I turn 29 today. Without getting too introspective and self-indulgent, I wanted to take a look at where I've been (literally and figuratively) and where I hope to go.
I've lived in 3 states, 8 cities and 18 apartments/houses in my life. I've visited 7 countries on 3 continents and been on countless planes (and survived!). I've stumbled my way through 2 foreign languages, tasted wine in 5 states and 3 countries, and eaten McDonald's chicken nuggets in 4 countries. I've ridden with gauchos, tasted wine from a barrel, eaten dinner in a vineyard, and learned to cook pasta, empanadas and paella. I've married a man who makes me laugh every day and pushes me to take risks even when I am scared and I've grown from a self-absorbed, insecure, extremely shy girl to a slightly less self-absorbed, more secure, still kind of shy person who occasionally feels like an adult. I've struggled through 4 different pay-the-bills jobs in 5 years and finally figured out what I want my career to be.
So in my 29th year, I have a few things I plan to accomplish. My list of travel writing opportunities is growing (I'm starting two new projects this week) with more possibilities out there. I'd like to work on getting published in an actual magazine and get closer to freelancing fulltime. I'd like to continue my quest to get healthy and stop this pattern of losing and gaining the same 10 pounds every year. I'd of course like to travel more. We're headed to Iceland in March, Texas in May, and South Africa at the end of the year. And, I'd like to work on my fear of flying.
And to that end. . . for my birthday Dan bought me a surprise flying lesson with Palwaukee Flyers. When he told me the surprise, I almost had a panic attack and my first instinct was a resounding NO. But the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to do it. I'm 29 now and it's time to stop letting my fear keep me from having an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Unfortunately, it looks like it's going to snow on Saturday, the day we had scheduled my flight. So, we may have to push it back a few weeks. It may not be how I kick off my 29th year, but it's now definitely something I'd like to accomplish before my next birthday.
I've lived in 3 states, 8 cities and 18 apartments/houses in my life. I've visited 7 countries on 3 continents and been on countless planes (and survived!). I've stumbled my way through 2 foreign languages, tasted wine in 5 states and 3 countries, and eaten McDonald's chicken nuggets in 4 countries. I've ridden with gauchos, tasted wine from a barrel, eaten dinner in a vineyard, and learned to cook pasta, empanadas and paella. I've married a man who makes me laugh every day and pushes me to take risks even when I am scared and I've grown from a self-absorbed, insecure, extremely shy girl to a slightly less self-absorbed, more secure, still kind of shy person who occasionally feels like an adult. I've struggled through 4 different pay-the-bills jobs in 5 years and finally figured out what I want my career to be.
So in my 29th year, I have a few things I plan to accomplish. My list of travel writing opportunities is growing (I'm starting two new projects this week) with more possibilities out there. I'd like to work on getting published in an actual magazine and get closer to freelancing fulltime. I'd like to continue my quest to get healthy and stop this pattern of losing and gaining the same 10 pounds every year. I'd of course like to travel more. We're headed to Iceland in March, Texas in May, and South Africa at the end of the year. And, I'd like to work on my fear of flying.
And to that end. . . for my birthday Dan bought me a surprise flying lesson with Palwaukee Flyers. When he told me the surprise, I almost had a panic attack and my first instinct was a resounding NO. But the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to do it. I'm 29 now and it's time to stop letting my fear keep me from having an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Unfortunately, it looks like it's going to snow on Saturday, the day we had scheduled my flight. So, we may have to push it back a few weeks. It may not be how I kick off my 29th year, but it's now definitely something I'd like to accomplish before my next birthday.
3 comments:
The flight sounds awesome. I think I might ask for that as a birthday present for myself this year. I've wanted to learn how to fly but don't have the time or money to commit to it so the introductory lesson could be perfect.
I can't wait to hear about flight school. Dan asked me about whether it was a good idea. I figure if there's one guy who can give you the courage to face your fears--it's him. Hope you love every minute of it!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
(We will celebrate in December--twice as much and twice as hard, I promise)
Although it is a week late, Happy Birthday! Hope those flying classes help you get over your fear of flying. My wife is absolutely terrified of flying, but she is stuck with me and I get her on that plane at least twice a year. Thanks for following my travel blog and spread the word! Happy travels!
Andy "The Brooklyn Nomad"
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