the big 3-0

With my 30th birthday less than a month away, I've been thinking a lot about my life.

A few weeks ago I was talking to the secretary at school and sharing with her how I wanted my life to turn out when I was younger. You know, the whole "career by 23, married by 25, house with a white picket fence by 29, kids by 30, soccer (baseball) mom status by 40, retire around 45, etc, etc". She just smiled and kindly reminded me that I have been allowed to accomplish so much by 29...even if it wasn't what I had planned for myself.

And you know...I've finally decided that I'm okay with that. I really am!

My plan wasn't the best for me...but the way it has worked out, I couldn't have asked for more.

I've been blessed in so many ways...a good career, a decent home (okay, apartment), a reliable and fun car, my good health, 13 pairs of Old Navy flip-flops, my family and my friends and the relationships I have with them, the ability and means to travel and see the world (did I mention that I'm going back to Italy in March?? yah!).

Of course I still have the desire for all of those milestones to happen. But, Lord willing, the timing will just have to be a little bit different than what I had hoped for.

So as I look to my 30th birthday (even though the thought does depress me just a little bit...haha) it really excites me. If my 30's are anything like my 20's, I can look forward to another 10 years of fun-filled adventures, spending time with friends and family, and surprises around every corner.

bbq, cards, and summer

One of Mark's coworkers invited us over for a barbecue last night. I was a little bit nervous because I'd never met any of Mark's "Navy" friends...but I ended up having such a good time! Carl and his wife Amanda are cute newlyweds, and they kept us talking and laughing all night. Amanda made what looked to be some delicious stuffed mushrooms (I don't like mushrooms) and some yummy bruschetta, Carl barbecued some fabulous ribs and tri tip, and we had a few sides to go along. Mark and I learned a new card game ("Hand and Foot") while we were there, and we were winning after the second round...but then our teachers came back and pretty much kicked our butts in the third round. We should have quit while we were ahead! But it was fun...I'd love to spend more time learning that game and hanging out with the newlyweds.

So anyway...that was just last night. My summer has been good. I'm teaching summer school and keeping very busy with that. I haven't had a day off since June 11th, and I won't have another day off until next Friday! It's good for me to stay busy though...otherwise I would go crazy sitting around all day. I think that's why I teach summer school. Plus, I just plain love teaching.