In 2010 I will celebrate my 30^th birthday.

As I look back over my 20s I think I was far too serious for such a curious, outgoing and fun-natured girl.

Here's the sum of my 20s: college, career with federal government (attended law school in the evenings), Lawyer.

Boring.

Sure there have been trips here and there, but I missed out on studying abroad and Spring Break because I was devoted to studying and committed to internships. Back then my career aspirations came first. As I think about that girl I see an anxiety ridden young lady afraid of venturing too far off the path, even though I am an off-the beaten path type of girl. But as I look forward to entering another decade, I am resolved to spend more time doing the things that I love the most: exploring the world and studying the human experience—in another life I am an anthropologist. This would make me very happy.

So I've already began to think about how I will make it work and as I reshape my priorities, they look more like this:

1. Travel
   
2. Family
   
3. Career
   

I am reminded of my grandmother, a woman before her time. She was born in the 1930s and spent her life as a housewife and reared 8 children. As a young girl, I watched her teach herself to speak Spanish using audiocassettes. But unfortunately she never made it to Spain, Mexico or even the Bronx, to experience the joy of engaging in conversation with a language she loved.

My grandmother's story ignites a new sense of urgency within my soul and helps to soothe the anxiety I sometimes feel when I think about my desire to obtain the additional titles of wife and mother.

My fears of venturing off the path are replaced with a new fear: this may be my only opportunity to spend time doing what I want to do without having to consider a husband or children.

I am a woman on my way.