Things you might not know

Things you might not know about me...

-It takes a LOT of cream and sugar for me to actually enjoy coffee.

-I get serious anxiety over a lot of things that would seem so trivial to most.

-If someone is short in their response back to me, I always wonder if I did something wrong.

-My obsession with donuts is real.

-I'm super adventurous at heart. I loved skydiving, white water rafting, canoeing, but there's still so much more I'd like to try (ahem, bungee jumping, Caleb?!)!

-I don't care how bad it is for me, Mountain Dew will always be my favorite drink.

-My parent's didn't get married until I was 4, and then got divorced when I was 9.

-I never finished my college education and still struggle with feeling inadequate when it comes up in casual conversation with strangers. BUT I know it wasn't God's plan for me at the time, and there's no saying I can't finish someday if I felt like it.

-My mom is a traveling nurse so unfortunately we don't get to spend a lot of time together, and I miss her to pieces!

-I overthink everything.

-Caleb and I both have a big heart for youth/young adult ministry. We're so grateful God has given us an opportunity through our church to help lead and encourage the amazing teens/young adults!

-I have a VERY small family. One brother. My Dad is an only child. My mom only has one sibling, so I only have two first cousins (and they are both much younger than me)! So it was fun marrying into a family MUCH larger than mine!

-I got baptized on my 18th birthday, then went skydiving. One of the coolest days of my life!

-I'm a receptionist by day, photographer by night/weekend.

-Caleb and I love our Bengals, even when it's not easy to be a fan!

-I absolutely love to encourage people, especially when they least expect it. You never know how much a simple text message or hand written note can change someone's day!

-We'll finally be out of debt this year, and it feels AMAZING!

-I have green eyes and have learned to love them as I've grown older! My freshman year of high school my mom let me get colored contacts and I got the most fake looking deep blue color. I look back on those photos with embarrassment ;)

-I hardly ever paint my nails -- maybe once/twice a year (and that's usually when I decide to spoil myself and pay for a manicure)!

-My favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:18, and I love how simple this translation is.

Well there ya have it, hopefully you learned something new ;) what's an interesting fact about you??
Happy Hump Day!

On turning 25 today!

Today I turn 25!

It's kind of funny to look back at my "25 before 25" list that I made so long ago, because I've realized a few things:

one: I didn't do a LOT of the things on that list - whoops.

two: a LOT of my goals have changed.

& three: that's alright with me. 

I have a much different perspective on life than I did a few years ago. Things that I once thought were so important really don't matter to me anymore. I'm much less concerned with how much money we make, and a lot more fixed on how we can spend more time with people we love. I'm also a lot less concerned with what people think of me, and doing more of what makes me happy.

I used to want to celebrate by hitting the town with everyone I know, and now? We're keeping it much more low key. I love it! Caleb made plans for us tonight to visit a local pizzeria, go see a movie we've been dying to see, and stop by our favorite Mexican place for late night chips and queso...and you know what? It sounds amazing. Literally the perfect way to spend the evening together.

With every new year that passes, I'm realizing that life is about the people you spend your time with, not the random gifts you get. Although gifts are so much fun to receive and open, I always remember WHO I spent my birthday with, vs what it is we did that day or what I was given, etc.!

I really do love to make a big deal out of birthdays (usually other peoples), and while I do feel like 25 is kind of a "big" one for me, I'm just excited that I get another year with my husband, my family, and my friends!

I hope everyone has a great day!! Make it awesome!!

PS: my blog also turned FOUR this week. WHAT?! I can't believe it. I've made so many amazing friendships through the internet and its just the coolest thing! I love being able to look back on these first few years of our marriage and relive the moments all over again. Sometimes all the documenting and hours spent blogging can be tiresome, but its always worth it!

My life in numbers.

Caleb and I ran a few miles yesterday again and I am pretty much dying today. Walking up/down the stairs is proving to be somewhat difficult...but I kind of love it. I love knowing my body is sore because I'm treating it well and exercising more! We had the most simple, delicious, low-carb, salsa chicken for dinner last night (thanks crock pot), and I'm hoping I can make this again tonight! It turned out so well last time!

