Usually, I am whole-heartedly in support of birthdays; however, today's celebration is a little bittersweet.
Today, I begin my last year as a twenty-something. This time 365 days from now I will be hiding under the covers refusing to face the world. Well, that might be a bit of an exaggeration. The thing that is most alarming about turning twenty-nine is not the end of my twenties but how quickly my thirties are approaching.
I feel like I just turned 21 yesterday. I am slowly chipping away at the life goals I set for myself; however, my "things to do before I'm 30" timeline is shortening.
My friend K discussed her approach to 30 very eloquently. Like her, I am happy with who I am today. I am more confident in myself than ever. When I review my "To Do before 30" list, I've accomplished almost everything I have independent control over.
- Graduate from High School - Where I made some of my oldest and truest friends.
- Dive in the Junior Olympics - Where I realized athletics was not my life's calling.
- Attend College - Where I made friends from around the country and learned about life beyond my tiny "big-city" Virginia.
- Join a sorority - Where I expanded my sisterhood beyond just blood (LISK).
- Live in New York - Where I learned the yellow ones don't stop.
- Graduate with a degree in something I am passionate about - Where I learned to blaze my own path.
- Move to a new place - Where I forced myself out of my comfort zone (I've lived in 3 new cities and 2 new states).
- Get a good job - Where I learned happiness at work is what you make of it.
- Travel out of the country - Where I learned about the world outside of our beautiful and privileged USA.
- Make $x/yr - Where I learned there is no substitute for hard work on the path to success.
- Buy a house - Where I learned if you fail to plan your planning to fail.
- Buy a BMW - Where I learned the seed of love can be planted when you're VERY young.
I also realize as I look over my list, that the next go-round will be full of experiences instead of a collection of possessions. I'm proud these accomplishments/possessions because they mean I am setting, meeting, and in some cases exceeding my goals; however, the value in my life approaching 30 is very different than that of a 20 year old. I can't wait for the experiences that await me in this upcoming year and beyond. Starting with tonight.....
I hope to be enjoy the experience of a Bourbon Chocolate Milkshake:
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2 oz. bourbon
2 oz. chocolate syrup
1 cup vanilla ice cream
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
YUMMY!
