What a Difference a Decade Makes

Ten years ago, I turned twenty.  I was a sophomore at Southern Illinois University, living in the dorms and enjoying college life.  For my birthday, my roommate Emily had wrapped my possessions (stapler, text books, shoes) and gave these to me as gifts.  I also received an odd collection of gifts from the thrift and dollar stores, which I am modeling in this picture from my twentieth birthday (notice the foreshadowing to my Canadian future?).  


At twenty, I knew that I would graduate with a degree in Interior Design.  I knew I would return to Chicago after finishing school.  I knew I would get a job.  Beyond that, I did not have a real plan and my future was wide open.  I did have this belief that I would one day marry a rock star.  Alas, I am a home body by nature, and my mom pointed out that this would make it very difficult to meet my future rocker husband unless his tour bus broke down in front of the house.


As my thirtieth birthday approached, I was not sure how to feel about it.  Should I feel sad, old, anxious, excited?  To be honest, I mostly felt surprised at how quickly time had passed.  But I can honestly say that I am satisfied with every moment of my twenties.


I have had a lot of great experiences over the past ten years.  I started working at my first real job.  I traveled all over the country.  I worked hard.  I met amazing people.  I made life long friends.  I made some money.  I spent some money.  I lived on my own.  I learned a lot.


Some experiences seemed less than positive - at first.  When the housing market started to crumble, I found myself unemployed.  That was a not so great moment of my twenties.  But that moment led directly to getting a better job at a better design firm.  It indirectly led to meeting a wonderful man (not a "rock star", but one who plays the guitar, so close enough).  I fell in love.  That was the best moment of my twenties.


Then my wonderful man began a new job in Montreal.  We made long distance work.  We got married.  I moved to Canada. We adopted a furry son that likes to bite us.  I turned thirty.  And I am happy.  :)