Happy Birthday to Me!

Well, I survived another year! Between my last birthday and today, I found myself spending a lot of time traveling, which I had always hoped to do. I spent most of '08 and '09 traveling up and down California to go see my favorite music group, NKOTB. Thanks to them, I've gotten to meet a lot of new friends and have become addicted to Twitter! Coincidentally, I have been the happy recipient of two tweets by none other than the leader or 'charismatic one' himself, Donnie Wahlberg! He's just as much a sweetheart with a big heart, as is Jonathan Knight, who you all {yes, all three of you!} know I've been crushing on since I was 16 years old!

Earlier this year, I got promoted at my job. I was getting the run-around at work and waited three months until the paperwork finally went through...only for the promotion to be taken away at the beginning of July when the California budget crisis led me to take a major pay cut. :( At that moment in time, I told my supervisors that I was going to have to look for another job, which I am still looking for. Yes, it's THAT bad in California!

Around May, I got reacquainted with an 'old' crush. I got the nerve to stop by his place of business a few times, but never had a real conversation with him. Eventually, my heart got broken yet again a few months later when I saw him with his ex-girlfriend. I quickly moved on.

About two weeks ago, I took my parents to visit my mother's siblings and their families in Southern California and Baja CA. The last time we saw the family was three years ago when we attended my cousin's memorial service. I love visiting my extended family (and yes, I have many, many cousins), who I don't get to see very much. On the last day we were in Baja, my cousin Ben gave and said something to my parents that ultimately made me become an emotional wreck. So up until the time we left, he made fun of me because I was still crying! My Baja cousins ALWAYS make us feel welcomed when we go to visit them. I will blog more about my Baja trip in another blog.

A few months ago, I started experiencing more feelings of regret. I've felt that I haven't accomplished much in my life nor do I get the respect I deserve. I went back to college a few years ago, but am only taking a few classes here and there since I really need to work. I intend to continue with school and complete all the necessary classes so that I can eventually transfer one day, but it may take me a while longer.

I'm not sure what lies ahead for me, but I can only hope it's something good and for which I've worked hard for. My current motto is that I'm going to focus more time in making myself happy. I have yet to see what is out there for me. It may be a new job in another city or traveling. Whatever it is, there may be some challenges along the way, but I have faith that I'll overcome them.

Here is to another year of living with good health and happiness, and exploring all the possibilities that are yet to come!