28

I turn 28 years old in five days.  Each birthday I have seems to make me more reflective on my years as they keep flying by.  My birthday this year is a calm sort of milestone, coming into a new age and new year of my life in a fairly graceful way, it seems.  

So, to reflect on my year...between 27 and 28...


*I didn't travel as much as I've love to (the amount I'd love to travel is not very doable), but I took some great trips.  I spent a few days with the girls in my family (and Ann) in New York, which was very enjoyable.  I did an overnight trip to Callaway Gardens with my parents and Wes for the hot air balloon festival - I like going there because it's so calming.  Wes and I visited New Orleans for our first anniversary and had a great time.  I took my first trip to California with Kate, and saw some of San Francisco and Sacramento - definitely need to see more of the West Coast.  And we (me and Wes) took our first all-inclusive trip to Mexico, which was magical, sunny, delicious, and adventuresome all at the same time.  Loved it. 


*Wes started his new job with Cobb Fire.  It was a long training process, but he did a great job and I think the position really suits him.  It was a change schedule-wise, but now I really quite like it.  


*We moved into our first place living totally alone - just the two of us.  We didn't mind a roommate at all, but it was a change to have a place for just the two of us.  We made sure we have two bathrooms (the one room we don't share!) and space for the animals...when we moved, it was only Callie, our senior calico cat, who we love.  And then...

*We added a new member to our family, our crazy Cocker Spaniel, Macy.  She was a complete accident, and cute-wiggled her way right into our hearts (and then our home) in about five minutes of pet-store cuddling with Wes.  Maybe it was fate, but we adore her.  She has brought a whole new level of responsibility to our lives (a sign we're not ready for children, for sure), but has also brought enormous amounts of laughter, warmth, and plain fun.


*I learned a bit about soccer from watching the World Cup, and I think it's pretty cool how intense the fans are.


*I learned a lot about friendships.  This time last year, I considered several people good friends who I now can't stand to even talk to - what was I thinking?  I was chasing people around, trying to be a good friend to them, while they could only hurt me, and didn't mind hurting me if it make their lives easier.  Looking back, I was giving, but receiving nothing from the relationships.  It may sound crass, but I honestly don't miss them.  I (needlessly) put myself through such pain while it was happening - note to self: be aware of what people bring to your life, and appreciate those who bring good.  Don't worry over the rest, they are just noise in life, but not substance.  I forget how the quote goes - but it basically says that when people show you who they really are, believe them.  I need to remember that.  And, all in all, I know that solid, lasting friendships take longer to develop than I really want to give them, but there are some great people in my life who I might one day call life-long friends.  We shall see.


*I learned to take better care of my body.  I love to indulge in all sorts of things, but I realized this year that I need to limit myself, and my body thanks me for it.  I have never been a fan of working out, but once I got into an exercise rhythm, my body grew to love it.  I am not perfect in my routines, but I am caring for my body more, and that's important.

*In keeping with taking better care of my body, I made the decision to suck it up, spend the money, and get dental work done that I had been putting off.  It was expensive and a hard day, but I had a few fillings replaced with permanent porcelain, and my mouth is much more lovely now.  This is part of a longer process, to also get wisdom teeth out and get my second round of braces.  I want to smile a lot in my life, and I want to eat a lot of great foods, so I better take care of my pearly whites, right?


*I decided I love champagne.

*I applied to, was accepted to, and started graduate school.  I began on a path to a Masters of Library and Information Science, and after one semester realized it wasn't the right program for me.  Live and learn.  I changed to a Masters of Business Administration, focus in Human Resources Management, and think I am on a much better track!  

*I made extra efforts to keep us financially stable.  We already do well with it, but I put more thought into our investments and retirement accounts.  We bought a new car (for Wes), and have almost paid it off - thank goodness, because now we need a new car for me, as well.  

*I tried to address my allergies with a visit and tests with an allergist, but just learned I have some allergies, but mostly non-allergic rhinitis, so I can't do anything but pop a pill for symptoms.  Oh, well.  It could be worse.

*I became generally LESS interested in politics, and burnt out on the party-centered arguing and the inability of our leaders to set aside principals and just make decisions to put our country in the best possible position.  It frustrates me to the point of having to almost ignore it entirely, and just do the best I can in my own life.

*I took on new responsibilities at work, and have slowly become a more integral part of our team.  I also recently accepted the position of being the Lead Office Coordinator for the country, so that's adding a level of leadership to my plate.  I struggle with feeling bored or stagnant and really need to keep growing.

*I read a lot of books.  I saw a lot of movies.  I tried lots of new restaurants and foods.  I loved doing all of it, and suspect almost every year of my life will involve both of those things.


Looking ahead to the upcoming year, I feel a sense of calm.  Sure, there are stressful things in life, and I have some things to put thought into.  But I generally have a sense of peace.  And, as my favorite Christmas card ever simply said - "Peace is always beautiful."

Here's to what is hopefully a year of peace and beauty, in all of its forms.