I am pretty proud of the direction I have taken myself these last 30 years - very few regrets, have always done good for my community, give my all at work, exercise on a semi-regular basis, eat lots of fruits and veggies, pick friends wisely, no arrests, visit my elders ... certainly far from perfect, but I give it all I got!
What prompted me make all of those positive decisions the past 30 years? I often think about why people end up the way they do and the only explanation I have for myself is... my parents. I see so many of my qualities in them, that has to be why I am the way I am, right?
I'm sure I have been molded into the person I am today because of many people and events but I really believe my roots at home with my parents is where it all started. Over the past 10 years I have defiantly grown but I have fundamentally been the same person since October 14, 1982.
The last 30 years I have:
Loved -
I have been in love since birth. For years it was with a yellow blanket and stuffed animals, but it was still serious deep love. I have vivid memories of being loved as a child, always knowing how great it is to love and be loved. I have a group of girls in my life that I love beyond measure, to the point where I tear up thinking about how different my life would be had I not meet them. And now, this love I have for my future husband... it's vaguely similar to my other loves but on a different level. It's hard to put into words, it's more - the best love you can feel.
Said it -
If it's on my mind, you know about it. Right or wrong that's how I am. Why beat around the bush or lie about something - tell it like it is. Everyone else is thinking the same thing, i'm just the nut case that actually says it out loud. Ok, sometimes I go overboard but I think having a strong voice and opinion is important. I am much more opinionated than my immediate family but I defiantly know exactly which side of my family I get my strong will and voice from. I would not change it for anything.
Worked, and worked hard -
So cliche, but so true. I have worked in some way shape or form since I was 16 and have been really lucky to not have hated too many of my jobs (there were 1 or 2 I would not wish on anyone), which makes a difference. If you hate your job, you will most likely not succeed. Over the past 7 years or so I have spent the bulk of my time working hard and loving what I do. I don't know any different, both of my parents have worked my entire life - that's what you do as an adult, you work and support yourself. Who else will?! Plus, what is more fulfilling then getting a promotion and being appreciated for your hard work and effort? Ok, probably the birth of your first child or something, but I am not exactly there yet!
Sent a letter -
I stand by the hand written thank you card. Actually, I stand by notes and cards handwritten and sent through the mail. Good old paper mail with stamps, not this Yahoo mail or Facebook message business. There is noting better then opening a real letter or card that has been delivered to your house. I also love to send mail, it makes me happy to pick out paper or a card that someone else would enjoy reading.
I have a huge box of stationary, cards, stickers, address labels, return labels, stamps, paper and envelopes - I'm addicted! I think my love (or hate at the time) stems from my mom making my brother and I hand write thank you cards for every single birthday gift and Christmas gift from age 5-18. My mom also sent and still sends my brother and I cards in the mail. I have cards and letters from her saved in boxes from when I went to summer camp through college. It's a dying art but I am going to stick with it until the US Postal Service stops selling me stamps.
Planned -
Girl loves to plan! I am horrible at a lot of things but this I have down. Organization and planning could be my first and last name. Every aspect of my life is on a To-Do List or has been well thought out in advance. I hate when I miss or forget something, so years ago (or maybe from birth) I decided to write it all down and cross it off when it's done.
Seems simple right? Wrong. I spend A LOT (maybe too much) of my time just getting stuff organized and planned out, even before I start a task.
Of course this comes from my parents as well, my dad is a planner. He is always writing lists and drawing out plans. He won't start on a project until I draw him a picture, with measurements!
Sometimes I wish I could live day by day and not worry about what is happening 6 months from now. Then I recall every hot mess I have come in contact with that has no clue what is going on and zero plan in place... I may be crazy but at least it's organized chaos.
Not expected anything in return -
I love to give - anything from a small little package in the mail, a little trinket, flowers or a big birthday gift. I give to make people happy and feel special, not to get a gift in return. I try my best to be thoughtful with birthday and christmas gifts - actually I plan for over a year sometimes. I freak out if I have to get something last minute, there is no thought put into it if I have to run to Macy's and pick up a tie or something. I have a closet full of gifts waiting to be given! Every trip I take I come back with at least 2 or 3 things I saw in my travels that made me think of someone. I think I get this from my mom too, one of the most generous, selfless people I know. She is always coming over to my house with flowers or something cool she found for me at an estate sale.
Recently, I might have been outdone by Jake -- I cannot seem to top him. How do you top a trip to Disney world for your 30th birthday?! Seriously?! Dinner reservations every night, a massage - total surprise trip! You don't, that's why I love him, he expects nothing in return.
Not to be overshadowed by Disney World, I was totally spoiled this year buy lots of people. Treats, flowers and gifts from my co-workers. Flowers from my brother, a necklace from my grandparents, gifts in the mail from dear friends, and a future sister in law, the magic bullet blender from the Coopers, lots of gifts from my parents and cards galore! I was in heaven!
I cannot wait to see what the next 30 years bring. I hope to grow and I certainly know I will learn a ton more about life and love but what I want the most is to stay exactly the same.
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A few wedding updates:
- Picked a florist - not even sorry that I am willing to pay more for flowers than my dress.
- Got engagement pictures taken - hoping to post them soon!
- Booked transportation - yea, there are buses involved.
- Started picking some songs for the DJ - Jake insists on the Notre Dame Fight Song ... I guess I cannot deny him that.
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