28 things

Happy birthday to me! I'm 28 today, and it feels wonderful to be celebrating another year. After all, our time of grace here on earth is short, and we must make the most of it!

I have acquired a certain wisdom in my old age, so today I would like to share 28 important lessons I have learned in my 28 years.

1. NEVER put on eyeliner in a hurry. Especially eyeliner of the liquid variety. This is a grave warning, and should be taken seriously by all.

2. Stop trying to dress like everyone else. Just accept the fact that you like flowy black shirts, buy one for each day of the week, and get on with your life. No one will even notice. (Except your teenage female students...they notice all things wardrobe-related). 

3. Make your bed.  

4. How your day goes is largely determined by your mindset. You choose to go on a downward spiral. You also can choose to look at everything as a beautiful adventure. 

5. Pinterest fails are hilarious. 

6. Always carry a water bottle with you. 

7. Many minor problems, bad moods, or tough situations can be helped by a shower, a walk, or a good night's sleep. Also, Netflix.

8. You should just do that thing you keep putting off. This goes for little things like responding to that email. This also goes for big things like starting a business. 

9. School is important. But you can teach yourself an awful lot with a library card, the internet, and practice.

10. Any new skill takes time. You won't be great right away.

11. Learn a new language. Your world will expand.

12. Be a good tipper. People in the service industry work really hard. 

13. People will say really weird things to you when you're pregnant. About your body, your size, their own birthing experience, or parenting advice. They mean well... (looking at you, lady at the fro-yo shop who asked if I was having triplets). 

14. Babies will always choose the most inopportune times to have a blowout diaper situation. Try to laugh about it. 

15. Toddler tantrums are best endured by taking a video on your iPhone and putting it in slow motion. You won't win any parent of the year awards, but it will be hilarious.

16. Pay attention to the visa laws when studying in a foreign country. 

17. Under no circumstances should you leave Butt Paste, markers, or electronics within reach of a two year old without supervision.

18. Pregnancy brain is real.

19. Don't buy it on sale if you wouldn't pay full price for it.

20. If you're married to a teacher, you will frequently find paperclips in the washing machine. 

21. You and your spouse are on the same team. Act like it.

22. People will generally like you if you are kind and show interest in them...

23. Except if you're in high school. The social hierarchy in high school is terrifying, haphazard, and very Lord of the Flies-esque. Your popularity in high school is absolutely not an indicator of your future. 

24. On that same note, not

everyone

 will like you. That's actually ok. But still a hard lesson to learn. 

25. Always err on the side of being overdressed. Look nice when you're traveling. Keep some concealer in your purse. 

26. Enjoy having meals or drinks on patios in the sunshine as often as you can. I truly believe that is one of life's greatest luxuries and joys. (It's our wedding anniversary tradition - drinks on a patio!) 

27. Text (or snapchat) your best friend and siblings often with ugly selfies, inside jokes, and screenshots of memes. 

28. Trust God's plan for your life. He knows more than you do.  

I'm in awe of the people God has placed in my life, the places he has allowed me to visit, and the opportunities to work and serve he has given me. Here's to another year in his grace!

What are some of your favorite quirky life lessons?