Cheers To 2 Years

It’s hard to believe that I have been blogging for 2 years.  I can still remember pushing the orange button to publish my first blog post ever. I still consider myself an amateur blogger, but with 2 years under my belt, I don't think I can continue to say that.  Why do I consider myself amateur, because I still have a lot to learn.  I do not have the time I would like to commit to blogging since it is a side hobby and not a source of income.

I'm in a weird season right now, when it comes to blogging.  If you look back over the last few months, you will notice that I haven't posted as much as I normally do.  Sometimes you have to sit back and relax when life starts to take you in a different direction.  This summer, I decided to rest, reflect, and not feel pressured to set timelines and due dates.  This summer, I allowed myself to focus more on everything around me and not center myself around my blog.  And, you know what?  It feels perfectly okay!

I used to worry about page views and comments.  Whether my post would reach new readers and whether it would inspire others.  I used to worry about linking up daily to get myself out there and reading endless blog posts by other bloggers.  This used to consume so much of my time and energy that other aspects of my life were starting to feel neglected.  I can remember staying up late to edit pictures (which is not as easy as you may think).  Staying up late to get just the right post.  Staying up late when I needed to be getting rest because my real job was waiting for me the next day.  The real job that pays the bills and takes care of my family.  Something had to give.

 I am not giving up on blogging, I'm just not putting all of my energy into it.  I was running myself ragged.  At the time, I didn't realize it because it was fun, new and exciting and when you're excited about something, you get this burst of energy that tells you to just keep going!  So, that's what I did.  Now, I'm going to relax a little and blog when I feel like it and not as an obligation. 

This summer helped me to reflect and remember why I initially started blogging and I held true to that reason, to a certain extent.  It has helped me to get all the crazy thoughts, running through my head, out in a more organized fashion.  It has helped me to share all the stories about my crazy, quirky life. It has helped me to be me in a way that is extremely public, yet still private in some aspects.  It has helped me to make new friends that I will always cherish and to grow as a writer, which is something I have always longed to do. 

 So as I celebrate two years, I want to say thanks to all of you because if it were not for you, no one would even know my little space in the blogosphere even exists.  Thank you for taking the time to read, comment, offer advice, and share.  Thank you for your loyalty and support.  Thank you for sharing this journey with me.  One of the perks that comes along with blogging is meeting people with similar values and interest.  Sharing my stories wouldn't be nearly as fulfilling without all of you sharing these adventures with me.  I can't wait to see what year three has in store!  Cheers!

Happy Birthday To Me

Today is my birthday!  I am 45 years young!  Inside, I feel young and spirited like a 20-year-old, but my body is starting to tell a different story.  Haha... :)

My boys have tortured me by placing my gift and card on the table yesterday afternoon.  When I arrived from work, I gasped when I saw it and instantly wanted to open the pretty wrapping.

  My son decorated it with magazine pages and I love how he created a bow out of comic strip paper.

Of course, I had to wait to open it today.  So check out what they gave me!

I told them I wasn't expecting a gift, but they were sweet enough to get me one anyway and my card was filled with money!  

 I received a few cards in the mail and a delicious slice of cake from church on Sunday.

Our church celebrated #August birthdays today. Each month, the #birthday boys/girls are recognized, a song is sung, and a slice of #cake is given to you at the end of service. One of the many traditions our church does for the family. At our church, as I'm sure with others, we are all #family. Hoping everyone is having a #blessed #Sunday! #birthdaymonth #Leoseason #HappyBirthday #birthdaysurprise #bloggersconnect

A photo posted by sunshineandelephants (@sunshine.and.elephants) on Aug 7, 2016 at 1:24pm PDT

As I approached my office this morning, I was greeted by these beautiful balloons.

My coworkers took me out to lunch at a local restaurant and one of them baked me a cake.  I guess I was too excited because I forgot to take a picture.  Oh well, I must say I had a great day!   I received lots of hugs, lots of Happy Birthday postings on social media, phone calls, and other gifts!

Tonight, I celebrated with the two most special people in my life...my boys!  They treated me to dinner at my favorite restaurant, Senor Tequila and we feasted on the most delicious meal.  Again, I was too excited, or too hungry, to take a picture.  Too much fun can cause you to forget things.  

I am truly blessed to have amazing family and friends who found it not robbery to go out of there way for little ole me.  I want to thank everyone for making my day special and thank God for allowing me to see another day here on Earth.

I am 45 years old! Man, that's a mouthful. Thanking God for allowing me to be here to celebrate another year of life. Thank you all my friends and family for your love and support. ITS MY BIRTHDAY!! 😄😄😄🎈🎈🎈🎂🍨🎉 #happybirthdaytome #HappyBirthday #itsmybirthday #cheers #anotheryearoflife #letscelebrate #imexcited #Augustbaby #Leoseason #Leo #bloggersconnect #BloggersGetSocial #birthdaygirl

A photo posted by sunshineandelephants (@sunshine.and.elephants) on Aug 10, 2016 at 4:37am PDT

Are you an August baby like me?  How are you celebrating?