I have to admit that this first blog is years in the making. I keep being told that I need to start blogging! Blog, blog, blog…that’s all you hear these days! But, why would I want to make my private thoughts public? Why would I want to reveal my hidden hopes, dreams and mishaps? Yet, here I am. I surrender!

So, for those of you who don’t know me…hi, I’m Olivia Klaus and I just turned 30. Yes, the dreaded 30! I must admit that random thoughts are crossing my mind. How did I get here already? When am I going to finally admit that I am turning into my mother? What was it that I wanted to be when I grew up? Was it married with the 2.5 kids and the white picket fence? Whether self-inflicted, or imposed by my own nonsense, there is that underlying expectation that you’re supposed to have it all figured out by the time you’re 30. But, here I am. 30. And puzzled by all of the above.

Honestly, I didn’t think I would have so many question marks in my life right now. But, I do believe the hype out there that the 30s are the greatest, so I’m honestly looking forward to them. I believe I was a pretty, damn good 20-something. I accomplished a lot, yet there is still the challenge as to what I have learned over the years? How have I grown? Which brings me to a stint of simple, soul searching…

* I programmed NPR onto my car radio…even if I do skip over it EVERY time! But, at least I hear those few seconds before I press the next button hoping to hear the latest song from Rihanna or Fergie.

* I will stop using MySpace as my excuse to be a “Peeping Tom”.

* I will regularly start working out and stop ignoring the fact that I get short winded walking up a simple flight of stairs.

* I will remind myself that I need a good night’s sleep, in a good bed, EVERY night. No more random sleepovers on the floor, or couch, at a friend’s houses. And if I do happen to have some nights like that I will remind myself the next day why I feel like crap.

* I will deal with the realities of my life and stop ignoring them.

* I will approach myself with more gentleness and take more time to enjoy things instead of rushing through.

* I AM capable of doing whatever I put my mind to.

* I don’t have to agree with everyone but only understand them more.

* The people I love will hurt, and disappoint, me and I have to make peace with it and move on.

* Family is the foundation to life. They are the invaluable ones that I should cherish!

Yes, those are my great reflections to life right now. There are probably tons more that I didn’t even mention…but, I plea that I am already 30 and my memory must be going.

So, here’s to the next part of my life. I’m looking forward to it!