Pictures to go along with the post!

Happy April!

Where did March go?!? Seriously, I sat down more than once to write a post but always ran out of time. Life just gets away from me sometimes. I feel like I blink and a month is gone.

 

March was spectacular. I can’t believe my birthday has come and gone. You want to know my big take away from my actual birthday? I am SO blessed. My life is filled with such amazing things, opportunities and people. As I went to bed at the end of the day, I was so overwhelmed with gratitude words were not adequate to even express the whirlwind of emotions.

 

Since I live alone, my room is always quiet. (All you parents of young children can be a little jealous.:)) I stared at my gratitude journal wondering how to put it on paper. How to you articulate love? Service? Friendship? Family?

 

My day started by NOT going to the office. I took the day off. Why you ask? Why not! Sometimes we forget we are important and it is ok to spend some time focused on ourselves. It was ok to take a day to do exactly what I wanted without any other pressures. I’d been on the road for more than a week and was leaving the following so it is what my psyche needed- a rest; a break from the mundane of everyday; just to be. My mom and I spent the late morning shopping and eating lunch. We hit all my favorite clearance racks- Tommy Hilfiger, Banana Republic, Famous Footwear and J. Crew to name a few. I was determined to buy an entire outfit in one shopping trip to cross of one of my 30 ways to celebrate 30. Check that one off! I ended up with more than 6 shirts, 1 pair of jeans, 2 pairs of shoes, a purse and 2 pairs of earrings. I totally made out like a bandit while only spending just over $150. Have I mentioned how much I love clearance rack and outlets?

 

After my morning of shopping, I met up with Kristen and my 3 adorable God-daughters. For my birthday we made a tea hat because every girl should own one. I LOVE how it turned out! It is so fun and spunky yet not too far out there. Now I just need to plan a tea party to wear it.

 

The day rounded out with a birthday party with all my favorite people! Not only were my favorite people involved but we were also on roller-skates! My amazing sister-in-law and Mom went above and beyond to arrange the perfect party for the big day. It was filled with love, family, friends, good music, food and all around happiness. It was better than anything I could have planned on my own and I’m so grateful. I still can’t believe it has come and gone!

 

March was also a crazy travel month for me. I was on the road A LOT! I was super grateful I was able to actually be home before my birthday since last year I was stuck in an airport for 6 hours trying to get home.

 

I read a few books (finished 3 more), had lunch with Kristen, did a few random acts of kindness and made a plan to complete a few more things off my list. (If you want book reviews, leave me a note and I will send you a message.) I also have been training for my tri like crazy, signed up for the Dirty Dash on June 7 and have made lifestyle changes to promote health. I am down 14 pounds and 9 inches, have more energy, clear skin and healthier hair than I’ve ever had in my life! I am planning a post solely on how I have changed and improved for those of you interested.

 

April is almost half way done and I am getting more and more excited for the tri. I can’t believe it is happening in 2 weeks! I finally purchased a bike today and am happy I didn’t rush into the decision and found something I’m excited about. There is going to be a lot of bike riding happening around my house for the next while!

 

I finished a book last week (Dark Wolf by Christine Feehan) and will finish 2 more this weekend (The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz and The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown.) I’m finalizing details on skydiving the beginning of June and should be purchasing my plane ticket to Europe next week.

 

Because I made the goal to do more random acts of kindness, I have found myself searching for ways to serve others. As I’ve prayed for guidance and opened my eyes, I am shocked by the many ways there are to serve. Whether opening a door for someone, taking a grocery cart back, helping unload/load a car, paying a big tip or being a listening ear, there are numerous ways around us to help. When I serve, I instantly feel grateful for the opportunity. When I feel grateful, I’m reminded of my many incredible blessings and when I’m reminded of my blessings, I remember my divinity and worth as a daughter of God. I hope you all remember YOU are unique and divine. No matter what is happening around you, NOTHING can change that truth. NOTHING.

