Guys, I turn 30 next week. I'm not dreading entering the next decade of my life, but I can't help but wish I would have done more or accomplished more. It's this feeling that led me to take a look back at each year of my 20's and remember what I did. Thanks to social media I was able to piece together most everything (with only a few details missing).
When I was 19 I got the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Shenzhen, China. I met a lot of great people, studied Chinese (and then forgot it months later), and learned that no matter how much I try to convince people that I'm Korean they will always think I'm Chinese.
2007 was the year I couldn't find many posts or pictures. That sounds terrible, right? I'm of legal drinking age and then I just disappear. The truth is I was way too busy to drink or have much fun at all. After getting back from China I started full time at Bradley, worked a full time job and a part time job, and slept very little. Probably the best parts of my 21st year were spending time with friends and meeting my niece.
After graduation I got my first real job, literally cashed in all my savings and moved up to the Chicago area, and spent the first weekend crying in the hallway because I locked myself out of my apartment and didn't have $50 for the "lock out" fee. I don't have many pictures of this time, but here's one that my Mom took during a graduation party.
The Year I Realized I Lived Next Door to Chicago - 23 (2009):
I finally got over my fear of using public transportation and actually did stuff in the city in 2009. Ironically, this was also the year that I was held at gunpoint on the L, but didn't realize it until after the would-be-robber couldn't get my purse and then ran off at the stop. I started driving to the city after that because I figured if I would get ripped off it would be by the City of Chicago's ridiculous parking fees and not by a kid trying steal my purse only to find $17 and a library card.
The Year I Met Bryan - 24 (2010):
This is the year I decided to stop worrying about everything and enjoy life more. And a lot of great stuff happened. I met Bryan, travelled to Italy and Greece, and went to Lollapalooza for the first time.
The Year I Lost My Mom - 25 (2011):
A lot of things happened in 2011 and when I turned 25 but the only thing I think of when I think of 2011 is that my Mom passed away. I can remember the last conversation we had. I remember she was supposed to come visit the weekend before Thanksgiving. I remember where I was when my Dad called me to tell me what happened. I remember Bryan driving me down to Peoria. I remember my brother calling me and asking, "What happened?" I remember writing a list of everything I had to do. I remember staying up late to write the eulogy. I remember when they closed the lid. I remember that it was cold and windy at the cemetery.
The Year I REALLY Became a Grown Up - 26 (2012):
Looking back now I really think 2012 was a test from the universe. It was like, "Get through this year and you can do anything." It's amazing what you can accomplish when you have no other choice but to do it. I'm sure this happens to everyone after they lose someone, but 2012 really forced me to make the most of every moment and cherish every person in my life. Plus my friend Emily made me the world's coolest birthday cake.
The Year I Went to London and Paris - 27 (2013):
2013 was a good reset year. We had sold my Mom's house, my Dad was on the road to recovery, and Poe was living with us. As selfish as it sounds, it was a good year to refocus on my life instead of managing an estate. I got to travel, run my first 5k, and I started this blog!
The Year I Was a Superhero - 28 (2014):
This was definitely my overachiever year. I ran 12 races, travelled like crazy, and went on the best Midwest road trip ever.
The Year I Got Married - 29 (2015):
It's hard to top 2015. We took a lot of trips to celebrate getting hitched and spent time with friends and family.
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| Oak Park, IL |
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| San Francisco, CA |
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| Asheville, NC |
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| Bloomington, IN |
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| Chicago, IL |
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| Peoria, IL |
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| Albuquerque, NM |
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| San Francisco, CA |
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| Fairport, NY |
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| Forest Park, IL |
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| Las Vegas, NV |
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| Loretto, KY |
I've learned a lot about hard work and spending time on what's important in my 20's. I got married! I had the opportunity to travel all across the country and internationally. I made new friends, had adventures with old friends, and spent quality time with family. I don't know what my 30's have in store, but I'm excited to find out!
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