In other news! I've seen these fun posts floating around the blog world for a couple years, off and on, so I thought I'd take a stab at it. I always love getting to know other bloggers a little better! Here are some fun facts about me, in numbers...

24// the number of full years I've been alive!
2009// year I graduated high school

9// my lucky number.

5// number of wisdom teeth I have.

24// years I've lived in Ohio
17// times per day that I wish I had perfect vision.
0// number of children we have
2// full number of years we've been married.

2// half marathons I've completed
3+// amount of years I've been blogging
0// broken bones/surgeries *knock on wood*
9// age when my parents got divorced

10+ // how many random notepads and journals I have around the house.
1// number of bananas I have for breakfast almost every morning
2// amount of braids I know how to do (fishtail + basic)...someone teach me!!!

2// favorite colors that I have. Bet you can't guess the number one? ;)
4// number of times I'm trying to run a week
4// siblings I have. 1 brother by blood, 2 brothers + 1 sister by marriage
676// number of blog posts I've published. How is that possible?!

5// minimum number of lists I make per day.

1// books I've completed this year (ahh, gotta get on this!!)
18// the age when I gave my life to the Lord
50+//number of weddings I've photographed.

I really do love posts like this on other peoples blogs - its a fun chance to get to know them better. So, what are a few random "number" facts I don't know about you yet??

A few things I like about myself.

A few months ago, I linked up with some ladies and wrote a post called 10 things I like about myself, and it was so therapeutic. Sometimes, I think we're all a little afraid to say "hey self, you're pretty awesome"...and I've kind of felt some extra stress lately in certain aspects of my life, so I think its time I remind myself what the good things are...

I like...

That I'm loyal. In my marriage, in my faith, and in my friendships. You need me? I will be there, no matter what.

That I'm optimistic. Sure, not every day is good...but I believe there is GOOD in every day. When you have a better attitude about life, its hard to stay negative for long.

My freckles. Sometimes, I can hardly see them, but come summertime, there they are...just like little happy polka dots.

That I wear my heart on my sleeve. Well, sometimes. Sometimes I'm really hard to read. As in, I could be really sad, and not want any pity or questions so I pretend everything is all good...so I bottle it up inside, then freak out at the wrong moment, letting everything build up. That's definitely one thing I'd like to work on. Sharing my feelings more. Caleb is always telling me that its okay to 'not be okay' all the time.

That I'm weird. Like, seriously...but if it wasn't for me being myself, I wouldn't have some of the greatest, most amazing friends in the world who share the same brand of weird.

That I'm going after my dream. Every day isn't easy, and I'm sometimes a little too hard on myself...but I know what I want out of life, and I'll stop at nothing to make my dreams come true.

Speaking of my dream... that I have a passion at all. It makes me sad when I see some people just not have a 'thing' that they love, or want to go after. I'm happy to say I've got a passion, and I love that I get to build relationships with people while pursuing mine.

That I'm strong. I've been through my fair share of 'crap' in life, my teenage years were especially the hardest, but through all the ugly cards that were dealt to me, I learned some seriously valuable life lessons.

That I'm friendly. I truly believe a wave to a stranger, a smile to a co worker, or a simple email can change someone's day...so why not?

That I'm close with my grandparents... I've been blessed with quite a few sets of grandparents. One of which practically raised me. We hardly go a few days without talking, and they feel more like parents to me.

My adventurous side... skydiving? Done. Bungee jumping? Any day. Swim with sharks? Please, say the word!! I don't know what it is, but something about feeling the adrenaline is so neat to me. Life is too short to not do things that scare you at least a little!

My love for life... the days may be slow, but usually the years go fast. I try to write in my real journal a couple times a month to remember the raw moments that I don't want to share on the blog sometimes, and the happy little things like when Caleb packs my lunch for me. Life isn't always the huge milestones, its sometimes the small stuff... like when you find $2 in your pocket, or get gas for under $3 a gallon! Score!

My dimples. Sometimes there's just one...sometimes two. Certain facial expressions of mine show different dimples in my face. I think I got them from my Dad, but I'm not entirely sure.

My middle name, Lynn. It's simple, but I like it. I also got that from my Dad.

