I'm Officially in My Mid-30's!

Hello to all who read. Yesterday (Feb. 11th) was my 35th birthday. It sounds old but I don't feel old...in my mind I'm still in my mid-20's for some reason. Wonder why that is?

Anyway, don't have long to post but I thought I would, in honor of the gift of 35 years of life, tell you 35 things about myself. So here goes:

1) I'm addicted to Starbuck's. I know it's expensive, but it's the ambiance of it that draws me in...like I feel "hip" for being there.

2) I have recently discovered the Whole Foods store and I feel healthier just walking in there. I highly recommend their fish - so fresh and healthy.

3) I recently joined the gym and hired a trainer to help me get in shape.

4) I now exercise 5-6 times a week consistently.

5) I LOVE reality TV.

6) My favorites are American Idol and The Biggest Loser.

7) My husband and I have our friends Daniel and Andrea over every Wed. night for a "Lost" viewing party. During the commercials and after the show, we gripe and complain about how confused we are and threaten to stop watching if they don't provide some answers!

8) My husband and I talk to each other through our Chocolate Lab, Maggie, with a distinctive accent that is "her voice." We've done this throughout our marriage.

9) My sister, Kelly, is 8 years younger than me and she is my best friend.

10) I am so blessed to have about 10 girlfriends that I know I could call in the middle of the night that would drop everything to help me if I needed them. In my opinion, that makes me wealthy beyond measure.

11) I grew up going to church but didn't surrender my life to Christ until I was 24.

12) I went to Maui on my honeymoon and stayed at the Ritz Carlton...it was amazing!

13) I've been on mission trips to India, Ukraine and Venezuela.

14) I am going to South Africa this summer for 10 days to do Hospice ministry to terminally ill, end-stage AIDS patients. I cannot wait!

15) I am a horrible singer but LOVE to sing loudly.

16) When I exercise, I have to have "booty" music on my ipod...that's the only time I listen to it.

17) I love to write.

18) Scrapbooking is one of my favorite hobbies but I rarely have time.

19) My husband once wrote me a whole book of thoughts about life and his feelings for me...I love to pull it out and read it.

20) I love to get a good facial at the spa.

21) I prefer a pedicure to a manicure.

22) Grande caramel mocha is my favorite Starbuck's drink but I'm learning to love Skinny Vanilla latte's

23) The aerobics class I attend is called Booty Blast - the name in itself is enough to inspire me to go.

24) Everyone tells me that my daughter has my personality. I actually feel better about myself now because I think she is so hilarious - so other people must think I'm funny.

25) I love studying the Bible...it's not a "chore" to me.

26) I am very impatient and fly off the handle over silly things (working on that).

27) My husband is very patient and totally balances me out.

28) The thing I am most passionate about in the world is orphans...I think EVERY child should have a family.

29) I am fiercely loyal.

30) I am honest (to a fault sometimes).

31) I have learned the past year that I can be way too hard on myself. I'm learning to lower my expectations and enjoy life.

32) I don't want to settle for less in areas that I can do something about. That's what has motivated me to get healthy.

33) I am more in love with my husband now than the day we got married, even though our marriage is sometimes hard - he is wonderful to me and Eden.

34) Being Eden's mommy humbles me to tears almost daily. She is such a blessing

FINALLY,

35) Our family is in plans to begin the adoption process again soon...we hope from Uganda (Africa). If not there, then China again.

So, there's some info about me. Hope you all have a great Valentine's weekend with those you love most.