Last night I was looking through my phone for a specific photo from last Thanksgiving. As I'm scrolling back through pictures, I kept stumbling upon things that made me pause and smile. As I kept scrolling, I suddenly remembered that on my 25th birthday, I told myself that I was going to make 25 the best year of my life. One year ago, that had much different meaning to me. I was impatient. I needed more out of my job, my city and my free time. I set this goal as a way to motivate myself to search for new adventures.
Fast forward a year, and I am sitting here realizing that this last year has absolutely been one of the best. I went to bed thinking, "Wow, I really did a lot of awesome things this year." And I was proud and felt accomplished. But it was this morning when I woke up that the impact of this past year really dawned on me. I woke up this morning with my heart overflowing with love and gratitude for all of the people in it that made my 25th year of life so amazing. So much so that I was moved to get up and write this for you all before I have even had my morning coffee. (Is this real life??)
So on this eve before my 26th birthday, because my posts on this blog are unreliable and for those of you that weren't able to share these moments with me, here is my 25th year of life... the cliff notes edition.
New beginnings
I woke up to this sunrise over the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia on New Years Eve. I moved again-- this time to share a home with the man I casually refer to as "the roommate" on this blog. I made new friends in a great group of inspirational folks on my Bike & Build trip. And as of this morning I've learned that I'll finally be starting in a new and permanent role (but not forever) with the Borough, with a desperately needed adjustment to my salary.
Get there on 2 wheels...or 2 feet
I have put almost 1,600 miles on these legs this year. I spent a week biking in Virginia. Rode 4 charity rides. Spent countless afternoons in the saddle exploring Centre County with friends. Ran my first (and second) 5k. Paddled (in circles). Skied (well, crashed and threw my poles). Hiked at home and in the Shenandoah National Forest. Layed on the beach at Assateague. I can't believe how lucky I am to have the woods as my backyard and the mobility to explore the beauty that lies within a few hours' drive.
Soak in the City
Watching friends move away is heartbreaking. But visiting them in the awesome places they live is right up my planner-nerd alley. And I made the most of that this year. Two trips to Austin to prepare for and celebrate the marriage of two amazing people. A trip to Chicago for a conference which was a perfect excuse to catch up with family and old grad school friends. My first trip to DC to see the monuments. And then my second to bike to the capital and third to see a dear friend's new home. My first trip to Philly to see a great couple's new adventure-- but no monuments because of the government's little hiatus. Countless trips to Pittsburgh to visit friends and show others my newly discovered favorite places. A quick trip to Indianapolis to celebrate the birth of a wonderful woman's baby girl and see more old friends.
Finding Family
There have been countless other adventures that don't make it to the abbreviated version of a year in review. Countless cups of coffee, pints of beer and nights of dancing alongside ugg-boot wearing undergrads. (Stole that last part from you, Joyce.) Days in the saddle (or sneakers), dinners at IP and long overdue Skype dates. Culinary adventures (that may have given E a heart attack), sleepovers (believe it or not, you still do that at 25) and long drives in snow storms.
While all of the adventures and discoveries of the last year bring me happiness, it's thinking about the irreplaceable family of friends that I shared these adventures with that make me happiest. We have shared laughs, stories and hangovers. We have supported each other through heartbreak, loss and illness. But we have also celebrated each other in engagements, marriages, babies, new jobs, big moves, athletic achievements, and growing relationships.
The greatest thing that 25 has taught me is that while I may never be able to overcome my impatience in getting to my next adventure, I have already found one of the most important elements of a fulfilling life. So thank you, friends (and my awesome "roommate"), for helping me reach my goal of making 25 my best year yet in a very meaningful and unexpected way. I am confident that 26 will be even more amazing with all of you in it.
