Quarter of a Century

Well folks, I’ve hit the big one, 25. Wait, is there ever really a ‘big one?’ I suppose after you hit 50 it’s kind of downhill from there. But as of right now I’ll relish in the moment that I am now a quarter of a century old. My husband has been cracking jokes about it for the past week, but it hasn’t phased me. Especially since he’s two years older than me. No matter what he says, he’ll aways be the ‘old one.’ Sucker.

It’s usually around this time I tend to get a little sentimental and start missing my loved ones at home. I can just picture half a dozen girls all knocking my door down the day of my birthday and stealing me away for the night. I had some pretty awesome guy friends too…and ended up actually marrying one of them. My friends (lets not forget my family as well) always knew how to make my birthday special.

Since our big move to Oregon and then to Korea, birthdays really haven’t been the same. Instead of celebrating in the ‘big party’ way I used to, I celebrate it in a more intimate way. My husband usually takes me out for the dinner of my choice, and I save all the cards or packages I have received in the mail to open them on the night of my birthday. I can’t help but reflect on how the past years of my life have changed me, shaped me, and molded me into who I am today. I get teary-eyed thinking of all the wonderful memories I have over the years.

I’m a people person. I love, love, love relationships. In college I would live my life going 140 mph, double majoring, 22 credits a semester, actively involved in the theatre program, working two part-time jobs, and yet I still managed to spend almost every night hanging out with my friends. My friends became my family, and I know to this day these guys are there for me.

As you know, moving to Korea was difficult. I no longer had those close friendships that were just a door knock or five minute walk away. Now they’re thousands of miles away. The friendships here have been all but fleeting (welcome to expat life), and I’ve been burned a time or two. I always start feeling sorry for myself when my birthday hits, because I want someone to care for me enough to throw me a big party, want to bring me balloons, or even bake me a cake (btw if you haven’t guessed, Derik happily and willingly does ALL of this to fill in my ‘friend’ void). This friend-emptyness is really something I’ve had to learn and grow through over the past year. I’ve learned to value my relationship with my husband, as well as the relationships I can keep with the ones I love back home.

Reflecting over what ‘year 24’ gave me I can’t help but feel so blessed. If you’ll look back at what I wrote a year ago I was proud of what my 23rd year of life gave. I actually wrote a list last year about things I’d like to accomplish before I turned 25.

 “I want to learn to actually speak Korean, finish Insanity once again and graduate to Insanity Asylum, I want to visit two other countries, and I want to get LASIK. We’ll see how it goes, but if I get these done, I’ll feel quite accomplished.”

“I want to learn to actually speak Korean…” Well I put in a good fight anyway. I started the Rosetta Stone Korean program and got about 4 lessons in before I got distracted and moved on to something else. I have been really wanting to get back to Rosetta Stone, it’s a fantastic program, I just haven’t found the time yet another excuse. I have learned a few more Korean phrases, and my understanding and knowledge with what’s going on in conversations surrounding me has gone up exponentially since last year. I can usually figure out what someone is talking about if I listen carefully. I’ll chalk one up on the success board for that accomplishment!

“…finish Insanity once again and graduate to Insanity Asylum…” Yeah, after finishing the Insanity workout program 3 times and then doing to for various months in between and after, I got sick of it. Shaun T, you seem like a nice guy, I just grew sick of you saying, “Lets GOOOOOOO!” every day. Sorry. I’m seriously considering going in for a fourth round before Hawaii. This program kicks your body in gear like none other.

“…visit two other countries…” YES! I actually did this one. Derik and I were so blessed this last year to be able to visit not only two but THREE countries! We hung out in Vietnam, Japan, and Borneo (Malaysia), and just got back from a second trip to Japan. I am so thankful for Korea and all their public holidays. They really make traveling wonderful.

“…I want to get LASIK.” This happened too. It was my early birthday present from my husband, and I’m not even sure why it took so long for me to get it in the first place! Going from -8.75 (left eye) and -7.50 (right eye) to better than 20/10 vision? My life has been changed forever. I have had minimal side effects. I had a really cool eye hemorrhage that JUST finally disappeared last week, very little dryness, and tender eyes for about a week. The doctor was actually surprised how well my eyes were doing. I have to remind myself to put in my eye drops instead of pouring them in non-stop like most have to.

I really do feel accomplished. I have grown more in love with my husband, grown more comfortable living in a foreign country, and feel less hesitant to take risks. Derik and I have started to talk about the future, because we know we can’t stay in Korea forever. I’m excited to see what the future will hold, and knowing us it’ll be full of crazy, adventurous, ridiculous, fun, and hard situations. I’m here to eat it all up.

My goals for next year? I’d like to continue my goal from last year: try to speak better Korean, I’d like to see what I can do in the photography world, continue to grow my online business, and be part of a color run.

Although ‘getting old’ seems to come closer and closer each year, I can’t help but get excited for what’s to come. God has blessed Derik and I, and we’re able to LIVE life. Even though I have moments of homesickness and sadness, I know this is exactly where we are supposed to be. Life is grand. Thanks to everyone that has made my 25 years on Earth wonderful. :) Love you all!

B L O G G E R S- Here’s 50% off all ads (today only) for my birthday celebration! Get on this one, I won’t have another ad sale for another 6 months or so. Use the code birthday to receive your discount! Go get yours now!