perksofbeingmel

I always like to write a little bit when I’ve experienced or am about to experience a sort of “milestone.”  I’ve got two milestones coming up.  The first, my 21st birthday tomorrow!  Hooray, I get a horizontal license that verifies my age to start legally poisoning my body with alcohol.  YES.  *I will admit, that when I saw my brother after almost 3 years, it was only right to have my first”cocktail” with him.* 😛

SIKE.  😛 Turning 21 is actually just another number to me.  I’m only excited because I just really love birthdays.  Even as I get older, there is still something excited and special about them to me.  Even though I’m not home with my family, and Kyler is currently gone in New York, (lucky bum) I am so lucky to have such an amazing friend here to spend the day with, along with Mac and Prada.  I’m also lucky enough to have the day off of work tomorrow, too.  I plan on sleeping in, spending the morning/afternoon with my pooches, maybe making a trip to the bookstore, and then going out to eat with Prangley. 🙂

I like to think that in my short 21 years, I have learned a lot.  I may not have accomplished what most may or may not have typically accomplished by 21, but I think within myself I have discovered a lot, as well as learned a lot about the world.  I think self discovery is one of the most important things in life, which leads to knowing who you are, what you want, and staying true to who you are as an individual.  My second mile stone is my 2 year anniversary with my husband who I am still madly in love with.  To some, two years is still the “honeymoon” phase.  And when people say that, when I’m not in the mood to be sassy, I think to myself, why would you ever want to leave the honeymoon phase?  To me that’s what your marriage should always feel like.  Unrealistic?  No, it’s not.  Sure, reality hits after the actual “honeymoon” and life becomes hectic at times, but that shouldn’t diminish the romance, passion, and LOVE in your marriage.  And since Kyler and I never went on a honeymoon, our life together is considered our honeymoon as far as I’m concerned.  🙂

When we first got to Tennessee after the 3 day road trip from the beautiful state of Washington, it reminded me a lot of Michigan.  Corn fields, tractors, potholes, Walmart.  But life here is good.  Summers are extremely hot and humid, actually, dare I say it, making me MISS the Michigan weather. *GASP*  Really though, I burst into flames every time I walk out the door.  I am SO ready for fall.  Last year, I was able to go to school and I am now a Certified Dog Obedience Trainer, SO OFFICIAL. 😉  I can’t believe I never thought of working with animals as a career.  DUH MEL, DUH. About a month after graduating, I was able to find an amazing job as a Kennel Assistant at a boarding place, working for an amazing family.

While I truly, deeply miss Washington and everything we got to experience there, I think life itself got better when we moved here.  We now have two beautiful dogs who complete and compliment Kyler and I’s marriage.  Our life is simple, with just a touch of complicated here and there.  When Kyler is able to get the time off of work, we’re able to be home in under 8 hours.  The weather here fit’s the seasons.  There are fun things to do if you can venture out and find them.

We have made so many good memories here so far.  Starting a few traditions, like 4th of July with Christina (prangley) and Maceo, having a bbq and going to the carnival on post.  As well as spending a few holidays at the river with the dogs, having a bbq and taking the dogs for a swim!

I’ve been able to see life in several new ways, learn the ins and outs, ups and downs of being married to a man in the military, learn how to be independent, and so much more through my journey over the past few years.  I know how to accept things as they come, and let go of things I cannot change myself.  I can appreciate the time I get with family, appreciate the teeny tiny things, as well as the mighty things that hit you right in the kisser.  Life can be wonderful if you choose to make it wonderful. I’m grateful to be living a life where I am truly happy, and excited to live every single day.

Well, even though this post was not very poetic, I just wanted to document a few thoughts and reflect a little bit on things happening and how life keeps coming together. 🙂 I’m off to bed, to wake up as a 21 year old. 🙂