My name is Ashley. On June 28, 2010 I turned 27. Accepting my age was particularly difficult this year. After reflecting on my discomfort I realized that many of the expectations I had for my 20's left me in a state of disappointment and regret . Year after year as the numbers increased, my expectations and hopes decreased. Then in a moment of clarity the shroud of discontent lifted and I realized that I had to make strategic selections to bring about change in this pattern of frustration. This blog is dedicated to that journey of decision. My goal is that in the course of this year leading to my golden birthday, 28 I would document my life. My hope is that I will be able to be accountable to others and to myself, to provide information to educate others in their life choices, and to create an opportunity for reflection. I invite whoever reads this journal to participate with suggestions, criticisms, and encouragement.
Day 1:
The BEST birthday ever! This day was filled with friendship, reflection, music, and dancing. I went to bed in the wee hours on day 2 glowing with a sense of gratitude and contentment.
Day 2:
I overslept, missing my gym class and welcoming a slight hangover. After a therapy session with my close friend and hair stylist I felt better about my current state and the disappearance of my blond roots. *SIDE NOTE: I am a natural blond who decided this last February, much to the disapproval of all the good southern women at the JC Penny salon in Nashville, Tennessee that I would become a brunette.* I had a good night at work (Batter'd and Fried in East Nashville). Then I went to bed after a couple beers, completely forgetting my blog and my commitment to change.
DAY 3:
Here I am on day 3. I did sleep in again. I did consume an excessive amount of my birthday cheesecake that was lovingly made for me by my baking aficionado roommate Lauren. I did start my blog. I can see now that in reality a major life change may take some time to get off the ground if I am being realistic. I will celebrate the small victories like finally starting this blog and not consuming the entire cake. I will sign-off with this quote by a man who was kind of smart and stuff.
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." -Albert Einstein
See you all tomorrow...hopefully.
