Some Thoughts on Turning 30

Taking a moment at Cannon Beach, OR to contemplate my birthday...

A little over a week ago was my 30th Birthday.  A lot of people look at their 30th birthday as a scary, anxiety provoking milestone.  I can say with certainty that it was not for me.  I really enjoyed my 20's - when I think of everything that I did and what I accomplished - I feel content.  My college experience was everything I wanted it to be (maybe with less A's than I wanted), I moved to New York City and accomplished my masters degree in a subject I love, I traveled to Europe for the first time (and what I thought would likely be the only time....boy was I wrong!), and I met my amazing husband, who I can safely say is the love of my life.

I had hard times during my 20's too...and things happened that will affect me for years to come.  My father was ill (gravely on several different occasions) and eventually passed away from cancer, I lost a friendship, one that felt more like family, and I made an unsuccessful attempt at gaining admission to a PhD program (but I did try! and boy it is competitive!).  These things were all difficult, and made an indelible impression on me - but it is for that reason that I don't feel bitter or allow them to mar the view I have of that time period in my life.  Both the good and the bad have made me the well rounded, semi-flawed, self-conscious and hopeful person that I am.

I look forward to what my 30s have to bring.  Who knows what will happen or where I'll end up.  In the meanwhile, to all my family and friends who read this blog - thank you for helping make my life what it is, and I can't wait to see where this decade goes.