Today is...

My Birthday!

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.

There are still a few things on my list, so get ready Beau.  We may need to go skydiving in Germany with my distant family after running in a 1/2 marathon. 

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:

{pinterest}

2 oz. bourbon
2 oz. chocolate syrup
1 cup vanilla ice cream
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.


YUMMY!