Tomorrow I turn 30. And because I’m saying farewell to a pretty significant decade of my life, I thought I’d take a minute to recap some of the highs and lows of the last 10 years.
In my 20’s I:
- Graduated from both UCLA and USF Law School (age 22 and 25).
- Passed the BAR and became a real-life attorney (age 25).
- Cried a lot while studying for the BAR (Fun fact: after the second day of the exam, I called KC sobbing and asked him to bring me a happy meal. True story.)
- Worked at 11 different jobs.
- Had 3 different full-time jobs (including one that has been my dream job since law school).
- Bought 2 cars (age 25 and 28).
- Became a certified Bar Method instructor (age 27).
- Studied in Stratford-upon-Avon and London (I spent a fortune on phone cards while studying there, calling KC) (age 21) and Rome (age 23).
- Traveled to Hawaii, New York, Oregon, Wyoming, Utah, Montana, Nevada, Illinois, Louisiana, Ohio, Washington, Canada, Austria, Czech Republic, Ireland, Italy, Germany, France, Belgium, and the UK.
- And also traveled to Oklahoma, Texas, Florida, and Arizona (but not for fun).
- Got the flu twice and broke a rib coughing both times (the woooooorst).
- Met KC (at age 20) and started dating, moved in with him (age 25), got engaged (age 26), got married (age 27), worked really really hard and finally figured out what the hell marriage is all about (age 28-present).
- Figured out that working hard is really worth it, when it’s for the right person.
- Lived in 8 different residences.
- Had 10 roommates (including KC! And my sister 🙂 )
- Moved 12 times. (It was awful every. time.)
- Moved out of my parent’s house for good (age 24).
- Lived in a very transitional part of Oakland for 4 1/2 years (where I got grabbed walking home from BART one time, and saw someone get car jacked another time).
- Moved into the cutest little Tudor-style duplex on a street where I’m not scared walking at night (age 28).
- Adopted Seuss (age 22).
- Adopted Penny (age 28).
- Went from not being able to afford anything, pretty much (age 20-26), to being a completely self-sufficient, financially independent adult.
- Lost my grandpa.
- Figured out that it’s way better to do what you want and be happy, than to try and make everyone else happy.
- Learned that drama isn’t worth my time, and it’s better to just be straightforward with people, even if it feels awkward.
- Learned that it’s better to be honest about being mad, even when it’s hard.
- Oh yeah, and started a blog (age 25).
It’s been a pretty good/crazy/fun/amazing/transitional 10 years. I can’t wait to see what the next 10 will bring.
I love how you recapped a decade! You have lead an exciting life! I wanted to write some stuff down for my kids, but I was over whelmed. I think I will use your decade approach for the highlights! Thanks!
Thanks! It’s fun (and kind of crazy) to look back over the past 10 years. Good luck with your recap!
Yes, your life is exciting and full of wonderful things you have worked harder for than most will know. But, I know, and am extremely proud of you and in awe of your character and grace. I know you feel independent and all grown up, but you will always be my sweetie, my Chelsea girl. Love you to the moon and back x infinity. Words are not enough. Happy Birthday, let the fun begin.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAREST GRANDDAUGHTER. HOPE THE NEXT 10– AND THE NEXT AND THE NEXT AND THE NEXT, ETC. ONLY GET BETTER AND BETTER. I LOVE YOU, G’MA.
Happy Birthday, Chelsea. Funny how fast time flies…except for the hard parts; they seem to go on forever. Here’s to the next 30 being as interesting as the decade you described. 🙂