That moment

... when you realize that as you grow older your views shift. 

• Saw a bachelorette getting out of her car today and her and her accompanying party looked like they weren't able to get into a bar. This was a bit scary, as I have grown to believe that you should be a lot closer to the 30 marker than the 20 marker to get married. I know it all seems logical to marry young, have kids, etc... but that's just not true. Spend your 20's developing yourself, experiencing culture, and enjoying life; you only get one shot at this - do it right!

... when you wish you could have a conversation with someone, but you can't. 

• Growing up and growing older makes this harder especially when the people you trust with your emotions, complaints, joys, heart, soul, and craziness are few and far between. Be cautious with these connections and nurture them because one day you will not have them any more.

... when you realize that you are learning to stop caring so much about the little things. 

• Middle of the day and we had amazing homemade ice cream from Sweet Cow (gasp) before dinner. Life's uncertain eat dessert first (just not all the time)!

... when you make a conscious decision to work harder at everything. 

• This comes from a background of being required to be an active member of my family. I despise people who choose not to work; if you are of able mind and body to work, you should. I don't care how rich your husband, daddy, mama, grandmama is, you should work. This can be as limited as a part time job paired with volunteering or as much as a full time job to help plan for retirement. What I know is this is one of the reasons for a weakened sense of self and country. 

... when you realize that small things still make you happy. 

• Enjoyed the hell out of (Fast & the) Furious 6! Six installments later and I am still bought in. Same went for the new Star Trek and Iron Man. :-) 

... when getting your ass handed to you sounds like a great idea. 

• I love getting my ass kicked in a variety of ways whether it be through psyching myself up to try out for derby next season, ice skating, or kickboxing class. This is a shift in my own thoughts and it is for the better. It really just means find something you love and go all in. 

... when you realize that family is priority. 

• When you come from a background where family is complicated the decisions you make in regards to them will shape your future relationships. Those that you consider family (blood or not) are the ones who you are required to make the effort to be with and make memories with. Don't take them for granted - a simple text, a quick email, a card, or a phone call will suffice. Make sure that no matter the next day's outcome your family knows that you love them and will always care for them. Be sure that when they are gone you can make peace with their departure and have a ton of amazing memories to help you make it through the tough times.