You know what? That felt good. On those days when I feel ugly, or my personality doesn't quite fit in,  or I'm being a negative Nancy, I'm going to come back and read these things for the simple reminder that God made me this way...and I'm great the way I am. & SO ARE YOU! Yes, you.... :) you are beautiful.

YOUR TURN. Leave a comment with at least ONE thing you love about yourself.

Linking up with the amazing Shanna!

I wanna see you be brave!

Today my blog post is all about our beauty, as women. Today is also this gorgeous gals birthday. Lyndsie was my Maid of Honor in my wedding! She's the spoon to my jar of marshmallow fluff :) this girl is truly one of the most beautiful (inside and out) people I know. She has a flipping heart of gold, and I just don't know what I'd do without her!

Lyndsie and I have been friends for about 11 years now, which blows my mind. But it really made me think about how far we've each individually come as young women, since we've met. I've been really inspired lately by all of these beauty awareness campaigns that numerous companies have started. The obvious is Dove, but another favorite of mine now is Always' "Hit Like a Girl", which you can see the video here. 

I used to be very self conscious, I had terrible acne, glasses and braces at the same time, and very, very dry skin. I was the 'pudgiest', and didn't understand why I didn't have "cute, bony wrists" like all of my friends. I know the things people said about me in middle school and my transition into high school, well, it just wasn't pretty. As I got older though, I kinda said screw it. I wore tank tops, even though my shoulders were sprinkled with acne every season of the year...I wore my glasses even when I didn't feel like putting my contacts in, and I learned to rock my ever-peeling nose on picture day due to my dry skin (and the nosebleed I got on that same day).

It's campaigns like this that make me so proud to be a woman. Thankfully, meeting Caleb helped me with my confidence a lot. I used to worry about him ever seeing me without my make up caked on, or in the Winter when I'm more pale than a vampire.. but he's somehow learned to deal with me even when I wake up like this... and also learned to make me feel beautiful, and loved.

Hiiii Caleb. I took this today!

We're all beautiful in our own ways...and it makes me sad to think about the young girls who tear themselves down because they aren't a size 0, or because they don't have perfect skin. As women, these girls need role models who LOVE themselves.

 I've realized to just get over it, when Im tagged in a picture that doesn't flatter me... why should I let it bother me? I need to be happy in the skin God put me in, because this is the only life I get to live! I know its like the most famous quote now, but comparison truly is the thief of joy. We can't let it do that to us, ladies! So WHAT if my nose is bigger than hers, or my acne flared up the night before my wedding?! Or if my ankles aren't super skinny, or if my double chin always sneaks its way out when I take my snapchats... I am ME, and I'm happy with it.

I'm lucky enough to be alive, have legs that run, and a heart that beats. I don't ever want to take it for granted. So remember friends, you are SERIOUSLY beautiful.

ABC action.

Still no vacation recap...I enjoyed a night in with Caleb and we decided to finally start a new season of shows (Even though we promised we wouldn't for a while, whoops!), 30 Rock! We're loving it so far. Also, I wanted to wish my EMILY the happiest of birthdays ever!! She and I have talked for probably nearly two years and she's just as sweet as they come. I hope you have the best day ever, ma'am!!!

*Back to my regularly scheduled post*
I hadn't done a random "about me" post in a while, and I've seen these floating around the blog-world many times, so I figured why not finally join in!? I have no idea if I did this right...just go with it ;) I present to you...

The ABC's of me!

A. Ambitious.

B. Believer.

C. Caleb, he's my hottie husband.

D. Dogs are better than cats.

E. Eaaaaatttttts a lot.

F. FOODIE. Total foodie; I love funnel cakes, filet mignon, marshmallow fluff, and fruit. See what I did there?

G. Good at eating.... ha! Can I mention that 3 times in a row!?

H. Hugger. I'm a TOTAL hugger...and not that pansy one-shoulder-tap type hugger, I'mma bring you in for a big one!

I. Imperfect, but embracing my flaws.

J. Joyful, trying to keep a "glass half full" mentality on life!

K. My first initial :)

L. Lover. I love animals, people, and food...so much food.

M. Moved about 7 times in my life, causing me to go to 4 different schools growing up!

N. Nice. I have many friends who tell me I'm "too nice" (which can sometimes be a problem)!

O. Optimistic.

P. Pursuing my passion that is PHOTOGRAPHY, and loving every step along the way.

Q. Quirky. I'm pretty weird...end of story.

R. Runner. I may not be the best, but at least I'm trying!

S. Sarcastic at times. I can't help myself!

T. Type A and Type B. I have both a crazy organized planning part of my brain, and also an insanely spontaneous "go with the flow" part, too. I confuse myself.

