Day 367

#np - We Are Young by Fun.

#np - Just Dance by Lady Gaga

#np - Save the World by Swedish House Mafia

We made it!  One year later, I'm 30 years old.  I'm so happy to have made it this far.  Originally, I thought this blog would be more of a lament about my youth with a list of complaints about my knees and back hurting.  

I think it turned into something else though.  It was a daily reminder to be happy to be here.  Grateful.  

One of my favorite TV shows is Parks and Recreation (you know this about me).  One of the characters, Chris Traeger, is a very upbeat and positive person - to an extreme.  Ann Perkins asked him once why or how he was so upbeat.  He states that when he was little, he had an illness and doctors predicted that he wouldn't make it six months.  He says his parents were worried but in the end he defied the odds. He quotes the number of days past 6 months that he's lived (greater than 10,000) and he says he's enjoyed every one of them.

What a neat perspective to have.  We all have bad days.  But each day you get should be celebrated.

This year has been wonderful for so many reasons.  In addition to living every single day fully, I got my masters degree, got a new job, moved to a new city, met new people, renewed and strengthened relationships, and loved my dog.  It's been a great year.

Now for the list I blogged about earlier.  In trying to come up with what I wanted to put on my list, I really just had several word vomits over the following week.  Here's what I've come up with:

23 Things I Learned On My Way To 30 (Because I couldn't think of 30 and I got tired. Sue me, it's my blog and it's my birthday!!!)

1. Always listen to your body when it tells you to stretch or eat more fiber.
2. Never loan money to a relative.  If you can afford it, gift someone the money they need and never speak of it again. (From Dad)
3. Don't keep score.  Relationships have imbalances.  Sometimes you end up being the person that always helps a friend move and then they're always working when you're moving.  Be there when you can and be understanding when a friend can't be there for you.
4. Keep some perspective but don't kid yourself.  Asking if it will matter in 100 years is too broad (and only nuclear war really matters that long - and maybe the solvency of social security).  Ask yourself if the issue will matter in 100 days.  If not, let it go.
5. Always have an opinion but don't always give it.  Some things are better left unsaid.
6. Speak up when someone's a racist, a sexist, or a homophobe.  This is 2012 and you're an adult.  Sometimes your awkward laugh is seen as tacit agreement of the statement and it creates a bullying environment. 
7. If you're going to skip the dentist, you need to floss.
8. Don't forget to turn off your curling iron/straightener/stove burners.  You don't want to have to fumigate your house after you leave eggs boiling (and then burning) on the stove all day.
9. It's okay to be afraid of big decisions but don't let that stop you from making them.
10. Don't confuse the gas light and the oil light in your car.
11. Always ask for exceptions to whatever fee a company is trying to stick you with.  Cite how long you've been a customer and ask them to remove the fee.  It may not work but I've gotten out of a lot of fees for being a loyal customer to US Bank, Sprint, American Express, Marriott, and Enterprise.
12. Have one non-doctor friend who can screen the internet/WebMD to see if your symptoms are serious.  This will save you a lot of hypochondriatic stress. 
13. Don't just have friends that share your opinions.  Debating issues with people you trust teaches you respect while refining your argument.  And if you change your opinion, that's okay.
14. Regardless of your income, set a budget for yourself.  Sticking to it will instill discipline that will help you when you make life choices that require lots of money (like going back to graduate school or having kids).
15. Use lots of lotion.
16. Don't underestimate the power of a blooper reel marathon of your favorite TV shows.  Youtube is great for this.  My favorites are Friends and The Office.  There's also laughing babies and the video of the sneezing panda.
17. Grease stains don't come off painted walls even with a Mr. Clean Wall Eraser (unless you have a secret way to do it, in which case, please share!).
18. It's okay to have a good cry.  (From Mom)
19. If you're a UK Basketball fan, respect the game and stay until the end.  
20. Someday, it won't be as easy to climb the stairs or walk the block.  Take care of your health now so that you can give your 60 year old self the best life.
21. You will regret the times where you didn't stand up for someone when you see them as an adult around town or at a reunion.  Not because of how they're doing but because you'll wish you'd be a positive impact for them.  You still can be one.
22. Be sure to back up your flash drive onto your home or work computer.
23. It's okay to think you can change the world.  You can.