what lead me to photography. I was finishing up a few science classes I wasn’t able to squeeze in at OU at the community college in Nashville when I discovered they offered photography classes. I took several classes and voila! here I am today. I did dream that we’d be starting a family by this time. Now that I’ve reached 27, I am perfectly content it being Anthony and I. We have so much more living to do.

I have become a better educated citizen, knowing what is going on in our world and standing firm in my beliefs. I am passionate about federal funding for education, libraries, and healthier, affordable food options for all families. I am deeply passionate about reading and literacy. I also know that I am not perfect and have learned to accept me for who I am.

This past year has been very trying on me. I felt that my strength and faith have been tested many times over. Any type of addiction affects family, friends, and those around you, no matter how near or far. This is the first birthday that I have not spent it with my mom – due to the circumstances with my nephews. That is tough. Even at 27 I still want my mom around for my birthday. I love celebrating with her. That part of me has not changed.

Anthony and I haven’t made up our minds entirely on what we are going to do today, but hopefully it will involve some beautiful flowers and trees!