Reason #13 - Sunsets

I have always loved sunsets. But this past year I feel like I've gained a deeper appreciation for how beautiful a sunset can really be. There have been days driving home from work when I'm tempted to stop along the side of the freeway just so that I don't have to miss a moment of it. On those days, I'm sure I've caught a glimpse of the skies in Heaven. There is a feather dusting of clouds across the sky, and above me is a perfect kaleidoscope of golds, pinks, and here and there still hints of blue. And for just a moment, my world is exquisitely perfect.

Tonight I was heading home, late as usual for dinner which of course would make me late for the rest of the night. But I had to stop and snap a few shots of the fiery pink sky. I was a little late and didn't have the best view, but I caught just a bit of color before it dropped below the horizon.

Reason #12 - Cookie Dough

When I was a kid, I was always happy to help pour the cake batter into the baking dish, or put the cookie dough onto a tray, because then I could sneak a few spoonfuls without being caught, or at least make sure there was plenty left to be "scraped" from the bowl. The beautiful thing about being 30 is that now I'm officially "grown up." And while I may not quite act my age all the time, I am at least old enough to have my own apartment where I can make an entire batch of cookie dough just for me, and no one else will care if I don't actually get around to making cookies.

Although making cookie dough just for me sounds appealing, the other thing that comes with being 30 is a lowered metabolism, and higher concern for the places the dough might choose to settle in once eaten. So... it's become somewhat tradition that when I eat Sunday dinner at my parents house, someone has to make "cookies". This way, we might eat every last drop before pulling out a cookie sheet, but at least I've shared in the indulgence and the remorse.

I've never once regretted missing out on those warm gooey fresh-out-of-the-oven cookies. Usually I'm so sick from all the cookie dough that I only eat one (or two) out of obligation. And it just goes to show, some things are worth the wait... and some things definitely are not.