The 20s: A review

On Sunday I will ever so grudgingly enter the 30s and leave the 20s behind.  Sure, in the grand scheme of things this still makes me “young” just not “really young,” I suppose.   When I think back of what occurred in my 20s, it makes me wonder what could  I possibly encounter in my 30s. 

At 20, I was a sophomore in college living in the dorms, struggling through macro economics, suffering through one of the many breakups I would have with the “wrong guy,” and eager to move off campus and into my first apartment. I developed strong friendships with a great group of ladies some of which are pictured below.

At 21, I celebrated like many 21 year olds would but not to the extreme.  Never the huge partier, never the huge drinker. 

At 22, I graduated college scared, anxious, and unaware what in the world I would do in life.  I reluctantly broke out of the bubble the private all women’s college I went to created and landed my first job as a marketing and sales coordinator at a printing company.  I had my own office and desk and made close to $30,000 less than what I currently make. 

At 23, I met Josh.   Online.   Within 6 months we were engaged and planning a wedding.  I left my job and found another job working with my best friend, Taylor. 

At 24, I was married.

And got pregnant. 

At 25, we bought our first house.

But most importantly that year, I became a mother.  Life as I knew it changed in a split second of holding him.

When I turned 26, all I wanted to do was spend my day with this little fellow.

At 27,  I was promoted at work to an Associate and left the administrative roles behind me. 

At 28 (towards the end), I became pregnant with Ryan.

At 29, Ryan was born and my life with two redheaded sons began. 

So, I’ve been trying to think of positive things about turning 30.  This is what I’ve come up with:

1. I can now check a new age group on forms.
2. I have 10 years to prepare for 40.
3. Getting carded is soon becoming a compliment.
4. Rather than worrying over acne, I can focus my stress on wrinkles and grey hair.
5. In five more years, I could run for president.
6. 30 is the new 20 and 40 is the new 30.  Ask the Desperate Housewives. 
7. I have overcome the years of “finding myself” and can now focus on polishing the life I have.

The 20s have been a decade of change, growth, and realization.  People have come and gone.  People have changed.  I have changed.  I had many eye-opening experiences -- jobs that brought lots of surprises, relationships that were difficult to foster and maintain.  It’s been perhaps the most milestone-driven ten years that I can imagine will happen in my lifetime. 

Here’s to thirty, flirty, and thriving!