A Thought...

     So, I'll be turning the big 2-5 in two weeks.  Some of you may be thinking, " Twenty-five?!  You're just a spring chicken!"  Others may be thinking, "I wish I were that old--then I could do whatever I want!"  Whichever side of the fence you're standing on doesn't matter... my upcoming quarter-of-a-century  birthday just made me think a little bit, about life, goals, etc., and I figured I'd share some of my thoughts with you.
     When I was younger (which wasn't so long ago, but it seems like it sometimes), I remember telling myself I was going to learn EVERYTHING and be the smartest woman alive.  I wanted to know math, science, music, history, be able to play every sport, speak different languages fluently, cook like nobody's business, make my own clothes, grown my own food, etc.  I never thought I'd be anything less than spectacular in every facet.  Then, reality sets in as you get older; you realize you don't have time to wipe your own ass, much less study your French, read about the Americian Revolution or gardening, clean your apartment, go jogging with the dog, go to the opera and art galleries... and this is just being a working musician & student, much less a working parent who chooses to go back to school.
     I have to admit, I've done some pretty neat things thus far and am definitely making my life my own.  I never settled for being average or followed the flock--CHECK.  I worked my ass off to pay for 1 1/2 years of my undergrad education, working 30-50 hours a week, all while maintaining a 3.6+ GPA.  I've become much more fiscally responsible (which had to be done by falling flat on my face).  I made it to grad school and can actually pay my bills, despite many peoples' skepticism, via singing.  I, along with my family, started a summer road trip tradition that will hopefully continue.  I'm going to be BIKING 1/3-1/2 of the way ACROSS THE COUNTRY by myself!  I've made some amazing, lifelong friends and relationships that I cherish deeply and will always take care to maintain.  I've learned a ton about human physiology and nutrition and make a point to eat healthy(ish) and lead an active lifestyle (most of the time) so that I can enjoy this frail yet amazingly, genetically strong body I inherited from my parents.  I've been making solid progress on my vocal technique in just the past week--it's amazing when something finally clicks!  ETC!

     Even with that list of "cool schtuff I've done," there is another, even longer list of things I want to do and learn.  I have a ton of goals, some of which I may never accomplish.  Nonetheless, I still strive to be "that girl" who continually learns, and, someday, will know as much as I possibly can, have done all/most of the things I've wanted to do, and am completely content with my accomplishments in my life--that's not asking too much of myself is it?  There's so much to do, and I've only got 75 (more or less) years to do it!      

Here's to living your dream--making your life the way you want it and doing what fulfills you.

... and to think, I'm only 25... in two weeks.