Revisit

A long while ago a created a page for this blog called 30 Before 30. After a few mini and not-so-mini hiatuses, I decided that I would delete that page. Not only was I not focusing on any of the things in the list, but I hadn't even revisited it for God knows how long! To be completely honest I couldn't tell you what some of those things were. A few I still remember, but they're not really something to write home about. I know that I wanted to get married (check), have a baby (almost check), finish my top 10 list of places to visit in Europe (nope - hello hockey coach), and get my MBA (I guess there's still time). Aside from that ... what else is there? Life changes. What you want to see, do, accomplish, experience, it all changes. So now what?

I am two months into being 26 years old. The number seems older than I do. However, this moose growing inside of me reminds me that I am not 21, no matter how young I feel sometimes. Or how young others think I am. (This 80+ year old man in our complex says that Matt impregnated a teenager!) Some of the things I had on that list just wouldn't fit anymore. Do I start over? Make a new 30 Before 30? No. I'm not going to do that. I just don't feel like it. Besides, the one thing I really want more than anything at this moment - to have my own show on The Travel Channel or Food Network. Why, you might ask. Because I saw today that The Travel Channel has a new show called Burger Land. That's my show. No way that guy loves burgers more than I do. No freaking way.

Instead, here are a few things I'd like to do before Baby Mac gets here. Seems a little more attainable right now.

Something life changing coming up? What would you like to squeeze in before it happens?

Thankful

We're always thankful for the people in our lives that are awesome. Friends and family who always put a smile on our face, make us laugh, give us things to do and talk about. It's easy. Those are the conversations we want to have, the things we gravitate towards, the people who we would do anything for. There are so many instances in life where we just can't help but to be happy and so very thankful for these kinds of people. But what about the people we struggle with? The ones we question? The ones who don't necessarily meet our standards. Be thankful for them too. Because, like the quote says, they are showing you exactly who you do not want to be.

There is someone I work with who seems to make my job so much harder than it needs to be. I am glad I'm only 26 years old in the work force. I have 30+ years to make sure I never make the same mistakes this person does. To remember what it's like to not be able to get work done because someone else is always questioning, second guessing, changing, or just plain never answering me.

Friends who have become not-so-much friends. They always say your true friends will be there for you no matter what is happening. We immediately use this in our worst moments. Who's there when you need it the most? What about who's there when you have amazing things happening in your life? Are they still around when everything seems to be going right for you even if it isn't for them? That doesn't always mean things are bad in their life, just not great. Hardships are hard - that's the point. But happiness should be shared too. When people walk away because they're not experiencing the same highs ... they're showing me exactly who I do not want to be.

Seeing other couples interact can let you in to a world that you may not realize you were even in. Those things you say because you're mad, try watching someone else say that to their significant other. Immediately you think, I would never say that to you. But you might. You may already have. Do your best to do things differently.

Even strangers. If you like to people watch, like me, you'll notice so much. Watch who opens doors for others. See how many other complete strangers exchange smiles or a simple head nod. Which people are giving up their seats for someone else who clearly needs it more?

Be a user. Use everyone - the good people, the bad people - to know who you want to be. Then be that person. Act on it. Don't just say you're going to do it. Just do it.

Just Keep Swimming

Photo courtesy of Tony Bailey Photography

Why do you look so angry, Matt?

A lot of our hockey friends are heading back over the pond ... in the direction of North America. I completely forgot how long a season is when you're playing in the ECHL. We could be finishing up right now too. Heading home for a nice long Summer. I would be semi not at all stressed about finding work for the few months we're in town. Trying to decide where I'm going to eat first. Then where I'm going to shop first. All of my crap would be packed into two and half suitcases and a carry on (because I must take up some of Matt's luggage). We would be forced with staying at our parents houses for a bit, which would be totally fine because we don't have to pay for groceries - which is an expense, I tell ya! Plus, hockey would be over. For a bit.

No. No. No. Matt has given up his playing days for a suit and tie behind the bench of an East Coast Hockey League team. After, let's see, 72 ish games now the season is officially over. They finished top in their division, second in the conference, and even had the head coach named ECHL Coach of the Year. Get this, all without a single player in the top 20 of goal scorers. Matt was in charge of the penalty kill this year, and it finished 4th (when at home) in the league. Middle of the pack for home and away. I'd say they've done well.

That's right. If you'd like to root for the Cincinnati Cyclones on Twitter just use the hashtag #takebackthecup. Thanks.

So, here's the kicker. While I'm not packed into a few suitcases, dreaming of Summer, trying to figure out where I'm going to live, I am a few hours away from turning on my Cyclones iPad app and listening to yet another game. Like I said, I forgot how long this season is. But tonight starts the exciting part. Playoffs. Playoff hockey is way more entertaining than the regular season. Not only because you have your "full" team back, but because everyone puts a little bit more into the game. You only have seven games to make something happen. When I say make something happen I mean win. We're trying to #takebackthecup, remember? Our captain has won two Kelly Cup Championships. Our assistant coach won one. Our head coach has won championships as well. They know what it's like to win and they want to do it again. I'll stick around for that.

I must say, thank the Lord almighty I'm not a baseball wife. Now that's a long season! Though I have to wonder if I'd mind so much being able to wear barely-there clothes in the middle of Summer, watching my favorite game, and already being in an awesome mood because it's Summer time and everyone is always more happy then. Sure beats my winter parka, Sorel boots, blue lips, and a game I'm - in all honesty - still learning everyday. (But loving more everyday!)

Let's go Cyclones!