I turned 35 last week, and it's throwing me for a loop. Ordinarily I love birthdays, but this one just felt odd. I already felt like something - maybe several things - really needed to change once 2014 turned over. Shouldn't 35-year-olds have it together?
So I decided a few things:
- This year will be make-it or break-it with SO.
- I need a career. Like an actual, bonafide career. I love doing research. I'm a great administrative worker. I have a bunch of creative talents. I'm friendly and kind, but dealing with a constant stream of people drains me. I'd love to do something that specifically helps women. I need to make enough money to support myself and save for retirement. I'm not sure how to mash all of those things together yet.
- I need to start doing more out in the world. Volunteering somewhere, taking a class, maybe joining an orchestra again, finally attending a vegan meetup group - something (or many things). I need to make more plans with the friends I've got, too.
I've got 47 levels of stress and am working on centering myself to deal with it all. I've started doing five minutes of yoga every morning while my tea brews. I'm learning about chakras. I imagine the stress leaving the top of my head and my stomach calming whenever things feel out of control. I think it's helping.
And now for my bizarre story of the day:
My dental hygienist (whom I adore and have been seeing for 10+ years) gave me a lengthy lecture today on how my eggs are getting old and I had better freeze them before I turn 38. I gently told her several times that I'm not sure I want kids, but she persisted. I have good genes, blue eyes, a good figure, and that would all go to waste, she said. Then she suggested that I freeze half my eggs and donate the other half to her. I could be the child's godmother and take the child should she die soon. *CUE CRICKETS* She revealed that she had just paid $20,000 for an egg donor. I'm not sure why she would want my old eggs, in that case...
35
February 13th, 2014 at 11:42 pm
February 13th, 2014 at 11:56 pm 1392335786
February 14th, 2014 at 12:01 am 1392336101
February 14th, 2014 at 12:15 am 1392336902
February 14th, 2014 at 04:59 am 1392353948
You should come to the Ordinary Savers group!
February 15th, 2014 at 01:16 am 1392426962
I suppose you know what the front and center stress in her life is now. And I guess that is a good point - we are all *dealing* with something in our life.
Good luck with everything and Happy Birthday too!
February 15th, 2014 at 02:05 am 1392429948
That definitely is an ... awkward convo to have while having your teeth worked on. Wow.
I totally understand your thoughts/goals. When I was working at the oil and gas company, and was about 32 (I think), I started really feeling like my life was going nowhere and that my job wasn't doing anything really for anyone. That's when I found a no-kill animal shelter about 20 minutes from me. I volunteered there many weekend afternoons walking dogs and playing with cats.
February 15th, 2014 at 02:08 am 1392430112
February 18th, 2014 at 02:42 am 1392691338
Yes, ceejay, I should come to your group! And you're right, of course. I can somehow manage to both reject and embrace the need for a solid career path. Societal pressure be damned, but then I put it on myself.
FT75, yes, I need to get back into volunteering at an animal shelter!
PatientSaver, I need a compass!