Thirty Before Thirty

Part of the reason I’ve been m.i.a. from this blog for so long is because I didn’t actually know how long it’d been. You see, as we grow up, nobody really prepares us for the fact that time as an adult moves at a completely different pace than time as a child. Like whoa! One minute it’s August and a couple turkeys later it’s the middle of February and I’m freezing. It just won’t slow down. And as a result, I’m “getting older”. You know, the kind of older where it’s finally time to begin coloring my virgin locks because no matter the age of my heart, the colonies of grey hairs that have claimed a New World on my scalp are certainly rubbing reality in.

It’s not alllll bad of course. I mean, I’m getting married and welcoming the next chapters of my life. And I’m excited about it. Plus let’s be honest, my youth was a wild fun one. No major regrets or injuries. That I can remember. (Kidding, Mom)

So to commemorate my twenties I’ve come up with a list of things that I’d like to accomplish before I turn thirty. Which is in approximately 20 months, so you know, these are DO-ABLE things. And since do-able doesn’t always mean they’ll get done, I’d like to reserve my right to a “roll-over plan”. So like, if 30 comes more quickly than expected (which it probably will, ohemgee), I reserve the right to roll any incomplete tasks over to my ‘35 Before 35’ list. Because what is life without a bunch o’ lists, right?!

1. Learn calligraphy
2. Hike The Narrows
3. Get scuba diving certified
4. Coachella
5. Go on a vacation alone
6. Be debt-free!
7. NYC
8. Hike to Kolob Arch
9. Read 30 books
10. New Zealand
11. Get a piano
12. Make homemade pasta
13. Drive-Inn Movie (Sean has NEVER been to a drive-inn. Should MY feelings be hurt?)
14. Get a new tattoo
15. Audition for a production
16. Chop my hair
17. Write a song
18. Perfect the homemade churro
19. Paint a picture
20. Quit my job for something better
21. Take a dance class
22. Visit my out-of-town friends
23. Go on a cruise
24. Buy a better camera
25. Minimize More!
26. Go on a backpacking trip
27. Hawai’i with Sean
28. A vacation with my family
29. Get healthy. Really healthy.
30. Save $1,000 to spend on myself on my 30th birthday  

Happy Birthday, Mama!

We celebrated Mama's 53rd (I mean, 23rd) birthday this week. Oh, how they grow up so quickly!

I love my Mom. Words can't express how wonderful she is. I'm one lucky girl to have her as my own.

And she's one lucky Mom because I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning baking these bad boys just for her...

Nutella cupcakes with vanilla cream cheese, almond buttercream and nutella cream cheese frostings.

I know, right?!? 

We spent the day scoping out the finest local garage sales and I must say, I should've become a frequent "garage saler" long ago. Then we spent the evening together as a family barbecuing and hanging out. Mom loves being with her kids and we love being with her. How freaking cute is she?!

Happy Birthday, Mama!!

Always,

Kaitlyn Marie

Happy Birthday, Sister!

"Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of. You know whatever you do, they'll still be there."

My Lyndsey is growing up.

Too fast, if you ask me.

I thought she'd always be mine, but now "Naughty Conradi" has come along and plans to steal her for "eternity".

Let's be honest...

Losing my sister to a wedding ring is slightly heartbreaking,

but I'm dealing.

Anyway, on this day, twenty years ago, my first little sister came into my world. Since then and forever more, she'll always be my "almost best friend"...

even after "Naughty Conradi" whisks her away.

So, to my sister,

Although today is your birthday, it's a special day for me as well and a day that marks one of the most precious moments in my life. There is no better friend than a sister, and there is no better sister than you (and Shelby, wink wink)

Happy Birthday Lynds!

Kindly,
Kait

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

April 1st is always a favorite. Not only is it April Fools Day, but it also happens to be my birthday.
I enjoyed MY day this year, turning 25 is a big milestone, and I was touched by the many facebook birthday wishes that graced my wall, the well wishing text messages that flooded my inbox, and even an offer for lunch. I have great friends...




HA!
But I am much smarter than them!


April Fools!...


April 1st ended up being a better day than usual this year for it is NOT in fact my birthday!


So, the joke is on you my friends. I ended the day feeling great not only because I got a "free" birthday, but because I got to lie all day and not feel guilty about it.
Next year will be bigger and better. My prankster mind is already brewing up brilliant ideas.


Beware.




Oh... and I'm also not 25... yet. Ha! Gotchya again!