Good bye to the Third Decade

"Life begins on your 40th birthday. But so do fallen arches, rheumatism, faulty eyesight, and the tendency to tell a story to the same person, three or four times." - Helen Rowland

As I usher in my 40th year I say goodbye to my thirties. Personally I didn't consider my thirties all that bad until I did some reflection then I had one of those moments of realistic reflection (as we all know this is never a good idea but by then it was too late)I realized my 30's consisted of 

1) three years of graduate school (don't need to elaborate on this one)
2) Hangovers - more than one should experience in one's 30's
3) a move to a new continent quickly followed by heartbreak and a move back to continent of origin
4) periods of unemployment thinking of looking for a good box to move into or a bridge to live under
5) Knee injury that re-occurs and reminds me I am getting old
6) constantly being asked why I was getting married and/or having children (as I was "running out of time")
7) moving multiple times for jobs that weren't permanent 
8) Loosing loved ones - human & canine

then I had another more realistic reflection of my 30's and those years also consisted of the most important list:
1) three years of graduate school with amazing people, amazing places, new friends & lots of good memories
2) Great get togethers/parties resulting in hangovers & great memories (not necessarily in that order!)
3) Roommates - great ones, both human & 4 legged  
4) Trips with friends to amazing places 
5) Playing sports again and liking it!
6) Learning to use crutches in winter!
7) Moving to new places & making new friends
8) Truly appreciating good company, food & wine
9) Awesome friends
10) Love
11) Laughter Lots of it!
12) Visits with & re-connecting with friends
13) Employment 
14) Knowing I can do & understand complex statistics! Who said math was hard?
15) time enjoying art, books, music & culture

16) Celebrations - weddings, births, birthdays & anniversaries

the reality is my 30's consisted of many more good things than bad things. I think this bodes well for my 40's. So a big thanks all the people & canines for all the love, laughter, friendship & memories during my 30's...lets hope we have a few more decades to enjoy some more.  So for my 30 something friends don't despair its not all bad.