 

Tomorrow I am doing something that scares me and I will post pictures to prove it!!

 

Much love to you all and happy 30 to me!

 ~Stef

 

And so it begins

Well, it is happening…this is the year….the big one… the year I leave my 20’s behind and enter the world of 30.

Can I just say-I’M SO FREAKING EXCITED!!!!

Turning 30 is another grand adventure on this thing we call life and is something none of us can avoid. Which leaves us with a choice- be upset about “growing up” or embrace the knowledge, adventures and excitement that comes with age. I choose the later since the former doesn’t add anything of value to my life.

My twenties were spectacular-
 

House Keys, 2011


-I graduated college

-I got married…
…and divorced

-Ran my first marathon
 
 -Tore both my ACL and had bilateral knee surgery   

After the 2nd surgery, 2011



-I ventured to Europe (twice), Central America, Asia, throughout the Caribbean and the US



  


Great Wall of China, 2013



-I was given 7 new nieces and nephews (my oldest came before my twenties) and 3 new goddaughters  

-I bought a house and a car  

-I willingly jumped out of a perfectly good airplane

-I was promoted at work to manage a department



Emmett- Born August 24





Maren, Born October 21



-I’ve crossed multiple things off my bucket list

-I built new relationships and let go of destructive ones  

With some of my nieces and nephew



-I held sick babies, had tea parties with cancer cuties, was a shoulder to cry on and a listening ear

-I  gave back to my community the best I could

-I discovered things and people who inspire me and make me a better version of myself

-I learned what faith truly is and what trusting in Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father means

-I learned empathy, sympathy, compassion   

Colisseum, Rome, 2012




Eiffel Tower, 2010


I FOUND me

Even more than that, I LIKE ME


Marathon Finish Line, 2010



As I’ve considered the coming year and what it would entail, I realized I wanted the year I enter my 30’s to be something special. Being the girl I am, I’m a planner. If I want 2014 to be unforgettable, a plan was needed. So that is what I’ve done. I’ve made a plan. I’ve brainstormed, contemplated, rewritten, asked for suggestions and sought advice until I came up with a way to make the year special.

My idea- create a list of 30 ways I’m going to celebrate my 30th birthday.

The list is (loosely) separated into 4 categories- adventure, relationship building, physical improvement, mental well-being.

1. Run a half marathon, a triathlon, and a dirty dash

2. Run or bike 30 miles every month

3. Get in the best shape of my life

4. Hike a long hike I’ve wanted to do

5. Go snow skiing again

6. Have a sleepover with all my nieces and nephews

7. Write letters to the 30 most important people in my life

8. Have a girls weekend with Mom, Kolbi and Holly

9. Go to lunch at least once a month with Kristen

10. Complete 30 acts of random kindness

11. Sample all 31 flavors of Baskin Robbins ice cream

12. Read 30 books in a year

13. Throw myself a birthday party

14. Spa Day

15. Draw closer to God through worship, prayer and scripture study

16. Splurge on something I’ve wanted for years

17. Write a letter to myself for when I turn 40

18. Change something in my house

19. Donate 30 pieces of clothes to DI

20. See a psychic

21. Buy an entire outfit in one shopping trip

22. Learn a new hobby (painting, boxing, photography, guitar etc)

23. Watch the sunrise and sun set on a beach I’ve never been too

24. Visit a new international city

25. Do something that scares me

26. Karaoke in public (this terrifies me!)

27. Skydive or bungee jump

28. Get scuba certified and go diving

29. Go to Disneyland and ride the rides at least 30 times

30. Spend an entire week at Lake Powell or the cabin

So, there you have it. My list of 30 to make this my most memorable year ever! I'd love company on any of these adventures!! Make this your best year ever- you never know what tomorrow brings and you will never regret seeking adventure.

Because I want to keep record of this, I’m writing it down to share with you and for me to remember what an extraordinary life I live.

Much love to you all- happy 30 to me!

~Stef