WHAT I'VE LEARNED

Photo of Gail Werner by Betsy King Photography

Wife, Photographer, Smoothie Maker Extraordinaire, 27

The right kind of relationships are the key to fulfillment in life. I stole those exact words from my incredible pastor, but he took 'em out of my mouth.

Your 20s are just the roller coaster ascent to your 30s. I've spent the past seven years of my life trying to be a grown-up version of myself -- and figuring out what, exactly, that means. What's that saying, "Life is what happens when you're busy making plans?" Aint' that the truth.

Not a day passes I don't grapple with self doubts. Creating this business has been a true labor of love, but it's been an uphill climb. The times I've wondered whether I have what it takes to do this, I'm reminded of this quote: "Never give up on something or someone you can't go a whole day without thinking about." I think I read that on someone's Facebook.

My grandmother has taught me a lot -- much of it without ever saying a word. She has a quiet grace I love. She holds her tongue when she needs to. She's a God-fearing woman with a penchant for picking up her knitting needles and we get along like peanut butter and jelly. Did I mention she loves shoes and celebrity gossip too?

Marriage is one of the greatest learning experiences in life. I tell my friends who are unmarried to marry their best friend. That's the way you make it stick. If you can't duke it out, then laugh it out, then hug it out, well ... you've got problems you might want to address before you reach the altar.

Money has never been important to me. Well, sure, that part about having a roof over my head is important. But Scrooge McDuck kind of money? Nahhh ... don't need it. You could give me a million dollars right now and I'd still drive my Subaru Outback. I'd still live in a modest ranch with mid-century decor on a quiet tree-lined street. Now, I might live out of my suitcase a bit more, I'm not gonna lie.

Did I mention I love to read? Like, whoa ... A LOT.

And the older I get, the more I understand this love is a blessing. Because I know there are people who struggle with words on a page. And I thank my lucky stars I was born a book junkie. 'Cause when I have a book nearby, I never ever consider myself alone.

There are two kinds of people when it comes to the kitchen. Those who like to cook. And those who like to bake. I'm a cooker, not a baker. All things considered, I've never met a cupcake I didn't like.

San Francisco. It's one of my favorite cities. 'Cause, you know, I've been to SOOO many. But seriously ... I love that place. Now, the hills? The hills are a challenge. Who needs a Stair Climber when you live there?

I think better at night. Late at night. Which makes waking up in the morning a real pain in the you-know-what.

I'm attracted to genuine people. Those who aren't caught up in trying to out-do everybody around them with the newest car or the latest luxury handbag. But the kind of people in whose presence I could uncork a bottle of wine, spend an evening talking, and laugh myself silly with. Yeah, you know who you are.