a few of my favorite things.

1. Traveling: I absolutely love to travel. The world we live in is so vast and there are so many different and unique things to experience and see. Some people may just look at it as a great way to vacation, and yeah it is. But to me, it's so much more than that. Traveling opens up so many doors and allows us to experience other cultures and I really value that. It gives us the chance to see the world from new perspectives and opens our eyes to what life is like for others. Recently had the opportunity to spend six weeks in Europe visiting a couple of my best friends and I would not trade that experience for anything.

2. Being at the beach, coast, sea, ocean: If you know me, then you probably know that I have a tattoo of an anchor on the back of my neck. I always get asked a lot of questions about it. What does it mean? Why did you get it? ect. Usually I try to just give people a short response and hope they are satisfied with my answer because if I really got into it they may be even more confused by it. It might sound strange or outlandish when I say that I feel like it, in the most perfect way, represents who I am as a person, as a soul, as an identity, what makes me feel complete. I have this odd obsession with anchors and the shore of oceans, seas, & lakes. And if it was up to me, I would spend my entire life on the coastline of some body of water. Some day I hope I can wake up to a view like this from my bed every morning.

3. Enjoying the company of my family + friends: Every now and then I am reminded just how much I take for granted the people I am surrounded by. They have helped shape me to the person I am today and will continue to do so the rest of my life. I truly value and appreciate all the support they have offered me throughout my lifetime. I would be nothing without them. 

4. Mini huskies + kittens + babies: This may seem kind of random after the more serious previous thoughts but it is what it is. I kind of have a thing for all little young life forms actually, especially for human babies. There is such a sense of innocence that intrigues me. They hold this clean slate that has the potential for endless opportunities. I'm currently working towards a nursing degree which I hope to use as a gateway to get involved in pediatrics and help better the lives of babies and children.

5. Shopping: Shopping is definitely a weakness of mine. I do my best to stay away from the mall and to stay away from online shopping, but I tend to give in from time to time.

6. Carmel apple cider: Every time I drink it, it reminds me of the fall time and the great things fall brings with it; The trees changing color, the relaxing atmosphere, & the perfect weather for a nice walk.

7. Doing crafty things: I love to take an afternoon and spend time with my mom, with a friend, or by myself to make crafty things. I get a sense of accomplishment when I can sit down and make something by hand when we live in such an industrial world today.

8. Being in a big city: I love being able to just lose myself in a big place. When I can visit the same city over and over again and always see something new or have the opportunity to do something I have never done before, that excites me. 

9. Running + rollerblading: I really enjoy being physically active and being in shape. I've had a tough past couple years. Running and working out really helps me deal with stress and anger and when I was diagnosed with hip dysplasia I had a very hard time sitting back and do nothing while I waited and recovered from my reconstructive hip surgeries. But I am very thankful that we have the technology today that we do and that it was possible to fix my hip so I can move forward and get back to being active again.

10. curling up in a blanket + listening to music on a rainy day: If I had an alternative perfect day, this would be it. I love, love, love curling up in a blanket on a rainy day and listening to music.