The title's always the hardest part!

So, I haven't had a blog since LiveJournal was popular in the...late 1990's/early 2000's. But, as lives become busier with the normal 20- and 30-something lives of school, work, family, and--*gasp*--kids, it is harder and harder to keep in touch with people from one's life. This was somewhat motivated by having a conversation with my (awesome) first roommate from undergrad, Rachael. I realize that so much has happened in 7 years (of course), and perhaps I should document such things! Also, it's a bit of a crossroads, as I will finish my Master's degree in International Relations in August, and then I will be thrown to the wolves (looking like Washington, DC). And, crossroads always seem to inspire me to write-- so, no time like the present!

Also, it is the first time in seven years that I can move wherever I want to, without having any attachment to the area! Of course, my close friends and family live in/outside of Boston, but the fact is, I don't have someone else's feelings/wishes to have to consider, whilst contemplating where to move. In short, I can live for myself! This is a totally weird concept, given that I've been single for like...6 months combined out of the past 7 years. Perhaps it's a blessing in disguise, since I've never really considered what would make me HAPPIEST of all. Rather, I've always based decisions on, "Well, boyfriend X lives here, what's the best possible job I can get?" Now, the amended question is, "What does Sharon want to do to truly fulfill her purpose on this earth?" I know this probably sounds ridiculous to most people, but it really is a new thing for me!

Also, as I turned 26 last month, I have been freaking out a bit about getting older. I realize I am just as far from 22 as I am from 30, and the past 4 years have flown by! So, in order to really enjoy the next 4 years (rather than dreading the inevitable breakdown of neurons and the--ugh!--necessity for more sleep each night), I have compiled a list of 30 things I am determined to do before 30. Some of you have heard of this list, but here it is:

1) Master Spanish (finished Intermediate 2 in May 2011!)
2) Master Hindi (getting better everyday as of 10/14/13!)
3) Teach creative writing (doing as of 1/11/12!)
4) attain Master's degree (receiving it on 12/20/13!)
5) Rape crisis counselor training (done as of December 2010!)
6) Run a 5k in MA
7) Take swing dancing classes (done as of May 2010!)
8) Get trained as a Domestic Violence advocate (doing it 3/10/14 through 4/9/14!)
9) complete Master's thesis (defended on 11/26/13!)
10) take Bollywood dance classes (taking it as of 1/11/12!)
11) Take the Civil Service exam (taking it on 2/8/14!)
12) Take a Fiction writing class (taking it as of 1/14/14!)
13) Present at an academic conference (done on 10/20/12!)
14) go snow tubing (going on 2/28/14 with Aaron and the Rozens!)
15) go white water rafting (done on 10/13/12!)
16) stand on a state line
17) volunteer for an organization I believe in (doing grant writing for Saheli, starting 1/11/14!)
18) take the Jeopardy contestant test (done on 1/18/12!)
19) perform (singing) at an open mic night (practicing on 2/15/14!)
20) get a short story published
21) join a community choir (did on 9/20/12!)
22) take a First-time home-buyer's class (completed 10/26/13!)
23) be part of a writing seminar (doing it starting 1/14/14!)
24) start learning Russian (learning it as of 12/30/14!)
25) invest in stocks (done on 10/27/12!)
26) get trained as a mediator (training 5/1-5/11!)
27) be on an executive board of an organization (got recruited for Acton 2020!)
28) get an academic article published (done with the conference!)
29) jump into the ocean before 3/14/14 (got sick)
30) open a retirement account (did it on 11/1/13!)

It's quite a list, yes, but I have 3 years, 11 months, and 8 days to complete it! And some of them are "gimmes," especially the Master's degree/thesis/languages/dance class ones. But, it's good to have goals, and it definitely makes life more exciting to try new things! That's all for now, but I have to mention that I am totally honored that my awesome friend, Ryan (who's 26 tomorrow!), is making a kayak and naming it after me. How sweet! :)