Tough as Nails

They say it takes 21 days to develop a habit. For me it has taken 21 years to break one. When I was in Mrs. Davis' 4th grade class at Jefferson Elementary, I began biting my nails, probably the result of the academic weight of AG classes. That year my mom offered to give me $10 for each finger if I would stop biting my nails. Well, I'm writing to collect. After inflation, I've calculated that the promised $100 in 1987 would now be $186.76. Mom, you can make the check payable to "Drew 'scissorhands' Hill." : )

So what motivated me to stop? Four things.
1. When my sister Abby returned from a semester in Spain in December, she had broken her habit. Seeing her nails made me believe it could happen.
2. I decided that since I was turning 30 this year, I should grow up and act like an adult. Boy, those last 16 years of adolescence sure were fun.
3. For school we have to write a "character formation" contract each semester. My goal for this semester was "self-discipline" and stopping biting my nails was a practical way to grow in that.
4. It was one of the things I gave up for Lent. Making it a pact between God and I made me take it a little more seriously. Funny thing to give up for Lent, huh?

So what are the advantages to having nails? Well, now I can do a few things I never could before:
-scratch Natalie's back
-open a can drink without a spoon
-get the smell to come out of scratch and sniff stickers
-remove the lint from the lint-trap in the dryer
-and plenty more exciting new things I'm discovering every day

Here is a pretty gross pic of my nails from our wedding.


And here are some shots we took yesterday!

Check out them badboys! Mom, I love making you proud! : ) SURPRISE!!!