U. Unique. I really think everyone's got their own crazy qualities that make them, them.

V. Very happy.

W. Wanderlust. I seriously never stop thinking about traveling. I'm always pinning travel destinations, thinking about a weekend getaway, or dreaming of spending my days in unexplored parts of the world.

X. Yeah I've got nothing for this...not many words start with X, sorry ;)

Y. Years of age -- 22. Soon to change!

Z. Zoo. Cincinnati has an amazing one and I haven't been in so long. I love seeing all the animals!

If that wasn't the most random Tuesday post ever, I'm not sure what is.

Enjoy today!

10 things I like about myself.

I recently saw a post floating around called "10 things I like about myself", and it seriously spoke to me...to read all of these beautiful women's posts. To see what they saw in themselves, and for that to just be okay. I love when women can just be proud of who they are...you know, I aint so bad.

Linking up here!

So, what do I like about myself? Let me list a few.

1. That I stand for what I believe in. Whether it be my faith, treating people the right way, or something I have a great feeling about...I will always follow my gut and do the right thing.

2. That I'm emotional. Okay, so maybe that can be both a good and bad thing. I have this tendency to bottle my emotions up, and then burst at all the wrong moments...but hey, its who I am. I'm learning how to express myself better, and love myself for it.

3. My eyes. I get my hazel's from my Dad.

4. My freckles. They come and go with the seasons...but summer time really brings them out.

5. My passion for photography. Ever since I was a young girl, I've wanted to take pictures. I've always loved looking through photographs. When I was younger I remember checking out photography magazines, and gawking at National Geographic pictures like this one...and swore one day I'd take my very own "wow" photo.

6. I like my intentionality. I'm lucky enough to have a few best friends that I'm very close too. I'd like to think I'm pretty good about staying in touch, praying for them, and letting them know how much they mean to me! Besides, what's a girl without her best friends?

7. My outlook on life. Almost always, you will find a smile on my face. I believe that the world is both a scary, but beautiful place. I love reading stories that restore my faith in humanity. I love hearing of random acts of kindness, just because. I believe if we don't look at life in a positive way, how will we ever survive?

8. I like that I'm not picky. There are only 2 things in this world I don't like. Cottage cheese, and green olives. Yuck. Want to make me dinner? Go ahead, I'm not picky at all. Take me anywhere you please.

9. That I stick to my word. You need me to be somewhere? I won't forget. You and I have lunch plans? I won't bail. You want me to come support you at your marathon? Count me in. When a friend needs me, hands down, no questions asked, I am there. I think it all comes down to treating others how you'd want to be treated.

& last but not least...

10. That I'm pretty tough. No, not in the muscle department (although I'm getting there!), I mean emotionally. I've been through my fair share of crap in life...no really, trust me. There were days when I was younger I didn't think I wanted to be around, that I was the cause of my parents divorce, that I was a failure for not getting perfect grades...etc, etc, etc...but you know what? Those silly thoughts, and stupid things that have happened to me, do not define me. I know that I came out stronger because of all the cards my life has dealt me, and I'm happy to say I like who I am. All in all.

Self, you're not so bad.

So, what do you like about yourself?

25 before 25.

Everyone's got em. Whether you've actually written them out or not.

You know, that list. That list of stuff you want to get done before that one big date.

Most people choose to do a 30 before 30...well, seeing as I'm only 22, I'm going to start with a 25 before 25 list first, and see how this goes. I have a TON of stuff I want to accomplish in this little life of mine, but I tried to be realistic as this is under 3 years away now.

This list is to be completed by August 9th, 2016.

1. Be debt free.

2. Once we're debt free, begin my 401K and aggressively save.

3. Run a half marathon.

4. Meet more blog friends.

5. Be vegetarian for a week.

6. Give a very generous, and anonymous gift.

7. 

