30 things I learned when I was 30

I was thinking the other day that when I turned 30, I started experiencing a lot of changes. I changed jobs and schools. The two things my life revolved around. There were good changes too, like being elected to the board of directors at Woodruff Fontaine. And Fox brought 24 back...yay!! But just for one season...boo....

Anyway I decided to list things I've learned throughout my first 30 years of life (in no particular order) Enjoy!!

1- Never underestimate the joy of being carded. Seriously. I bought beer the other day and the cashier rolled his eyes and bypassed the age verification. I was depressed for hours.

2- Etiquette is underrated. Write thank you notes. They mean a lot.

3- When in doubt, overdress.

4- True acceptance and praise comes from within. Don't wait for others to give you acceptance or praise. It may never come.

5- Find your passion in life. Do something that you aren't doing to further your career, or to look good on your resume. Find what you love. Its amazing how you can make time for it.

6- Eat healthy. Seriously. That crap catches up with you eventually. Also, organic food IS better for you. Especially meat and eggs. Have you seen the awful conditions chickens, cows and pigs live in when they're nonorganic? Do you want that in your body?

7- Find something to have faith in.

8- Take time to relax. Seriously. You'll explode if you don't.

9- Always smile. No matter what. People find it hard to be rude to someone who's smiling.

10- Mind your manners. A simple thank you goes a long way. (I really believe that now that I'm working on a hospital floor. So thankless)

11- There is nothing wrong with going to bed early. Or staying home

12- Life is so much fuller with a dog. Or 3.

13- Everything happens at different times for different people. You are on your own path.

14- Don't compare yourself to other people. The grass is always greener on the other side. You don't know their whole story.

15- Let go. Dont hold on to grudges. Forgive...not because they need it...because you do!

16- Beer is good. So is wine.

17- You're never too old to start over and chase a dream.

18- Nothing lasts forever. NOTHING. I thought my medical issues like the brain tumor and mastectomy would last forever. But here I am..intact...and they're just a distant memory.

19- Listen to older people. Really listen. You can learn a lot.

20- Your memory starts to go. Really. I can't remember what I was going to put for number 20.

21. No one is irreplaceable.

22. "I'm sorry" and "I don't know..please help" should be in everyone's vocabulary.

23. You are never too good to do anything.

24. Its better to have a few close friends then a bunch of "friends"

25. Keep your secrets close. You can't trust some people that you think you can.

26. Learn how to say no.

27. If someone will gossip to you, odds are pretty good they'll gossip about you.

28. Dont let people still your happiness. Only you control how you react to things.

29. Dont try to change people. We all have our strengths and weaknesses.

30. Count your blessings. Love life...because the alternative sucks.

Its been a fun first 6 months of my 30s. Seems like I just turned 20.  I'm excited (and a little scared) to see what'll happen these next 10 years!

Changes

So its been awhile since I've posted....

....and so many changes. They're everywhere.

Its pretty much the halfway point in the year and everything is different. (Well most stuff) I'm trying to embrace change but mostly change makes my tummy hurt.

On a good note I started my new job at another hospital the beginning of April. I'm a PCA (Patient care assistant....basically a CNA without the certificate) in a rehab floor. I like it because we get the same patients for weeks. We really get to know them and I've met great people. Yes it gets tedious....and disgusting at times. But I like making a difference in people's hospital stay. I work the evening shift which I enjoy. And my coworkers are great. The big plus? I'm making decent money. The month I was unemployed was WAY too long. Ugh it was awful.

Now for the bad...well kind of. I'm switching schools. Like my new job, this one is closer. So yay for less gas. I'll still be in nursing but it will take me that much longer to get through....but that's OK. Mostly. I'm starting summer school in a few weeks, take other prereqs in the Fall then hopefully start nursing classes in January.

Now I don't feel the need to post all the gory details. Only a few people know every awful detail. And I'll never forget it so I don't have to preserve it here. I'm just looking forward, and keeping it moving along.

Now if for some reason I'm not successful getting into this nursing program....I have no clue what I'll do. Maybe finish the classes I need to be a teacher (which suprisingly enough isn't that much) because I can only take so much disappointment.

Now what am I doing in the interim you ask? Well I'm trying to get off this massive amount of weight I've gained (seriously it's gross), trying to get some work down around the house (yes I hate that so I'm super slow at it but it'll get done), reading more books, working more at my job (they are SO supportive of me), and I was elected to be on the board of Woodruff Fontaine. That was a huge honor, considering how much I love the house, so I'll be able to devote some real time to that. Basically I'm working on actually being a human being again.

I know people will be disappointed in me about school. Trust me I'm disappointed in myself. But its not over. No matter what happens I'm not giving up!

Oh and did I mention by December I'll have a new nephew? And either a new niece or nephew as well (Allison hasn't found out yet!)

One things for sure, the rest of the year will be interesting.