30{th} Reflections

Happy {30th} Birthday to me!

It’s not often that a birthday like this arises – a milestone of sorts. I thought I’d take some time to reflect on life so far, particularly my 20s decade. I’ll start with the accomplishments and life events…

1. Graduated undergrad from Olivet Nazarene University

2. Married my high school sweetheart

3. Graduated from Loyola University Chicago School of Law

4. Bought our first home {condo}

5. Began teaching as an adjunct professor at Trinity Christian College {I LOVE THIS JOB!}

6. My first little miracle was born! {Charlie – 2009}

7. My second little miracle arrives! {Jackson – 2011}

8. Started this family blog and have grown it into something I love!

Here are some disappointments and things I’d like to work on in this next decade:

9. My weight. Enough said.

10. Suffered three miscarriages throughout our journey to have a family

11. Never ran the half-marathon I thought I would

12. Trained for an almost ran a 5k with a good time {Jack’s presence changed that} – hoping to ACTUALLY run that 5K at some point

13. Not yet actively practicing law – I’d like to remedy that – hopefully when the boys head to school!

14. Would love to have a home. With a yard.

Here’s what I’m loving or have loved this past decade:

15. The Office pre-Michael Scott leaving – I’m a sucker for the wedding episode. Every. Single. Time.

16. LOST – vowed never to get hooked and we did. Blah.

17. J. Biebs. Yes, I’m 12.

18. Must see TV :: Once Upon a Time, Switched at Birth, sometimes Glee (mainly for the music), SMASH (come back!), Modern Family, Shark Tank

19. Zac Efron, Jason Bateman, Ryan Reynolds, Dylan McDermott – not necessarily in that order all the time.

You’re welcome.

20. Pop music (that has been my kryptonite)

What makes my heart happy:

21. My hubby – he is one in a million. He is an amazing father & husband – I am SO thankful for all that he does.

22. My boys – they are my life, my laughter, my joy.

23. My family – I don’t know where I would be without them – they laugh with me, cry with me, and scream with me.

24. My friends – I am lucky enough to have built some beautiful friendships and reunited friendships with others. You all know who you are.

Things I would tell my 20-year-old self:

25. Don’t waste time on people who wouldn’t waste their breath on you. And don’t spend time with people who at some point don’t make you deliriously happy!

26. Seek joy. every.single.time.

27. Don’t fear failure. Sometimes, the most difficult failures turn into something truly beautiful.

28. Health matters.

29. Invest in people. Not things or portfolios. Your return will always be greater.

30. Listen to music and re-create a soundtrack for your life.