The Thirty Chapter

This Leslie.

I am lucky enough to be the sister- in -law. Let me tell you what I know about her. She is one of the smartest people I know. She works furiously for the things she wants, and will work furiously over the things you might want. Her opinion ALWAYS carries weight, and one should consider what she has said to heart. She is the best Aunt to a lot of kiddo's and she spoils each one of them differently. I find her to be fascinating when she talks politics. She knows her stuff folks, and will encourage you to form your own opinions. The reason she fit into my project so well was because she has been thirty for a minuet. Hence the "Thirty Chapter" title. So she has experience and if I remember right when it was her turn to enter in this stage in life, well she was like most of us and said, NOT Cool! From the beginning of this project she kept telling me how 30 was her best year. So after some serious coxing, I got her to take some shots for me. So without further a dew, here is Leslie in her own words.....

No Apologies

My thirtieth birthday has been the best adult birthday to date. I thought I might ignore it and let it pass unnoticed. Instead, I decided to embrace it; and so it has been ever since. The best way to describe my thirties is: “No Apologies”. I choose to live my life without guilt, apologies, or long-term plans. If I’ve learned one thing, it is that no matter how extensive our plans are, they will change. As we allow them to change and embrace what happens next the experience is far more rich and rewarding. The excitement of the unknown and wonderment of what might be around the bend is invigorating.

I traveled the world in my twenties, became an adult, and started a career. I transitioned into the decade of my thirties with a second career, a second home, and the opening of a second chapter. I’m somewhere in the midst of that “second chapter” and I don’t have any idea how the story ends but can’t wait to see what happens and I look forward to the “third chapter”.

Life is long; it is very, very long. I am now old enough to have perspective- which is weird- I can now reference events and friends “from twenty years ago”. I have opinions that I am not ashamed of- and still think that others care to hear them, but I know they probably don’t. I still have hope and optimism for the future- despite all of the reasons in this world and society to give up hope. I am a couponer- I get excited when I can buy three tubes of toothpaste for a dollar- and I am grateful for my newfound food storage. The Golden Rule reigns supreme and taking time to smell the roses and appreciate God’s gifts to us through small and simple things is what makes life full and worthwhile.

President Hinckley once said, “Life is like an old time rail journey… delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas, and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.” I thank Him every day.