twenty things I've learned in twenty years.

when I say "learned", it doesn't mean I'm still not learning these (and new things) everyday and struggling to remember to live by what I've learned. 

01. your mom is always, always right. (and your dad can be too ;)

02. stand up for yourself always. never let anyone control who you are. & you're in charge of your own happiness. choose to be happy.

03. hard work is always rewarding. 

04. spending your time doing things that make you happy is the best thing you can do for yourself.

05. staying positive is always best. rid yourself of all negativity. 

06. sometimes you just need pancakes for dinner. or any breakfast food. (best advice I ever got)

07. if you want to do it, do it. (and don't wait)

08. life is just better on vacation. 

09. make sure to always carry extra deodorant in your car. 

10. there's nothing wrong with liking the music (and everything else) you like. 

11. being barefoot makes you feel free. and just over all better.

12. it's not bad waking up early. ever.

13. save, save, save your money. 

14. it's okay to have alone time. 

15. never hide from anything. 

16. hand made things are the best things. 

17. time is a precious. don't ever waste it.

18. don't take life too seriously. worrying is never gets you anywhere. 

19. you can never have enough white cheddar popcorn. or peppermint patties. 

20. learn how to cook. and bake. oh and always make your bed. 

(oh, & I do know that I'm 21, I just haven't been for a full year yet.) 

thirty two things that make me happy.

I saw this little tag of sorts going around, tags that involve making lists are my favorite (I love lists). lately I feel like I've been focusing a lot more on the negative things rather than looking at the positive. which is usually unlike me, I'm typically a very optimistic person (unless I'm being dramatic) so I thought that sitting down and making myself think of things that make me happy was a good way to help me start focusing on the positive again. so in no particular order..

01. sunflowers. how can you look at them and not be happy. 

02. psych (the tv show).

03. when it pours in the summer. & the smell afterwards.

04. white cheddar popcorn.

05. painting.

06. camp fires. 

07. friends turned family.

08. cleaning my room. 

09. writing lists.

10. going on hikes. 

11. waterfalls (i've hiked to the top of this one, upper yosemite falls).

12. vacations, namely camping ones.

13. long car rides. 

14. being barefoot. 

15. hand written letters.

16. scrolling through pinterest. 

17. summer (country) concerts. & the tailgating.

18. twenty-five days of christmas. 

19. the feeling when the air conditioner turns off when you're cold. 

20. spontaneous adventures. 

21. family, my boyfriend, friends & everyone who has a place in my heart. 

22. just because acts of love. it's nice to be reminded you're loved and cared about.

23. conversations with children. particularly this one (and her siblings). 

24. my dogs. they're basically humans, and definitely a part of our family. 

25. where I grew up. the home, the town, the street, the neighbors, the memories. it has a huge piece of my heart.

26. sunshine. & just being outside.

27. working hard. & people who work hard.

28. gardens.

29. the river. & the sunsets there. 

30. daddy child relationships. they melt my heart. 

31. cowboy boots. 

32. day dreaming about the future.