Today is the Day I Turn 24

Today I turn 24, that's right the uneventful well into my 20's, 24. In Celebration, I thought I would tell you 24 amazing events, facts, things, and people that have shaped me into who I am today.

1. Of course my parents--I would not even be here without them, their love, and their support. They have encouraged me, challenged me, and have always seen me as who I can be and not let me settle for less.
2. My Violin I began at age 5--this instrument taught me a lot and helped me appreciate music on a level I would not have. Oh how I miss you.
3. Competed in the Utah States Jr. Miss Competition September 2003--pushing me to dance, walk gracefully in heels, and build confidence in myself I didn't know existed.
4. Pete is my love. I finished paying him off a year ago. Pete is my beautiful blue Honda Accord. So when I say For the Love of Pete, I mean my car.
5. Traveling—while expensive is my favorite hobby. Nothing like helping you to figure out yourself than to see how small you are compared to the rest of the world. To see the beauty the world has. I still have Italy, Spain, Ireland & New Zealand left to hit.
6. Nursing school--a time in all honesty is a blur. I have no doubt I was meant to be the nurse though. I've learned my strengths through this field and am constantly challenged to learn more.
7. I’m a visual person so pictures say more than words. Hence why I love photography. One day I will be better at it.
8. Starting in the ER June 2007--I can't believe I've been doing this for 2.5 years and they had the crazy thought to put me in as a charge nurse. I've grown in this job. My maturity and immaturity in many ways has changed. I know I have become desensitized to many things, only for my own protection. But I can handle stressful situations; now feel comfortable standing up for those who need it; can cry and support those who’s lives have been shattered; learned to control my emotions for the proper time; and begun to develop a love that can only resemble how the Savior must love us. I’m not perfect and need to learn so much more but I have changed so much just from working here.
9. Dani and Sarah are two friends who have helped me in unbelievable ways. Both have had challenges in their lives and have come out amazing people.
10. I blame Dani entirely for my shoe faddish—yes Dani I still have the shoe boxes in the closet picture for proof.
11. A dream of mine is to play in an orchestra for a movie soundtrack and to be able to dance like they do on So You Think You Can Dance.
12. I collect Nativity Scenes—my favorite are my Willow tree set and the set carved for me in Africa with ebony wood.
13. I am not myself in big crowds. I would rather face a bloody nasty trauma and the family then go into a room of complete strangers.
14. I an addict. Yes, I’m even a little OCD about my books. I love getting lost in their worlds and bringing the Characters to lifein my head.
15. Traditions are important to me. Everything from movie night with dad on birthdays to Muppet Christmas Carol with eggnog on Christmas Eve.
16. Within my possession is a broad collection of Instrumental Movie Soundtracks. Hans Zimmer is a brilliant composer.
17. Christmas is my favorite season. I love coming up with presents for everyone that will really make them smile. The whole world to some degree sees the Savior and the hope he provides for the world. Plus the decorations, smells, and stories. I still wake up early on Christmas morning and go through my stocking before my parents get up.
18. Being on a boat for a month doing humanitarian work will change anyone. So many lives changed. Inspired me to get my butt in gear and start my Masters degree in Public Health. Which leads me to my ultimate goal:
19. I want to travel the world—mostly in third world countries teaching and caring for those who never have access to health care. With my Masters I want to start a humanitarian organization nonprofit whose focus is to teach and educate.
20. Scott, Amber, Mark, Kevin, Kristi, Kalli & Weston. All I need to do is spend time with them to be reminded how much a part of me they are. Each have taught me and allowed me to just be me. My favorite memories are with my family.
21. The lack of sleep was my first clue to adulthood. Now it is my favorite thing to do because I never seem to get enough of it.
22. When I was baptized as a child, they filled the font to tall so my short little self couldn’t touch the bottom. My dad had to carry me to the middle and back again. I still remember that day one because of the water problem and two because of the amazing gift I was giving.
23. I LOVE BLANKETS & FUZZY SOCKS! Yes, the fall and winter are my favorite time of year because I can cuddle up all nice and warm with a cup of hot chocolate and a book.
24. I love to learn. I know my Heavenly Father & my Savior love me. With the knowledge I have stayed close to them, understood my life a little better, and had the courage to do things I never would have.
    
    

I’m so close to being a menace to society.