Early Birthday Post: My Year In Review

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Tomorrow’s my 28th birthday. 27 was a blur for me, probably because I’m getting older and my concept of time has changed.

Here are some things I did (that I can remember) at 27:

  • Got married.
  • Went to Chicago.
  • Met some of my radio heroes.
  • Paid off a student loan.
  • Ran more than five miles for the first time.
  • Finally got the post-wedding chop – a bob – and I should’ve done it sooner.
  • Number of DIY/home improvement projects – 7
  • Number of rooms painted – 3
  • Number of times I was on NPR’s newscast – 7
  • Hosted a statewide newscast for the first time.
  • Joined a group of young married couples at church.
  • Discovered the wonder of Cole Haan shoes.

Here are some things I learned:

  • As I get older, my getting-ready routine is much more lax. I rarely blow-dry/straighten my hair, my makeup routine is down to a science, and I’m forever on the hunt for skirts & dresses with pockets.
  • I’m also realizing how much I loved skirts and dresses. And athleisure. Thank God for athleisure.
  • Getting married is a game-changer in so many ways! I’ll elaborate more when our anniversary rolls around next month.
  • Petite sizing is a god-send. So is a well-fitting bra.
  • Meal prep is a life-saver.
  • Stop comparing where you are in life to others. Everyone hits those life stages at different points.
  • Also, stop comparing yourself financially to others.
  • If you want to do something, just do it. Most of the roadblocks are in your head.
  • Start taking vitamins.
  • Sleep is still good.
  • Get rid of junk you don’t use. Physical clutter is just a manifestation of the clutter in your life.
  • I still look like a 19-year-old.

What’s next:

I’m kind of excited to turn 28 because I really like even numbers. At the same time, it’s strange because I’m hitting that peak of my late-twenties. I remember at 25, I felt so much angst and I was definitely in that “quarter-life crisis” mode. Now, not so much. I’ve ticked up some boxes in my career and personal life. Naturally I have more goals I want to achieve, but I’m much more relaxed about it.

When I was a kid, I imagined I would look and be so accomplished as an adult. My mental image of “Adult Me” was a picture out of a J.Crew catalog – I’d be tall, well-dressed, and look so profesh. The reality – I’m still short, I have less expensive clothes, and I still get carded. But I’m happy, mental illness nonwithstanding.

I took two extra days off of work not only to extend my birthday weekend, but to get a break too, because I haven’t taken time off since the new year. And besides:

 

Damn straight.

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