Living it up. Counting it down.

When I was a little kid, I would get so antsy in the days just preceding my birthday. I would make paper chains and get so excited to be a year older. It just meant that I got more privileges and fewer restrictions, right?

For instance, turning 8 meant that I got to be baptized into the LDS church.

The age of 12 brought with it the entrance into 'tween'hood, which meant getting to wear make-up and staying up until 9:30pm on weeknights.

When I turned 14, I could go to the stake dances and drive my dad's tractor legally on the road (true story--I actually looked forward to this...).

16 held so many possibilities with dating and a job and being able to drive an actual car.

At the ripe old age of 18, I was sure I would move out on my own and make something of myself.

The age of 21 wasn't incredibly exciting, seeing as I had no plans to ever drink...BUT, it did mean that I could get into casinos in Vegas. Which...well...yeah, I don't gamble either.

At any rate, getting older has always felt like it's opened doors for me and made life more favorable and satisfying. Oh age...what a cruel mistress you've become.

This week, I hit 28. It's not old. Seriously--it's NOT old. And I'm not just saying that. But really, what does 28 have to offer that 27 didn't? I'll tell you what I hope to accomplish during this next year of my life:

• Starting school--again. August 22nd marks my first foray into the world of graduate school! I have officially been accepted at the University of Utah's MPA program, and I've been slowly coming to terms with the loss of the comforts in life I've become accustomed to, namely my afternoon nap.
• Learning how to make pie crust from scratch--without any tears on my part.
• Going on a week-long vacation to one of the world's little paradise places, Puerto Rico, complete with my own travel guide (little brother, Matt!).
• Practicing the hymn True to the Faith enough that I can play it without the kind of anxiety that happens in those dreams where you are naked in front of a crowd.
• Reading my scriptures daily (I've only missed one day since January 1st this year!) and gaining a stronger testimony of the gospel and my religion.
• Planting a small patio garden (the easy part)...and keeping it alive (the not-so-easy part).

...and more. Lots more. I've found that life always has a little something different in store than I think, no matter what age I am. This is definitely not where I saw myself at 28 years of age, but I think I like this better. Strike that, I know I like this better.