34... how did that happen?!

Whoa.  Today is my 34th birthday.  HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?
Birthdays don't scare me or embarass me or bother me or anything... its just that sometimes I can't believe how quickly the years have gone and how much older I have gotten.

The above picture is from a recent campout at Indian Lake with some lovely girls that I spend time with talking, reading, praying, and seeking God.  And laughing.  So very much laughing.  They are amazing.  A year ago I only knew one of them (Abby- in the red) and I really only knew her marginally, from camp.  CRAZY.  These girls are such a great part of my life that I can't imagine I didn't know them a year ago... what did I do without them?!  So in honor of these lovely ladies, I thought I would write a little "I appreciate, I miss" list in honor of my birthday, another year of living this amazing and blessed life!

SO, I appreciate:
1.  Friends- I have amazing friends that I certainly don't deserve who love me in spite of my ridiculous tendency to be late, uncommunicative, busy, and unable to find my phone.  I love them because they inspire, challenge, encourage, and amuse me.  They don't judge me by the fact that even though I am 34 I act like I am 12, I am easily distracted, I forget to reply to e-mails, and I constantly tempt them with sweet treats.  I love my friends.  I love them more every day.  I wish I could convey to them how very important they are to me... but since i can't I will just say I appreciate them.

2.  Family- I have a ridiculous family.  Seriously.  They often annoy the be-jeezus out of me.  Sometimes I can't stand to be in the same room with them.  But really, I love them.  I love their ridiculousness, I love their babies (which I know are my family too, but I'm just sayin).  I love that they let me feed their children sugar, tell them white lies, and generally serve as their crazy aunt.  I love that my parents don't even mind a bit that I am just me, and don't expect me to be anyone else.  I love that my siblings and I are so very different and yet they allow me to be me (not without some judgements) with the craziness associated with it.

3.  My youth-  I have never encountered a group of people that I worry so much about.  NOt because they are going to do bad things (most of the time) but because they are INSANE and want to do things like make zombie movies in church- and are DEAD SERIOUS about gettin it done.  I love those kids.  Man, they are RIDICULOUS.  But I appreciate them and their willingness to stretch and see where God may lead us.

4.  Traveling-  I've gotten to travel so much this year and I have appreciated it so much.  So very many people that I have gotten to spend time with and enjoy the company of.  And as the clock ticks towards my inpending trips to Nashville, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic I appreciate my freedom to travel and the fact that I live a life that affords me such joys.

5.  My dogs.  Seriously.  I'm a dog lover.  Nellie and Shea are my loves.  If I could get one more pup (its always just one more) I would have a Hugo and feel complete.  Bur really I appreciate those pups and their unconditional love more than I can express.

6.  My life- I am so blessed.  Beyond measure or reason really.  No one should get to live THIS amazing of a life.  I am SO. BLESSED.

I miss...
1.  My friends in Brazil and other far off places.  Like Indiana.  Seriously.  What a blessing it is to have such amazing friends.  Now, if you could all just move into my basement so I can see you every day that would be great.  HOpe you like dogs!  =)  Seriously though.  I miss them for the things they taught me, the life they encourage me to live and the unconditional love they surround me with.  Blessings.

2.  When I cared.  I used to care about things like cute shoes and brushing my hair.  Now I really don't.  I don't think that is a bad thing at all... it kinda fits my free spirit a little better anyway, but I do miss that Carly that was more put together... gahhhh.  I'm a mess!

3.  My sanity and sleep.  Two things I have given up in favor of living this crazy life.  I wouldn't trade one for the other, I just miss sanity.

4.  My brown hair... or red... or blonde... whatever color it was before it started going so gray.  Seriously.

5.  The good old days.  But then, who doesn't?!

WHat an amazing and blessed life I live.  Really truly.  I am so thankful for 34 years and can't wait to see what the next 34 have in store.  AHHHHHHHH!