Visual Gratitude #21: The Fine People of MN

My love for Minnesota runs so deep that back in 2008 I was compelled to have the state tattooed on my body. I truly love being a Minnesotan.

Today, Thursday, May 9, 2013, I'm especially proud to say that I'm a Minnesotan. The MN House of Representatives voted 75-59 in favor of legalizing gay marriages in the state. I am so grateful for the people who spoke their truth and supported people who simply love each other.

Of course I didn't take this picture (thanks go to Minnesota Public Radio), but I am grateful for even those who oppose the legalization of gay marriage. I'm grateful that I live in a democratic society where both sides can put together signs, wear matching t-shirts, and sing out their message.

Visual Gratitude #20: Travel

I haven't had the opportunity to travel much, but when I do, I love it. I feel so blessed to be able to experience different places, people, food, culture, music, etc. simply by jumping on a plane and going where it takes me.

I've been to Mexico a couple times. I spent a week and a half with a family in Cuernavaca, Mexico when I was in middle school. I appreciated it then, but I now wish I had fully taken advantage of the experience when I had the chance. While in college my boyfriend and I spent pretty much every penny we had to spend New Years Eve in Paris. It was lovely. Last year I had the privilege to explore Vieques, Puerto Rico. And although I thought I would never make it, I was in a wedding in Antigua, Guatemala last fall.

At only 26 I feel like I've been able to explore quite a bit, but I hope the future holds more exploration in various countries for me.

Photo taken in Antigua, Guatemala in October of 2012. 

Let's be real here...

So those of you who follow my blog (I know you're out there and I'd encourage you to officially follow my blog and not check on it every once in a while *wink wink*), have probably come to realize that my 30 Days of Visual Gratitude has kind of fallen behind. I'm still committed to posting 30 different pictures of things I'm grateful for, however, April was a challenging month. Below I will rant about my excuses...

1. House Hunting-I have been going through the dreadful process of house hunting. Anyone that is looking for a home to purchase right now can feel my pain. Friends, we are no longer in a buyers' market and inventory is way low. Good houses are selling in a matter of days. It's been a stressful time, but I know we'll find the right home soon!

2. Craptastic Phone-When given the opportunity to pay a little extra to update your phone, always say yes! I, of course, decided to go the cheap route and get the free phone when I was able to upgrade last year. Bad choice. My phone has been my primary resource when it comes to taking pictures, however, it has a memory capacity of about zero and now refuses to save any pictures I take.

3. An E-Reader Has Taken Over My Life-Long story short, I've had an unopened Nook sitting in my bedroom for the last year. A few weeks ago I finally figured I'd give it a whirl. Lo and behold I love that thing! Every spare moment I have has been spent reading various books on my e-reader. Seriously. It's taken over my life. I don't think I've actually seen my boyfriend's face in two weeks because I'm always staring at computerized book. It's time I set it aside and catch up on my writing... and spend time with actual human beings.

Visual Gratitude: #19 Camping

Up until the last year or so, I was not much of an outdoors kind of lady. Sure I liked going for walks and sitting outside on the beach, but that was about it. Last summer my boyfriend encouraged me to open my mind to the possibility of camping. I hadn't been camping since I was a child and only had horrid memories of the experiences. So many poles to put the stupid tent together. Chances were someone was going to step on one of the poles and ultimately ruin the tent. Oh, and at night, the tent was guaranteed to leak. Camping just wasn't for me.

After some discussion with the boyfriend, he convinced me that camping gear had come a long way. Within a few weeks we were onto our first overnight camping soiree. He was right. Times and technology had changed. My mouth was permanently agape with surprise as the tent took probably a total of three minutes to put together. And within a good fifteen minutes our entire campsite was assembled. My next thought was, "Now what?". Seriously. I recall showing up at our campsite as a child and from the time we got there until it was time to go to sleep we were busy putting stuff together and organizing our site. Maybe it just took so long because my parents had three unruly kids to take care of too...

Anyway, after a few overnights last summer, I was hooked on camping. I enjoy the simplicity of being outside and having everything you need in one place. My boyfriend and I typically do a bit of hiking on our camping trips too, so I of course like the physicality of it all. I also now have a hefty dividend at REI to prove my new love for camping.