So here I am....

Yesterday, I turned 35.  Now, I'm not one of those women who get depressed over my age.  Why bother?  I can't stop time, really have no wish to.  As I sit here and ponder 35, I think about what all I've done or accomplished.  I decided to make a list, starting with my marriage, and then another list of what is left to do.  It's not impressive, but it's me.   It also starts off very materialistic, which I am not, but I decided to leave them in any way.  This was prompted mostly by a memory of a pink elephant in the corner.

• Married Dave, and have stayed married to him for almost 12 years now.


• Own my own home.


• Attend a nationally known liberal arts college, proudly.


• Wear ring from before mentioned college.


• Have suffered 4 miscarriages, and went through 3 doctors before the last one got it right.


• Have the most beautiful little girl in the world (yeah, I'm biased.  Get over it.)


• Have full-time, decent paying job to pay for before mentioned house.


• Have a good family, meaning we don't fight over stupid things.  Sure, we disagree, and some of them might drive me crazy, but I still claim them and always will.

What's left:

• Graduate in a year and a half with English degree.


• Find a job with degree.


• Hopefully have another baby.


• Travel to the East Coast.


• Travel to England.


• How about just travel in general?

I have many friends from all over the world, some I've met, and some I've not.  I have a close-knit group of friends that totally get me and do not judge me.  Many of them I met via fan fiction or message boards, and have met numerous times.  We sometimes wonder what it would be like if we lived closer.  I can only say that for one friend that lives here in my town.  What does that say?

I think I have accomplished a good deal, however it wasn't how I envisioned.  I really should have about 4 degrees by now, but I digress.  Soon, very soon, I will leave the decent paying safe job and go for something that fits with my major and gets me another step in the right direction.  Who knows, maybe I'll be published one day.

I know some people that can't claim some of the basic items above, and yet, they accuse me of coveting their life.  They could not be any more wrong.  Why would I want to be unemployed, live in a house that is falling apart that I don't even own, drive a car that could die any day, and can't take constructive criticism about my writing?  No, thank you.  I'm happy as I am.  Are they happy?  Probably, and good for them.  But please don't accuse me of wanting all you have when I already have all I need.