Well, the day is here! It’s a big one, and I’m looking forward to celebrating with family and friends all (long) weekend. I’m so very grateful for everyone’s love. As I head into this new year (and new decade), I can’t help but reflect a bit on life.

I’ve enjoyed an incredible, adventurous, and curious life so far, so I thank my parents for all that they’ve done to encourage me and to ensure I’ve had fun experiences along the way (with a side of strict discipline). They instilled a love of travel and learning, for which I’m forever grateful. I’m also determined, responsible, hard-working, confident, and loyal because of the lessons I learned from them.

My sister and brother-in-law have been great guides along the way, too. Sure, my sister may yell at me when I’m being ridiculous, but both her and her husband have provided me with so much valuable advice about work, education, opportunities, relationships, and more. I’m sure one of the highlights for them had to be when I set up a Tinder profile (when it was first launched!) sitting around their dining room table in Manhattan. Let’s just say that I didn’t have much control over my swiping that night. My highlights of our time together, on the other hand, has been the birth and growth of my three nephews and niece. These kids are the cutest and provide us all with much entertainment! Since I don’t see them in person often, I appreciate our FaceTime chats.

I am lucky to have developed friendships with so many great people in all the cities I’ve lived in and traveled to. My friends have welcomed me into their homes and made me feel like family. Going on a family trip with a bestie or being called an “honorary cousin” means so much to me. When I’ve been far away from my own family, my friends have made me feel right at home. I am indeed grateful.

My cousin has had the following quote in her email signature for years, and it’s the quote that has been by my side as I think about this next year and decade.

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” – George Bernard Shaw

This quote is a nice reminder to celebrate happy days, make room for fun, not stress the small stuff, and be grateful for what life holds. And with that, I’ll leave you today with this collection of fun vintage photographs. I hope they make you smile.

Have a wonderful weekend!