29 and Counting

Today’s my birthday!

YAY!! I know some people hate their birthdays or don’t like to remember they are now a year older. And while it is a little intimidating to be so close to 30 - I still remember when I thought 30-years-olds were seriously ancient - I’m excited to start this year. For me, I see my birthday as another beginning point, a lot like the New Year. Here’s the chance to look back over the last 365 days and see how much you have changed. And it’s also a chance to look ahead at the next 365 days to think of who you want to be by the end of it. For me, it’s encouraging to think I can create change in me. I can make myself into a better person - more people focused, more loving, more focused, healthier, sportier, smarter. Am I alone in this way of thinking??

As I reflect on my 28th year, I realize there are so many amazing things that have happened, so many important lessons I’ve learned, ways I’ve grown, ways I’ve failed. It’s encouraging and humbling. It’s exciting.

The highlights from year 28:

• I said goodbye to Boston and moved to Milwaukee - taking a fun road trip with a friend to get here. I got to see Niagara Falls and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the first time.
• I published my second young adult novel: The Emerald Isle, a Fascination Island book. (And people are actually buying it!!)
• I planned and co-hosted four Boston Blogger meet and greets; watching the group grow from a couple dozen interested parties to more than 275 Facebook members.
• I spoke at the Blog Better Boston blogger conference on the importance of community in blogging - something I feel pretty passionate about.
• I planned a fundraising clothing swap for my high school.
• I marked off a number of things on my 101 in 1001 list, including a trip to Martha’s Vineyard, Boston trolley tour, trying 10 new-to-me Boston restaurants, trip to Washington, DC, etc….
• I became the Foursquare Mayor and Jenga master of my favorite local bar in Boston - I’m pretty dang proud of those titles and the fact that the manager and waitresses knew who I was as a result. It felt a little like Cheers. You know, where everybody knows your name.
• My sister announced I’ll soon have my first niece - born in my birthday month, no less.
• ModlyChic gained new readers (hello to all of you) and got some hate too. All par for the course.
• I traveled to New York to give a presentation on media literacy to a leadership program for high school girls. (I did the same for a few clubs/groups in Boston and Chicago too.)
• I got an iPhone, iPad and updated my MacBook Pro. These were probably the most exciting purchases of my year.
• I refrained from cutting my hair for 7 months (example of length) and then in a rash decision chopped it off again. When will I learn?? If only I had kept growing it out when I turned 27, I would have the long hair I’ve been wanting for the last three years.
• I began leaving my credit cards at home and using more cash. It’s amazing how much more money I have and how much less coffee I consume thanks to that small decision.
• and all the little everyday accomplishments… the runs I took, the days I got up with the alarm instead of hitting the snooze button, the nights out with friends, etc…

And for my 29th year… what do I have planned?

• I’m looking forward to getting back into Marathon mode. The hope is to run Chicago next October and a couple
  half marathons in the meantime - maybe a fun mud run or a sprint triathlon.
• I’m also trying to be better about drinking water, taking my vitamins, limiting my sugar intake and opting for more fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Reconnecting with friends in the Midwest.
• Rediscovering Milwaukee. It’s totally a different place when you live here as a young professional and not a silly little college kid.
• Brewery tours throughout Wisconsin - there are so many and I plan to try them all.
• Finish writing and publish my third, and if possible fourth book!!
• Check off more things on my 101 in 1001 list.
• Spend more quality time with my family, especially my nephew and the niece we are all waiting for.
• Getting my migraines under control once and for all.
• Connecting more with bloggers and readers in a fun and meaningful way.
• Get a job (hopefully in marketing or communications) and not just one I survive but one I love.
• Go back to school to get my masters - I know I said I never would, but as my dad told me at the time. Never say never.
• Buy a car - this will be a first for me. Kinda excited about that prospect.