Everyone has been asking me how I feel about turning 30. Well, it feels fine. At first I thought, "Well here is where it all goes downhill." But, then I thought, "At 30, I am more aware of who I am now and how I feel." Just thinking back to who I was at 20 brought back some uncomfortable memories.
On my 20th birthday I was at Penn State starting my junior year and I was feeling pretty down on myself. I remember feeling lonely and not sure where I was going in my life. I was sharing a closet-sized room with my friend Jessica because I didn't win the coin flip (I never do and I warned her of this fact). We shared bunk beds and she was on the top and I was on the bottom. I even had a poster of The Rock stuck to the underside of her bed. I actually still have a "thing" for him. That hasn't changed in 10 years.
In this shoebox of a room, we used to laugh until we cried because if I was sitting at the desk clicking away on the computer, she couldn't get to her clothes in the dresser. It was pathetic and funny at the same time. We really bonded that year and I think she really helped me through most of my rough times. From scream crying because the guy I liked told me I was "wife material" and he didn't want to date me anymore to staying in Pennsylvania for Easter because my parents wouldn't pick me up. She was there for me and I am very thankful for friends like her.
I have learned, after three decades, that there are true friends and there are fair weather friends. True friends stay with you when you are at your best and remain with you while you are at your worst. Fair weather friends are just around for a good time without any depth or focus on any particulars. It is good to have both in your life, but true friends will remain with you for decades to come and that will add value to your life. So, Tom, Alyson, Colleen, Allison, Leslie, Jonelle, Nicole, Jessica, Jen, Terri, Aneta and Jessica...you are true friends and I am thankful for your loyalty. And for all those friendly folks who I haven't mentioned, I feel your worth and I thank you as well. Friends are the family you choose.
Also, I am far less apprehensive about turning 30 because I will begin my 30 B4 30 project on Thursday of this week. One more day...
