Gah, am I getting old?

Looking at 30

I'm still 29 years old. I've a few more months to hold on to my youth. I can still tell others that I am still in my 20s. I can't believe that I'm going to be 30 years old! I honestly feel too young to be 30 years old. So to demonstrate how ready I am to be 30 years old, I have listed all of the outstanding (a popular work-related word) items that I've yet to accomplish. I am not married. I'm in my last year of college. Or last year and a half of college, to be more precise. I have no children. I haven't purchased a house. If I am supposed to be following an expected path, I've been off this route for quite a while.

So what exactly have I accomplished?

I'm probably partly finished or on my way to completing a variety of goals. I am almost finished with school. I am almost ready to get married. I don't have much time left on my biological clock, so by default, I will be having kids fairly soon. (Side note: I have always been open to adoption.) I'm not that excited to buy my own house. (Side note: I can face many things, but the idea of having a mortgage freaks me out. I am also scared of the dark, clowns, and drowning. I am even scared of fake drowning.)

What I'd Like to Do

I want to pick up an artistic hobby. I've always been intrigued by DIY projects. So before the right side of my brain becomes senile, I want to take up sewing. I've always admired quirky patterns, textures, and fabrics, so I see myself enjoying this in the long run. My maternal grandmother used to make me clothes as a little kid. I loved that it was made by my grandma and I can be for sure that no one else would be wearing a matching teddy bear, shirt and pants combination with lace trimmings outfit. (I'm going to find that awesome picture. Because the best day to wear this outfit was picture day!) Sure it could pass for pajamas, but I loved that it fit exactly to my measurements.

Other Stuff I'd Like to Do

As I look 30 straight in the eye or however far my poor eye sight can see, I do plan on traveling as much possible. Preferably, I'd want to go to countries outside of the US, so I can re-appreciate the USA.

I want to lose 20 pounds! I am embarrassed to even admit that I even have 20 pounds to spare, but as many people would agree, my body is not a perfect wonderland. (John Mayer may be a douchebag, but he writes good songs.)

I want to be debt free! I'm on my way to financial freedom from a debt perspective, but I am about 100 million-billion dollars short from true financial freedom. I am paying back my very youthful choices, literally.

Lastly, I've had a former colleague at work who pursued her dream and has published 2 New York Times Bestsellers for Children's Books. I have to re-ignite the inspiration and act on it. Henceforth and therefore, the blogging craze has begun again. Also, I just read Tina Fey's Bossypants. I loved it. She confirms all the more why I consider her one of my human, female, and writing heroes. Go read it!

A Collection of Happy Moments in Napa

Trees lined both sides of the road as pairs of branches from opposite trees clasped like two hands. Rays of light still managed to discover pockets of open spaces through the canopy of leaves and branches. The drive through this little piece of road and trees lasted only a few moments. From those few moments, I finally felt the seed of an inspired idea had been freshly planted. I have been patiently waiting for that spark, so I can finally write a story.

(Going off on a tangent, I went to have a pedicure on Friday after work. I picked up a few magazines to get some tips on hair and look for outfit ideas. I ended up reading an article about Lauren Conrad. Yes, LC of the Laguna Beach and The Hills reality television shows. I didn't realize that she already had 2 books published and the books are also doing really well. In one sentence, she mentioned the importance of an overview of the entire book and a chapter outline. I went looking for hair ideas in the magazine, instead I find tips on writing. Score for me! I've also started researching for writing workshops. Baby steps to a dream!)

There are few places that I've visited where I feel like I've been transported to another place and time. One of those places is Napa Valley in California. The Napa region has a bit of Mother Nature and magic in the air. Season after season, the land produces a bountiful harvest for the vineyards. When I stared out into the horizon, the land is endlessly lush with green trees, grass, and hills. It's almost like the rain and sunshine made a special blend just for this area, so that all plants may grow and thrive in the soil.

I visited Napa today with a few friends. Almost every place we visited was a photo opportunity including the wineries, the restaurant, and even the grocery store. Everything about Napa is quaint and picturesque. As we traveled up and down Napa, I couldn't help, but think of the romanticism that is A Walk in the Clouds starring Keanu Reeves. From a single plant, the family in the movie was able to grow that single plant into a full fledge vineyard. Similar to an idea, an idea cannot come into fruition until it is firmly planted and nourished.

Today was such a beautiful day in Napa, California. It was also a beautiful day because it was filled with good company, tasty food, pretty pictures, and lovely memories.

Taken at Castello di Amarosa on June 26, 2010 - Mimicing Three's Company - Everybody sing, "Come and knock on our door, someone's waiting for you..."

The Promise of Summer

This summer, I've decided to document and photograph as many moments as possible. New friendships, revisited friendships, & strengthened friendships seem to be springing up like wildflowers. The comfort of a fellow soul is just as warm as a summer night. The feeling is just right.

There are other reasons why the summer has a special meaning to me. The season symbolizes the start of my relationship with Leo. It is also the season that I lost my mom to breast cancer. Ten years after her death, I have finally learned that death ends a life, but it does not end my relationship with her. For years, I've always viewed her as being in an unreachable place, but I realize now that she will always be all around me. I feel it.

Experiencing the loss of such an important figure, I made a promise to myself to live life meaningfully. Loved ones, friends, family, and my dog bring meaning to my life. Traveling, reading, and writing bring meaning to my life. I've limited the negativity and the drama as much as possible. It's important to be genuinely kind, giving, and forgiving. However, I also have my moments of bitterness and regression; these are all parts of the human experience. In every story, the good will always win out.

As an aspiring writer, I must continue to jot down my thoughts until the GREAT inspiration hits. The kind of inspiration that flows uncontrollably. Inspiration that is mixed with goodness, innocence, selflessness, love, and as always, the kind of inspiration that carries a message of hope.

I admit that this post is nostalgic and corny. So here's a little update on Eddie, my Golden. For Eddie, the summer represents sleeping on the cool, tiled, kitchen floor. It also represents 4th of July when he'll run into the bathroom and hide in the bathtub from the evil fireworks. It means lingering doggy farts. It also means more trips to the dog park to hang out with his fellow canine friends.

I still dream like I am 6 years old!

Between now until not too far from now, I'd like to write a short story in children's book or young adult format. I am still inspired by the fact the the writer of The Outsiders was written when she was still a young teenager. Jane Austen was a young, single woman introducing us to the world of Elizabeth and Darcy. And in recent times, J.K. Rowling created the Harry Potter world. But my first inspirations were The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein and Oh! The Places You Will Go by Dr. Seuss. I wonder if I can somehow marry the magical worlds of Jane Austen, J.K Rowling, Dr. Seuss, and Shel Silverstein. It's good to aim REALLY high!



Also, I used to think that I was a pretty decent artist as a 6 year old. I may need help in the drawing area. I don't know if Heartman and Starman will cut it with today's artistic sophistication.