30

I had forgotten about this blog and clearly my attempt at creating "100 days of happiness" was a fail... I would like to update this blog more frequently though. 

Since my last post, I've encountered and experienced many changes in my life - some challenging, some amazing, but all offering life lessons. Since I'm a huge fan of making lists, I've decided to share some of these changes in list form!

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

1. I turned 30 last month. The couple of months leading up to this new age were filled with a whirlwind of emotions. Those already in their 30's reassured me that "your 30s are going to be your best years", while those under 30 shared my worry. In all honesty, 30 has been great so far. I'm realizing that your early 30s will probably be the years where you begin to forgive yourself for mistakes in your 20s, understand and make plans to reach your personal/life goals, and make bigger attempts at moving your life in a positive direction. I'm really looking forward to this new age of newly found confidence. 

2. I ran/jogged/walked a half marathon! 13.1 miles completed (thank you Jessika, bio-freeze, random kind co-runners, and Disney). I had made a goal to run a half marathon a few years ago, in order to prove that 30 is not old. This was definitely the most challenging thing I've experienced - physically and mentally. Somewhere between miles 8 and 9 I started doubting I could finish, but thanks to energy goo, encouraging words from other runners and volunteers, and Jessika, I somehow made it past the finish line.

3. I'm starting a new job next month. My dedication to the individuals I assist and my hard work all led to recognition in my workplace. I'm nervous about leaving my current position, especially knowing I have to say goodbye to my awesome co-workers who have become more like family this past year and a half, and to my clients that I've worked with for over a year as well. I will most likely cry, but I'm also excited to start a new chapter in my career and get an opportunity to help even more individuals. 

4. I have a new boyfriend. Jonathan. I don't want to be overly sappy with these entries, but he treats me well and makes me happy. He also has a lot of patience as I'm trying to re-learn how to date...it's been awhile since I've experienced the early stages of a relationship. (disclaimer: I think this is the first time on any internet outlet that I'm actually sharing that Jeremy and I are no longer together. It has been awhile since I moved out of our apartment, but we're both doing well, realize that we still get along, but are much happier being friends. Most people have told me they think we've treated the situation very maturely, which I agree with, but when you've spent over 10 years caring about someone, it is difficult to think of them negatively.)

5. I am taking time to get to know myself. Post-breakup I realized I didn't know myself as well as I used to. Strange as that sounds, I really took the next few months to re-learn what I liked, didn't like, wanted, and didn't want. I'm still in the early stages of this process, but have been heading in the right direction. I feel like I'm more positive about myself, engage in activities that I enjoy, have been reacquainted with old hobbies, and in turn it has made me a more positive and happy person. 

Life is crazy sometimes, but things are heading in a positive direction for me and I'm looking forward to it. 

100 Happy Days: Day Two - My Dad

I have been blessed with parents that are so amazing that they need two separate blog entries to express my gratitude for each of them. I chose to write this entry about my dad since I got to spend some time with him today. 

I've always been a "daddy's girl". My parents were both working full-time jobs, but as soon as I came into the picture, they made the decision together that my mom would continue to focus on career while my dad switched over to a part-time job schedule in order to make time to take care of me. From learning how to style my hair into braids (to prevent catching lice from other kids in school), to teaching me how to ride a bike (despite my lack of balance and coordination), my dad has always been a major part of my childhood. Even into the stages of pre-teen, teen, and young adulthood, my father continued to stay as patient as ever, support me no matter what, and love me unconditionally. He's the kind of dad that will lecture me for hours when I make a bad decision, yet be the first one there when I'm having a bad day. We have a tradition, started from my college days, to make a point to talk to each other at least once a day. Most of the time it's just a simple phone call to ask how we're each doing, to laugh about something funny, me asking for advice, or to discuss what we love best - how the New York Giants can win the Superbowl this year (or trying to convince my dad to keep watching and cheering for his team even when they have a terrible season like last year). 

Basically, knowing that there is always someone there for me that loves me, supports me, and appreciates me no matter how many mistakes I may make, or how many successes I accomplish, is one of the most gratifying feelings in the world. The field that I work in, and the exposure to a wide variety of parenting skills (or lack of skills in some cases), really makes me appreciate my dad even more. In addition to being a concrete support, I'm also grateful that I've managed to inherit three of the many traits my awesome dad possesses: 

1. A big heart

2. Humor

3. A strong appreciation for the NY Giants

I started as a "daddy's girl", and I certainly will always be one.