Life Right Now: 36 and Beyond
Fresh-cut flowers from our yard! After I put them in a small vase, a large spider emerged. Now, I can’t find it…
Well well well, it’s been a minute, friends. Hello!
This series was intended to be monthly, which it was until…it wasn’t. I had this draft started in mid-July and now here we are in mid-September. Whoops! Where does the time go? I have no idea. But I do know I owe you a life update or a general “here’s what’s happening” post. Not that any thing crazy has happened, but I felt the urge to write this post more than any other piece for the site this week. So that’s what I am going to do.
If I’ve learned anything from this summer and the past year and a half, taking care of one’s self and family is the most important and always will be. The blog can wait. However, now that I’ve gotten my life in far better order and am now in the “re-start” mindset, I’m thrilled to get back on track.
So, what’s been going on?
I turned 36! Yup. I have begun the second half of my 30s and I’m acutely aware of what that means: I’m very much not near my 20s anymore. And that is OK! My tolerance for evening activities has changed significantly, I prefer dinner before 7pm (most of the time), and have become even more of a fan of waking up early on the weekends. I’m also owning the fact that I like coffee without anything added to it, I’m far more willing to try new foods than I ever used to be (as long as they are GF), and I am more confident about my likes and dislikes overall. I guess what it comes down to is this: with each year that passes, I become more confident in who I am and how I present myself to the world. Nothing is easier (or more fun) than being yourself.
I just got my driver’s license! Yes. I took my time with this one and fully admit that I waited 20 years after turning 16 to finally dive into the process. I practiced a lot, took professional lessons, and learned a lot about myself along the way. I was nervous, anxious, and somewhat fearful, but I am really proud that I dug my heels in and got it done. Not the easiest achievement, but I am pretty darn happy that I’m finally a licensed driver. My hunt for a car has now begun…
I took a several month break from baking. I’m honestly not sure what happened here, but it was a very hot summer and our kitchen is not air conditioned. I also decided to pause the mixer after my grandfather passed away in early May. While all of my friends and family are fans of my cookies and baked goods, my grandfather was a frequent recipient and cookie-orderer. I know he would love for me to continue baking for everyone and I think I am now at a place where I’m ready to break out the flour and butter. The cooler temperatures are helping, too. My next batch of cookies (or all of them) will be dedicated to him.
I am amidst a more thoughtful/patient phase of home decor. Now that the primary purchases are out of the way, and we don’t need anything imminently, I’m starting to dive deeper into certain decor elements. I’d love to re-do our main closet so that we maximize the small space as efficiently as possible, we will be making necessary changes to our primary bathroom (so long, old bathtub), and I am scouring the internet for a couple light fixtures to modernize the entry way and upstairs hall. Decor is not simple!
I do make decisions quickly for some elements, but others are ridiculous. For example, I have an idea of the shape of light fixture I’d like, but a quick Google search leads me into a rabbit hole of endless options for that one specific shape. One could spend an inane amount of time looking for the perfect bathroom sconce, entryway pendant, or living room lighting. I am not complaining. I’m just saying that the hardest part of home decor is finding exactly what I want without spending a fortune. However, I am convinced that even without a budget these decisions wouldn’t be considered quick. Thankfully, there is no rush and the lack of required timeframe allows me to truly look into every option or continue to put on the back burner. ;)
I’m digging into a fitness/workout routine. I have always preferred to be an active person and I know I feel my best when I workout almost daily (or just take a long walk). That being said, I never truly enjoyed the various classes I took over the years at gyms and frankly, I didn’t love to run as much as I tried to lean into it. Due to working remotely and being home all of the time, I bought a Peloton bike in late March and slowly, but surely I’ve gotten into the groove of near-daily rides, core workouts, and weight-lifting classes (all offered through the app). I now look forward to this part of my day.
As a former gym member who always had a gym block planned into their day, I’m loving the flexibility and variety offered with the Peloton. Not only do I feel stronger and healthier, but I am so glad I found a fitness setup that works for me. I love biking (spinning) and am grateful that I pushed through the initial tough weeks of Peloton rides. For anyone out there who has had trouble finding a fitness routine that works for them, just be patient. You will find it and it will be great!
Of course, these five things aren’t everything that’s happened in the last few months, but they are the five that I’ve noticed to have the biggest impact on my general mindset. The longer I work remotely and the longer this pandemic persists, the more confident (and comfortable) I’ve become in my own skin and general life choices. It feels good!
It is so important to celebrate the wins, big or small, and to appreciate the goodness in the every day. I’m looking forward to getting back into baking, a longtime favorite activity, and to share that joy with family and friends. I’ll probably drive the goodies over myself. ;)
Enjoy!
Mollie
All smiles after passing my road test! Now, where can I get a car?