This is 42

 

I can honestly say that I did not picture my life looking like this at 42. I never saw myself getting married or being a mom. I would have told you that I would be writing for a magazine instead of running financial reports. I would have told you that I would be living in New England. And aside from reading, I wouldn't have expected myself to have the hobbies that I do. 

When I was in high school, I read an OP/ED in the New York Times that talked about how many people in New York were getting married later in life and living separately. By the time these couples had met each other, their entire lives revolved around where the were currently living - jobs, friends, hobbies, favorite places, etc. If the two were living on opposite ends of the city, they would keep their separate residences and then alternate weekends at each others houses. That idea sounded amazing to me! 

When I was 13, due to some medical issues, I was told that the odds of me being able to conceive a child without IVF were very slim. So I never let myself think about becoming a mom. Odds weren't in my favor. Well, when you make plans, God laughs ... And I'm glad he did because my kid is the coolest. 

I think the best part about my life now, is that I just don't care what people think. I'm the person who goes to adult Easter egg hunts, who goes to things like Slothtoberfest, who diamond paints for fun, who has somehow joined more ARC teams in 3 months than I got accepted for in 3 years, who went to see One Direction for my birthday when I was in my 30s, who has more rubber ducks than anyone who doesn't own a Jeep should have, who loves gnomes, and who still sleeps with the Teddy bear she got when she was 5 years old (and dresses him in a Pokemon t-shirt from the clearance rack at Old Navy). 

One of the biggest lessons I want to impart to kiddo is that if you're true to who you are, you're people will find you. Sure, some people may think you're weird. But I think those are the people who are too embarrassed to be themselves, and are jealous that you are brave enough to be who you are. 

There are no guilty pleasures in life, because if something makes you happy, then you shouldn't feel guilty for that. (Unless it's illegal or harmful to others). Don't yuck someone's yum. 

So here's to another year of keeping things weird because it makes life interesting ... or interesting enough anyway.