What’s on Judy’s mind?

So Zak, kitties and I started our ~3,000 mi road trip Thursday night at 6pm. We tried to take every precaution for the trip - especially making sure the kitties had a comfortable place to sleep while we drove. We planned to take about 30 minute breaks twice a day to take each one out of their crates to allow them to stretch those lil legs. We laid out a small litter pan and bowls for food and water at those stops and just cuddled and cared for the cuties. Our first break was very interesting. Everyone wanted different things from us - one for petting, one for peeing, one for food (you can take a guess who that is!), and the other to just explore the suburban. We're hoping that the next few breaks would get easier as it gets easier for them. Of course initially the first hour Opal yelled and went crazy - shaking the bars and dig her nails into the crate. But it's not that bad at all so far. They've been very very good, surprisingly. With Zak and I rotating 4 hour shifts we can probably get to Seattle by Saturday morning. The roads have been clear so far so we have been very fortunate!

Two major events happened this week.  One good and one not so good.  The not so good is not the focus of this post however I wanted to use this to track a point in time so I can look back and understand the circumstance of this weekend.  
The good is my husband's family.  This family is very close -- they look out for each other.  They support each other.  If someone is not doing well, they band together and protect the vulnerable.  They are awesome.   Not that they haven't been this way, I am amazed from what I've seen and heard - how loving and supportive they are to one another.  I've been invited into their family with open arms and taken cared of as if I was one of them all along.  They threw a surprise birthday party Saturday morning and showered me with gifts.  I've been invited to the "girls night out" events with the women of the family.  I have so much fun with the family and the greatest part is that I just have to be myself.  I want to thank them for their generosity and the trust that they give me to be part of the family.  I only hope that I can do the same and live long the love and support for my future family. 

OMG I just turned 30.  I am having a major life crisis.   I made goals to get married, have kids, and live in a nice home in the suburbs.  I had goals that I've traveled and seen the world by the age of 30.  What do I have to show for in the last 3 decades?  It's getting harder to loss weight, my body and skin isn't perky and good at resisting the harshness of the world.  My skin is no longer smooth and wrinkle free.  I am 30 and can I really have kids?! What will I be doing in the next 30 years?

That is the stuff that goes through my head today.  It initially depressed me and had put a number of my fragile mind.   However just thinking about the major accomplishments I've had in my life I'm happy that I had made conscious decisions to at least made baby steps to meet my goals.  I got married to a wonderful husband.  I have kitties who gives me unconditional love.  I am getting my masters in June.  I am among people that exemplifies love and support for one another.  Because of that, I am doing great and that makes the the happiest person in the world.  Sure, I’m not where I thought I’d be when I reached 30, but you know, I’m pretty happy with where I am.  It’s so cliche, but I feel like I have so much ahead of me.  There are so many exciting things happening in the world and so many opportunities to grow personally and professionally.  I’m glad to have my place in all of it, at least until things change again and I go off on my next adventure... BRING IT ON! 

What am I thankful for?

1. Family & Friends - I am thankful for my husband who is my adviser, supporter, and listener.   I am thankful for the close relationships I have with Zak's family and mine.  Especially closer to my brother throughout the years.  I am thankful for friends and acquaintances.  Their multiple interests and perspectives keep me open-minded and empathetic.  Finally, I am thankful for the kitties who show pure unconditional love. 
2. Health - I am thankful for my good health.  If I didn't have a healthy body or mind, I wouldn't be able to do things I can do now.
3. Technology - I am thankful for the technology.  I love my iPhone, Dropbox, and Hulu (to name a few).  Without technology, I wouldn't be able to organize, store, collaborate, connect things customized to my preference and process.

Zak and I invited a bunch of people for a celebration of August Birthdays. To Amanda and Kim, their birthdays came last friday and Zak's birthday is coming up. It has been awhile since we had that many people over at the house usually we meet up at the bar or restaurant. Since we weren't looking to spend a lot, we decided to do a potluck and byob. It was something different and cost-effective for everyone. The food was plentiful and delicious. The best part was having an excellent group of people to celebrate with.
Our friends are allergic to cats (we have 4 cats) but they toughen it out through the night! Bryan has proven to be top dog in a push-up competition. As the party progressed, we pulled out the Wii and played Guitar Hero for the rest of the night. I would love to do this again... and include a board or card game as another entertainment option. What else would be of great entertainment value that anyone can join in?

Thanks again for the good food and company!!