The 24th year.

My 25th birthday is quickly approaching and here are the highlights of my 24th year:

1. I met, and dated for a short while, the perfect man on paper who was not so perfect in person.
2. I ran three tough races with minimal training and got a PR in two of them.
3. I ran in a Foam Glow 5k run and had way more fun than I had originally anticipated.
4. I ran in a hit and run 5k run and didn't have as much fun as I anticipated.
5. I fell in love with fitness, but I battled a lot of personal body image thoughts.
6. I realized my fitness dreams are achievable and set new fitness goals.
7. I lost my grandmother, whom helped raise me, and that was difficult.
8. I lost my grandfather, and I felt bad that I wasn't able to make it home for his funeral.
9. I covered up old wounds with extended family members by God's radical grace.
10. I started my 2nd year of teaching and it has been way harder than I expected.
11. I got myself a "new" car because my old car fell apart, and it wasn't as terrifying as I thought it would be.
12. I finally got baptized.
13. I met my niece and fell in love instantly.
14.  I attended my best friend's wedding.
15. I read a lot of books.
16. I discovered a new TV show thanks to co-workers.
17. I attended a couple wine and canvases for fun and found out that I can follow directions.
18. I danced on a bar.
19. I survived several threats for not liking the Pittsburgh Steelers.
20. I lost friends, and rekindled old friendships -- if only for a short time.
21. I got involved with two church small groups.
22. I sang karaoke for the first, and hopefully the last time, and survived embarrassment.
23. I learned to love and appreciate yoga.
And last but not least, 24. I realized my birthday just isn't that exciting anymore. :P

As a little girl, I dreamed I would be married at 25, but unless I meet someone spectacular I realize that dream just isn't coming true. I'm also realizing that maybe my future isn't tied to a person. I may be single for life and that's okay. Until then, I'm going to keep loving and forgiving myself and others. If Mr. Right shows up, great. If not, that's okay too.