a tribute to my twenties

When I was about 12-ish, I started a tradition of writing in my journal on my birthday. I try to sum up the year and guess where I am going to be in the next year.. I suppose September is my time to reflect/make goals rather than January. This past week while organizing bookshelves (at 3 am) I found my journals from college and looked up my 20th birthday. I smiled at my entry and decided it was worthy enough to post on my blog. I am typing it out because it's easier for everyone else read, but I decided to scan in the original because that's how I want it in my book...

Sept 24 '99

I am no longer a teenager!!!! How is it possible that I have turned 20? Twenty-year olds are supposed to be mature and organized with their lives and I am still a nut case-- just trying to make it through the week. My second year of college is treating me well. I love my roommates, classes and everything about Rexburg. It's so beautiful here in the fall. I have a feeling this year will fly by. I don't want it to...

Debbie, Tim and Kevin are driving up to Rexburg (as I write) to spend my birthday weekend with me. I love my family and can't wait for them to come. I have been so blessed to live the last 20 years with such loving parents and fantastic siblings. We are going to party tonight with friends. Well-- as much as Rexburg knows how to party--- cake, ice cream and games... Can I get a WHUUT?!

20 seems substantial- yet I don't feel any different- just a desire to make goals and stick to them..

In the NEXT YEAR, I hope to----

• Graduate from Ricks w/ honors
• Do something FUN for the summer (work on a cruise ship?)
• Send in mission papers
• Serve somewhere awesome
• be a good sister, roommate, friend
• serve faithfully in the RS
• stay away from boys!
• make the most of each day

In the NEXT TEN YEARS, I hope to---

• Get my Bachelors Degree
  
• Masters in Therapy.. Family counseling?
• Get married to MR. RIGHT (25-ish)
• Have a baby or two
• Change the world
• Run a marathon ?
• Stay healthy and active
• Own a homey-home
• Remain close to my family
• Draw closer to the Savior
  

How fun it is to read it TEN YEARS later and realize that:

#1-- I was really screwed up and didn't have a clue about anything.

#2-- I haven't changed a bit.

I literally had NO IDEA that I would be engaged within 4 months of my 20th birthday... or that my "summer fun" would include getting married, not working on a cruise ship. But, you know, things turned out in the end. I haven't accomplished all the goals that I wanted to by 30 (still have yet to change the world) but I am satisfied... The last ten years have been-- exactly what they ought to have been. And here's my picture-collage-tribute to my twenties.

I've titled it:
Time Flies When You're Having Babies FUN!

Now for this year's goals... (I am going easy on myself)

In the NEXT YEAR, I hope to:

• have a healthy baby
• be a good wife/mom/sister/friend
• not get too overwhelmed
• make new friends
  
• count my blessings
• become a more organized person and a better cook
  
• make the most of each day

In the NEXT TEN YEARS, I hope to:

• keep my kids alive
• Get my master's degree
  
• Pay off law school loans (or at least one of them)
• make my home homey-er
• stay healthy and active
• strengthen my testimony
  
• get ready to serve a mission with my husband
• make sure my extended family knows I love them, even if I don't live around the corner.
• write a book
• have a daughter (or two)
  
• make the most of each day
• change the world
  

Here's to turning 30.... and beyond!!!