Yesterday, I embarked on the journey into my 22nd year. It was a lovely day. I recieved some BEAUTIFUL flowers from my parents and from work, and a whole bunch of lovely birthday wishes. I spent the evening with good friends, who thankfully invited me to dinner for the big 2-2. I had a wonderful day, and I am so blessed.
My parents made mention to something that caught me a bit off guard, though. They had asked if my birthday wish came true, and to that, I replied, "It did, but it's held up in Texas and will arrive in xx days.", obviously referring to my wish that Romeo would be home with me. My Dad said something then, and you know, he really is the smartest Dad in the world, because he said:
"Don't be counting your days away. Even now, when you want your days to fly by, appreciate them, because soon enough, when life is back together again, and happier days are here, they're going to keep flying by, and before you know it, you're another year older."
Thank you, Poppy. You and Mom always know what to say to keep things in perspective.
Anyway, this all got me thinking. This past year has been the biggest whirlwind of my life. From marriage, to deployment, to home-buying and everything in-between, I've lost sight of a lot of things. This isn't necessarily bad, because I've outgrown a lot of hobbies, achieved a lot of goals, and grown into a better person than I was this time a year ago. It's now time to reassess the life I'm leading, and the person that I'm growing into, to better prepare for future success.
With that in mind, here's my life list for 22:
1. Go back to school, succeed, and step closer to your educational goals.
2. Pay off A LOT of debt. Build a secure savings.
3. Send cards, letters, packages. ON TIME.
4. Go to church.
5. Master a few dozen recipes, and come up with a few of my own.
6. Beat Romeo in a video game (without him letting me win!)
7. Run a marathon. Complete a p90x cycle.
8. Appreciate time with Romeo, be supportive and understanding, but true to myself and my feelings.
9. Continue to climb the ladder in my career, stay organized and focused.
10. Go skydiving.
11. Go on a vacation. Finally have a honeymoon.
12. Host a party or two (or three, or four, or five!)
13. Successfully cook Thanksgiving dinner.
14. Go hiking.
15. Run with Romeo.
16. Build something. Be crafty.
17. Volunteer. Coach a team.
18. Learn something about Romeo every day. Make up for lost time.
19. Keep in touch with family with more than just Facebook. Call, write, skype.
20. Always bring something when I am invited somewhere. Never show up empty handed.
21. Go to Biltmore Estate.
22. Be done with Christmas/Birthday shopping AHEAD OF TIME.
I'm sure as the year progresses and I (hopefully) start crossing these off of my list, there will be plenty more to add. I'm looking forward to a lot of things this year, but I'm not going to count down any more. I'm not going to count my days away, because when it comes down to it, aren't our days already numbered? Why waste precious moments wishing them away?
It is a great list! What a way to spend your 22nd year. I know I spent most of our first deployment "wishing the days away" too. Its been easier this go around to live in the now, while still looking to the future when we will all be together again. I'm glad you have such wise parents to help guide you even as an adult.
ReplyDelete