8. Zip-line.

9. Learn how to sew or knit.

10. Take a cake decorating class.

11. Go out west somewhere.

12. Finish my Bible cover to cover.

13. Donate my hair.

14. Grow my blog to 1,000 readers.

15. Break a 28 minute 5K.

16. Donate blood for the first time.

17.Visit a historical US city with Caleb.

18. Read 50 new books.

19. Plan an incredible trip with our best friends.

20. Update my DSLR/lens collection.

21. Be confident in my cooking.

22. Get a professional massage.

23. Be up to date on all my photo books.

24. Take a ballet class to rekindle my love for it.
25. Learn calligraphy.

I hope I can do all of this, and I'm determined to make it happen!
What's on your list?

21 things you oughta know

Okay, I cannot NOT talk about my favorite show: New Girl. Please tell me every one of you watch that show?!?!?! I am writing this and I just witnessed what I've been waiting for FOR TWO SEASONS! ahhhhh.... my heart rate is up. OH. MY. LAWWWWD!

Okay, woo.

Now that I have that off my chest.... ;)

Its Wednesday! You know what that means! Time to get random. 

What better type of random then telling you some lil' facts about my crazy self? I figured 21 was a good number, since that's how many years of life I've got under the ole' belt.

1. I have been with my man for almost 3 and a half years & if you're new around here -- we're tying the knot in May!!

2. I'm a natural brunette, but keep adding blonde back in it. Maybe one day I'll have the guts to go dark?

3. I have a bad sweet tooth, which is hard to keep under control since Caleb and I are trying to get in our best shape for this wedding!

4. I went to 4 different schools before 6th grade. If I have it my way, my children will go to one school until they graduate. Who likes those awkward days where you have to find a spot in the lunch room? Not I, my friend, not I.

5. Mountain dew is my drug of choice.

6. I own way too much jewelry. This is just a portion of what I brought with my on vacation last summer.

7. I still get sad when I think about Britney Spears and her meltdown. Poor thaaang.

8. When I get tan, I get a LOT of freckles.

excuse the greasy hair! It was beach season.

9.  I swam with dolphins when I was in 6th grade. 

10. I am a firm believer in snail mail. A new years resolution was to send at least ONE package or handwritten letter/card EACH month. So far, so good!

11. I have never left the country. Shortly, that will change for our honeymoon! We are going to the Riviera Maya in Mexico!

12. My mom spontaneously moved to Hawaii, and I miss her every day! I hope to visit her someday!

13. I met Toby Keith once! Caleb called me while I was at college and told me to come home, because he won backstage passes & a meet and greet with Toby Keith from a local radio station. Neither of us are hardcore country fans, but uh... why pass up this free opportunity? He was very tall!

14. I very much enjoy watching football!

15. I work in finance for an independent advisory firm in Cincinnati!

16. I have a younger brother who just turned fifteen. I love him very much, and we are lucky to be as close as we are, for our age difference!

17. I got baptized on my 18th birthday, followed by skydiving. Yeah, I am an adrenaline junkie!

18 I actually like to be scared. Haunted houses, scary movies, halloween? Bring it on.

19. I am very particular about the way dishes and laundry are done! However, I enjoy them... much like shopping, it is a stress reliever to me!

20. I once cut my hair, really short!

21. I am very sentimental. I basically keep E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G from my dates with Caleb. Movie tickets, wristbands, letters, cards, guitar picks we caught at concerts, you know, the usual ;) I just want to be able to look back on our 50th wedding anniversary and see what stupid movie we went to see back in 2010. Wouldn't you?? Caleb calls me crazy, but one day he'll thank me!

So... did ya learn anything new?? I'll be making some actual page tabs up top here soon so these facts will probably soon be embedded in your little brains ;) 

I wrote this as a draft in very good, fun spirits. But today... I woke up with a bad cough, swollen throat, and no voice... soo, I'm typing from the ole' smartphone today, in bed. Hot tea all day, please.

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What fun random fact can you tell me about yourself today? 

Linking up with the ever adorable, Shanna! My blogger is being R.U.D.E today and won't copy her button correctly. Please, if you don't already follow her -- change that ;)