TGH Lovin'

Just wanted to give a shout out to my place of employment, Tampa General Hospital, and to all my amazing coworkers on the Neuro floor!

30 Things to Have and Know

In 1997, Glamour magazine posted a list of 30 Things Every Woman Should Have and Know by the Time She's 30. Some of this may be outdated, some of it may be cheesy, but I thought I'd take a look at the list and see how I'm doing. My 27th birthday is coming up within the month and considering I made a list of 25 things to do during my 25th year, I'm thinking a second bucket list by the time I'm 30 may be in order...maybe this list will give me some ideas of things I need to start accomplishing...

By 30, you should have:

1. One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come. Gotta admit failure on this one. I'm very thankful for all I learned while involved with my ex's but I can honestly say I would never imagine going back to any of them. Some experiences certainly remind me of how far I've come though!

2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family. Done. My king sized, double pillow top bed is amazing!

3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour. Could probably manage to scrounge something up...though my wardrobe is currently in a complete overhaul.

4. A purse, a suitcase, and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying. Love my Coach purses, giraffe-print suitcase, and polka-dot umbrella!

5. A youth you’re content to move beyond. Yes.

6. A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age. Oh yessss.

7. The realization that you are actually going to have an old age—and some money set aside to help fund it. Savings account is comfortably padded and being further cushioned monthly.

8. An email address, a voice mailbox, and a bank account—all of which nobody has access to but you. Done.

9. A résumé that is not even the slightest bit padded. Check.

10. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry. I've got more than one that falls in each category!

11. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra. Screwdrivers and black lace bra - check. Really need to look into that cordless drill though.

12. Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it. Hmm...does a new car before I really needed one count?

13. The belief that you deserve it. Hell yeah! It was my congrats to myself for getting into accelerated nursing school!

14. A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine, and a plan for dealing with those few facets of life that don’t get better after 30. The plans are ever evolving, but they're in place.

15. A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship, and all those other facets of life that do get better. Satisfying career...check. Satisfying relationship...ha! This list has a sense of humor. As for the other facets...working on it.

By 30, you should know:

1. How to fall in love without losing yourself. I've accomplished it in the past.

2. How you feel about having kids. My mom promises me that I'll like my kids (ha)...so I'll address this when I'm old enough to consider it. (No, almost 27 is NOT old enough to consider kids yet)

3. How to quit a job, break up with a man, and confront a friend with-out ruining the friendship. Yes, yes, and yes.

4. When to try harder and when to walk away. Depends on the situation. Sometimes I hold on too long to things...but I've learned how to let go.

5. How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn’t like to happen next. I'm better at the first than the second, haha, but I've got nonverbal communication down pretty well.

6. The names of the secretary of state, your great-grandmothers, and the best tailor in town. Maybe (I know other members of the government!), one of the them, and no idea. Definitely need to work on this one...

7. How to live alone, even if you don’t like to. Loved it for the period of time I did it.

8. Where to go—be it your best friend’s kitchen table or a yoga mat—when your soul needs soothing. Got it.

9. That you can’t change the length of your legs, the width of your hips, or the nature of your parents. I'm good with the first and the last...however the width of my hips is a daily battle with the mirror and my jeans. I suppose I might be greatful when I get around to childbirth...

10. That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over. True.

11. What you would and wouldn’t do for money or love. I'm not sure...limits are constantly changing and evolving.

12. That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs, or not flossing for very long. So true.

13. Who you can trust, who you can’t, and why you shouldn’t take it personally. Learning not to take it personally is the hardest, but eventually you accept it.

14. Not to apologize for something that isn’t your fault. Good rule to learn.

15. Why they say life begins at 30! Gotta wait til I'm in my 30s to learn that one!

Damn, now I really want to ask for a cordless drill for my birthday...

Love,
KayCee