Funny story happened at Macy’s today. As my mom purchased her sweater (excellent deal of course) the cashier (likely to be in high school or a recent grad) asked me “ Are you eighteen because you could apply for a Macy’s charge card?” I smiled and told her, yes I was 18 but then I was curious as to how old she thought I really was. When I told her I was 30, her eyes widened as if I were yanking her chain. No way! she exclaimed. She told me she hoped to look as young as I do when she turns 30. Hey, I’ll take that as a compliment! And with that wonderful story of looking young I segue into my mid-year report of my 30th year!
Entry into a new decade and now comes time to pause and reflect on what has happened over the last 6 months. I still remember when I first started my position working at the University of Southern California shadowing my boss and learning great counseling techniques from him. It seemed gradual as I moved from one office to the next over the course of the nine months. Until just last week, as quickly as my term came, it also ended. I learned so much on the position and I enjoyed much of it, the interaction with the law students and alumni, the ability to help others, learning about trends and forecasts, and getting stimulated both intellectually and spiritually.
From a personal perspective, I have felt my relationships grow as well. I’m so glad that I moved back home to be with my parents during their transition of selling their business that they have had ever since we flew here on a Pan Am flight in 1985. The uncertainty of what their world would look like, where their next jobs might come, and what their days are going to be unfolded with us together as a family. I had the opportunity to watch my little niece grow from just a tiny little fragile princess on the day of her birth to a cute, playful, smart, and coy little girl who is about to turn one. Although my best friend is far distance wise, she is always available by phone and I have relied on her countless times this year and she has been such a pillar of strength for our friendship. I’m also extremely happy to spend time with my real deal. Since moving back to California we have had the opportunity to spend more time together, sharing spectacular memories and moments, and getting to know his family.
Being 30 also means making hard decisions. Decisions about the present, the future, what brings short term & long term happiness and what it means to make decisions that you solely must be responsible for. Thinking about job opportunities and where to live for the next few years is not an easy task or a stress less one and I have to constantly remind myself to breathe because when one gets caught up in one’s own problems, all of a sudden everything just seems so daunting. I’m glad that through prayer and great support through the ones I love the most: god, my real deal, my best sister (my only sister), and my best friend, I was able to make the right decision about my job and where to live.
I’m not sure what the rest of the year is going to store for me and I am looking forward a wonderful second half of my 30th year. I have been told that in your 30’s you are more confident and secure with yourself, you know what you want, you are not afraid to ask for it, you are happy in your own skin and you want someone to accept you “just as you are”. I’m not sure when all of those aspects of being 30 will hit me but I do know that as I have aged I have become more humble and grateful.
I am grateful for my parent’s love and hospitality. I am grateful to have a happy and loving family. I am grateful that my grandparents are still alive and I have the opportunity to perform filial duties, be kind, be nice, and be a good granddaughter (disciplines me to be a little more patient). I am grateful that I have people to love and they love me in return and most importantly I am grateful to have the opportunity to live, that god has given me the ability to make choices and to live a fulfilling and blessed life. Now I just can’t disappoint =)
