Singletons

During my run tonight I really got to thinking... thinking about "the single life". I will fully admit that I would rather be single and 29 than married and miserable.  It seems so often that you hear of people my age that have been married and divorced already...I guess I consider myself thankful that I didn't make a choice early on that I would have regretted by now.

I was also thinking that I am relieved that I am not the only singleton in the late 20's/early 30's range--hell, there would be no hope otherwise!  :)  I think there are a few common denominators between the so called singletons...
1. Independence. We have learned to do things for ourselves.  We don't necessarily need someone to take care of us, or keep track of us on a minute-by-minute basis.  That doesn't mean that we don't crave that at one point or another. 
2. "The Wall".  I say it myself and I hear it often--I just need to find someone to break down the wall or I need to let my guard down.  Its not easy, but its something that inevitably needs to happen if you are going to let someone else in your life.  Time to let go of the burn that built the bricks that built the wall...or maybe you just need to find someone that owns a really sharp and sturdy chisel and let them go to work.  
3. Success.  Many of us singletons didn't get their MRS. Degree in college and got caught up in career paths, success, money and finding a great job.  We also tend to work too much and spend a little too much time obsessing about jobs (GUILTY AS CHARGED!). 

These denominators aren't necessarily a detriment, but feel they play a factor in many ways...

I throw in my normal "Don't get me wrong" disclaimer... I am so happy for the friends that have found their happiness (whatever that means to them individually), or ones that are quickly on their way.  I will say I am contented by the fact that I am not completely there yet, but will be REALLY happy one day when I am. 

Super Sweet 16

Have you ever caught an episode of MTV's Super Sweet 16?  I am a glutton and tend to tune in when its on...especially early on a Sunday morning.  Do you see the kids that are featured on the show?  Spoiled rotten (and I mean relatively disgusting rotten) by their parents, completely out of touch with reality, and getting everything and anything they have ever wanted without lifting a finger.  Today's episode was especially interesting... the girl had a Vegas style party with all the glitz, glam, and controversy of Vegas.  She had three different dresses--one for the entrance, one for the party, and another for when they had cake (yes, seriously, cake).  She refused to let any of her VIPs look better than her for fear of taking the spotlight off her.  Her birthday present was a $60,000 Mercedes SUV with Swarovski crystal accents.  Are you serious? 

I didn't catch the end of the show, but I can only imagine what is ahead of her... I remember my sweet 16--a game of life-sized twister, tacos, and a homemade pinata.  I felt lucky when my parents let me borrow one of their cars. Don't get me wrong, I would love to have had the money growing up for something like this, but I don't know that mooching off of Mom and Dad my entire life would call for a lot of character building opportunities. 

Its hard to imagine these reality TV "stars" working hard for a living, not being able to afford rent or a car payment, or even making it on their own in the real world.  I guess they don't know any better...so can I really blame them?

So...How does this work?

Well, I had the grandiose plan to start this on my 29th birthday... It is 7 days later... whoops... I guess it goes without saying that I am a bit of a procrastinator.  I am new to this, so a little fear of the unknown is evident (that would be called an excuse).  I don't read blogs, I wouldn't consider me a blogger, I don't really know how to write them, so you will have to bear with me. 

The purpose of this "project" as I will call it, is to make the most out of the 29th year of my life, or at least document it.  Chances are good that there will be some rants and raves, to do lists, completely random topics, and so on... If you have any topics you would like me to "discuss", please let me know :)

As I learned this last year when training for my first triathlon, the more people you tell about something you are aspiring to do or a goal that you have, the more they will ask you about it, and overall lessens the chance that you won't follow through with that "thing".  I hope through this journey I will find some new things to add to my accomplishments list.

I guess in starting this, I should probably start a goal list...
1. The Pewaukee Triathlon in July 2011
2. Cook more often
3. Talk myself into going to the WAC (Wisconsin Athletic Club) more times than I talk myself out of it
4. Buy more shoes that are NOT for running, or that are flip flops
5. Travel some place new, perhaps on my own

I think that's a good start for now...or not... I don't know... Like I said, this is all new to me :)