Day 365: Hmm...did I count wrong?

Well, this appears to be the last day of my 29th year... However, I still have one more day after todya until July 16th. Not quite sure where I went wrong, I was very careful, but my countdown clock says the same thing... Whatever. So, it'll be 366 to thirty. One extra day certainly won't kill me, in fact it gives me 24 more hours to enjoy the last time I'll see a 2 in front of my age. I feel like I'm counting down to New Year's Eve or something. What will happen as the clock strikes midnight at the end of day on July 15th? Will I turn into a pumpkin? Will all my dreams come true? Will I learn the secret to happiness? Will I feel old and creaky? Or will I feel energized and younger than ever? I'm in it for the long haul, extra day or not, and I'm ready to see what the next step will lead to. But for now, I'm going to enjoy every last drop of my last moments as a 29 year old...

Day 364: Give me something crazy to do!!

Here we go, we're about 48 hours away from the end of my 20s. The end of an era, a whole decade, a apan of time where I've lived in 3 different states, 4 cities, and I'm preparing for another one. I'm crossing over into the era of 30, what I look at as the decade I officially have to grow up. Not stop having fun, but grow up... so, give me something crazy to do! I have mere hours in which I can look like this, and just chalk it up to being in my crazy 20s. Thing is, I've never been much of a crazy acter-outer. I've always seemed to err on the side of caution and not want to get into trouble. But here I am, on the eve of a new phase of my life and I want to let my hair down and throw caution to the wind. (Could there BE any more cliche phrases in this post?) SO, give me some ideas! The crazier the better...and I'll let you know if I have the courage to pull it off... :)

Day 363: A next big step.

Well, it's official. I put in my 2 weeks notice at work today. And holy crap, does it feel good. I've simmered down on my complaining about my workplace shenanigans here on the blog, partly because I got called out for being a bit unprofessional, and partly because it was just a big debby downer. But, my frustration and irritation has remained ever present. I just think I went too far into the dark side in the beginning and there was no going back. So, I put myself out there, applying to everything that I got my hands on, until finally the stars aligned and I had an interview in Philadelphia. However, that was back in March. By June, my hopes of getting that job had pretty much fizzled. But, again, the fates smiled on me and the same work place (another news station!) offered another proposition. And, after some consideration, it really just seemed right.

And, what else might this job move spark? Well, Mr. O. was gung ho on finally getting his own place. At the same time I happened to be in need of a new place to live...so yes, we're moving in together. Not sure which is scarier, the big bad new job, or the fact I'm going to live with a boy! I mean, I've never even had a roommate! But, I'm feeling good about it all. It just all feels right. Nerve-wracking, but right. So here goes, as I count down the hours at this point until I bid 29 adieu, I prepare to truly embark on a new phase of my life. Can I just say, whoa?

Days 361-362: Girls weekend!

I swore I'd never be one of those girls who slacked on the girlfriend time once she got involved with a boyfriend. But, it sure can be easy to get sucked up in the whole relationship thing! So, while I've been walking on a few clouds over the last 10 months, growing ever closer to Mr. O., I do feel like I'm lacking a bit in the time I spend with my friends. Which only taints all the happy a smidge because I miss my girls! That's why once I got over my initial disappointment that Mr. O. wanted to hang with the boys this past weekend and play golf (seriously, I WANT him to do these things! I think I was just cranky and particulary missing him...), I looked on the sunny and bright side that I could get in some QT with one of my favorite ladies! And, boy, did we jump right back into our easygoing, silly, more fun that you can imagine routine. I hadn't forgotten, but it had slipped my mind how much I laugh with Miss Sippa. And, add some C.B. into the mix for the second half of the weekend, and I was in seventh heaven! Cracking each other up, analyzing everyting from careers to boys to what to eat at Ruby TUesdays, it was a fantastic weekend of girly fun. Whatever happens with Mr. O., whether I come to you or you come to me, I promise to make more time for my foxy ladies. It does a soul good!

Days 357-360: Look at me, I did it! :)

I know, I sort of can't believe it either. I've really put nose to the grindstone this week, running outside in 90 degree weather, bound and determined to be ready for this weekend's 5K. Yes, non-athletic, nose in a book Lindsey ran a 5K. And let me tell you, it was no picnic. BUT, also not as bad as I thought it would be! I've really built up some endurance and I was able to go a pretty good distance without gasping for life. :) And let me tell you, seeing that finish line and pushing through with my last bit of energy felt so much better than I could have ever imagined. Granted, I took my goal down to the wire, but I did it. I ran a 5K before I turned 30. Turns out, I DO have some will power and it feels good. Now, on to planning my next one...I want a better time!

Days 349-356 Meet the family!

Well, here we go. Almost 10 months into this relationship of mine, and Mr. O. is finally meeting the family. And guess what? It was nothing to worry about. I have to admit, I had worried a bit how my mom would like him, or if he would like them, or I think really, I wondered how they'd all react to me with a BOYFRIEND! Here I am, almost 30 years of age, and I've never introduced anyone I've dated to my family. Mainly because there was never really anyone worth introducing. But, seriously, it was about time! So, off to Buffalo we went, unfortunately not until about 4 on Saturday afternoon. Which meant our arrival in the B-Lo wasn't until after 10! Poor Mr. O. had worked the whole day and then was a trooper for the long car ride. Needless to say, we were ready to fall into bed when we got there, but we hung in there for a little pizza, REAL buffalo wings and some chit chat with the fam.
All seemed to get off on the right foot! Here comes the awkward part: bedtime. Now, I know my mother knows Mr. O. sleeps over at my place, and I know there's only so many spots to lay your head in my Grams' house, so what now? Actually not really a big deal, we just shared a bed. You know, like 2 adults in their 30's. It was fine, but I can't help it, kind of weird!

Anyway, we woke up at the crack of dawn of course, cuz that's the only way Mr. O. rolls. So I made some breakfast, and in true Gramma's house fashion, sat lazily at the table as the rest of the crew woke up, got coffee, read the paper and made general chit chat. Mr. O. kind of just joined the bunch. I didn't feel bad leaving him while I showered, he chatted it up with Gramma and Uncle Chuck and my mom. Why was I ever worried?


Eventually we went on to one of the best parties/dinners/birthday celebrations we've ever had at 1530 Center Road. Kudos to my mom for making quite a spread, we could have ate for days! We all parked it outside in the breezy summer day, kept the drinks flowing and even more important, the laughs coming all day. It was one of those days that went fast, but also seemed to stretch. We just relaxed and enjoyed each other's company.

So what did they think? Apparently he just fit right in. At one point, I asked my mom and grandma what they thought of him... Both of them just smiled and said he was great. I think I made a face, looking for more from them, but the next thing they said couldn't have been any better: he was just like one of the family. :)


We were off the next morning, and though it brought tears to my eyes to have to leave so soon after getting there, my heart couldn't have been more full. I am so loved by my little family, and now by this great guy, I can't help but step back and realize just how lucky I am. It's these moments that make all the hurdles worth while.