20 Something bash

The New York Times released an article last week that seemed to resonate with me and many of my friends. I'm about to leave the 20 something group soon, yet I feel I haven't reached societies intended goal. My reason, I have watched the failures of the generation before me try to keep up with the pace and fall on their face. We grew up with our parents or friends parents divorcing; people loosing jobs and then unable to make payments on houses; the job market tank and then everyone went back to school to become more marketable only to find they were to qualified mentally with out enough hands on experience. Through all of that we have become more cautious with our hearts, why should we trust when 50% of the time it's not going to work.  We have become more educated, yet unemployable and unable to think outside of the box. Yet we continue to fall into the trap of keeping up with the latest trend in technology and fashion. We love our credit cards.  Why not live at home when we can't afford to live on our own. Our parents are cool roommates, its not as lonely as your own place, and its free.

In the United States society shuns those who move home, yet in many countries they find it wrong not to join your family after college and marriage. The decision become more about the location of your work or the need of the family. The hardest decision is who's family will we actually live with and what makes most sense for a the new couple or the person.

I agree that there has been a shift in the 20 Something's time line to adulthood. I also think that the generation needs to be able to take responsibly for itself. On the other hand, I think the opportunities are endless and it reflects in the passion to try them all on for size before picking the right one. Why rush an experience when we have the time?

The full article is in the link listed below
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/22/magazine/22Adulthood-t.html

Today I'm thankful for friendships. They span miles, continents, states, phone lines, text messages, car rides, and thoughts. Each friend guides my journey and I live vicariously through their journeys.  My friends have helped define me, challenge my thoughts, support me through tough times, and given me confidence when I needed a boost. As we are growing up, going through life events, and changing, our friendships are morphing into new realms. Recently, I realized that I have been selfishly looking inward at how their changes are affecting my life.  I realized I have forgotten to learn from their new endeavors. I was unhappy about the change instead of being supportive of their new possibilities. I am packing up the old memories and storing them away to pull out when we need a boost later on in a moment of stress or disparity. I'm challenging myself to redefine my old friendships and find a new common ground. 

Mr. Right Now, not Mr. Forever

I was online looking through ETSY when a cute card clicked past my computer screen. It was short and sweet.

Spoken like a true hopeless romantic 

http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/etsy-finds-hot-date-9084/ 

Longing for summer

It's summer and I am sitting in my office looking longingly out at the sunny day.  It's just out of reach just like my tan.  Pandora is playing on Mumford and Sons and the music today is perfect for my dizzy mood. Stolen random moments make summer sweet.  This song captures it all....

Gold in the Air of Summer Lyrics
Artist(Band):Kings Of Convenience
 
Without giving anything away
I can say it's by the sea
It's a house that used to be
The home of a friend of mine

Without giving anything away
You'll find ships inside of bottles
When the garden's overgrown
The house is white, but the paint is coming off

I didn't know if you wanted to
But I came to pick you up
You didn't even hesitate
And now you and me are on our way
I think I've bought everything we need
Don't look back, don't think of the
Other places you should've been
It's a good thing that you came along with me

Gold in the air of summer
You'll shine like gold in the air of summer
You'll shine like gold in the air of summer
You'll shine like gold in the air of summer

In 6 days I will be flying into the Big Apple, complete with my camera, comfortable shoes, and hidden in the bag a pair of stilettos.  I'm off to see the big city and stay with a new friend that I made this year.  My bucket list for NYC includes:

A trip to the Statue of Liberty

Fireworks on the Hudson for the 4th of July

A crazy early morning to watch Maroon 5 in the Today show concert Series

Lot's of food, walking, and museums. If time permits possibly a show.


Summer is going to be grand!

Slight Obsession with BB Apps

Now I am not a tech savvy girl, in fact I have been compared to Kryptonite  when it comes to technology. I have the natural ability to break 4 computers in 5 years.  On the the other hand I love bright and shiny new toys, especially if they are free! I have recently filled up my Blackberry with enough applications that the memory is starting to freeze. As I filter through the applications and learn which ones I use and which ones are a fast fad that quickly fades away I find my obsession with my phone growing. I whip out the phone and it's applications like friends whip out the newest pictures of babies. In a moment I can coordinate directions, movie times, gas prices, Facebook all while talking on the phone to a friend.  I might be two connected. I wonder if there is an app for that problem?

Marriage and Babies

Everyone around me has started to move on to their next stage in life. While I'm happy for their new adventures into adulthood, I'm a bit sad at the prospect of playing candy-land on my own. Weddings, babies, and celebrations are booking my calendar more frequently then random road trips and adventures.

This past weekend while home in the Midwest visiting my family, a well intended member of my parents church asked if I had brought a special gentleman home.  They were politely asking if I was starting to head down the marriage path. I'm awkward when answering the question of "are you dating" and "is they someone special". I need to develop a stock answer, that instills confidence that I will marry someday, if "Mr. Right Now" turns into "Mr. Right" dropping the now off his name to join mine. I'm not dating anyone specifically special, I'm dating and meeting lots of potential partners but stating that to a middle age couple makes them uncomfortable and me look like a "twit"- I think that is what they call it.

I have great friends that listen to what I want and really find the text book guy. Even my barista has found me a date! I'm extremely lucky that people have faith in me to find a mate. Sometimes I wonder if it's because I can joined the "marrieds" for couple dates and not be Bridget Jones at the end of the table. Cynical,  I know!  I struggle with the thought that half of them will be divorced before I get married. Am I bucking a trend, or running scared?

Babies, houses, marriage, responsibility....right now I'm just really happy with my dog.