Me @ 30: Eat, Pray, Love

Three girlfriends and I met up in Jersey to watch "Eat, Pray, Love," a book we all read (or, in my case listened on audiobook while I ran). The movie was great. It was interesting to compare the movie scenes with the images I imagined while listening to Elizabeth Gilbert read about her experiences. We finished the day off with dinner at Bertucci's and dancing in a Jersey nightclub.

The movie put me into a state of deep reflection though, making me long the freedom she had, traveling to those three places, becoming more spiritual and in tune with herself along the way. I've been nonstop since I was 5 years old. I was a student from age 5 to age 26. Since age 27, I've been a resident physician. In between, I held a part-time or full-time job since I was 13 years old. I took time off from medical school and got another degree full-time (my master's in journalism) while working full-time for an OB-gyn. While a student, I worked in news, I got married, had a son, wrote a book.. and now I'm on the brink of finishing residency and looking for a new job. But, I'm feeling like I want to get off of the treadmill at some point.

So, I've been deep in thought lately, trying to figure out how to allow such freedom, and still pay my bills and my school loans. I haven't found a solution yet, but I'm searching.

4 Days 'Til 30.... Bienvenidos a Cancun!

**Now that my countdown to 30 has officially begun, I've decided to do something extra special every day until I turn 30.**

I am in MEXICO! I was completely knocked out on my 9:40am flight to Cancun and according to my cousin's boyfriend, my mouth was wide open and I was leaning on the lady next to me (sorry Ma'am, but you never said anything). This is likely due to being awake for 38 hours from Tuesday into Wednesday. But, nonetheless, I am here, in one piece, and ready to relax.

Me, newly arrived, in the lobby with my aunts and little cousin:

So yes... this means I will be spending the last 4 days of my 20's staring out at clear blue water, sipping fruity drinks poolside with my friend, Rashonda and my dad's side of the family. I can't wait. Check out the view from my balcony:

Oh yea -- how could I forget... we're all here for a wedding! The view must have distracted me. A pic of the soon-to-be wed at tonight's welcome dinner.

And me in my Cancun-inspired welcome dinner attire (with the new summer-y hair)

15 Days 'Til 30... Good Convo & A (Kids) Movie

**Now that my countdown to 30 has officially begun, I've decided to do something extra special every day until I turn 30.**

I had great grown-up conversation today while the kids swam in the pool with my good friend Chakia who I've known since I was 7, but haven't seen in a few years.

My kiddo also surprised me by being able to swim. He just finished his second week in swim camp and let me tell you -- despite what he believed, he could NOT swim before he started camp. He did a lot of splashing, but no swimming. Now look at him!

We started to get rained on, but the kids decided to keep swimming, so we threw towels on our heads and kept the conversation going. That is, until we heard thunder and everyone scattered.

Next, I met up with Kenye to take the kids to see "Despicable Me." It was really funny. I actually laughed at least 10 times. Not the "oh, that's cute," laugh, but true laughter. I didn't expect it to be that good.

As an aside -- spending so much time at home has been great. It's nice to spend time with lifelong friends who remember me back when I was happy, who have known me through all the of my phases of life - flaws and all - and still love me anyway. They are also amazing people who teach me a lot and inspire me to be a better person, which is one of my main goals this year anyway. I haven't spent this much free time back in NJ in over 3 years.

18 Days 'Til 30... Me Time

**Now that my countdown to 30 has officially begun, I've decided to do something extra special every day until I turn 30.**

I decided that today's special something would be low-key. I finished my shift at 7:30 am. I waited for the cable guy who gave me the gift of television and internet in my new place. With my new found internet, I crossed some items off my to-do list.

Then, I decided to have "me time." I ordered delivery from one of my favorite pizza places (The baked Eggplant Florentina was fabulous!), watched the episodes of Are We There Yet? I missed last week, and put my feet up on the couch and enjoyed the couple of hours I had before returning to work. I was so relaxed, I actually fell asleep for an hour. It was nice.

I really needed to slow things down and just have some time to sit still. It's really interesting how life comes full circle. Three years ago, I released a pocket guide for busy women about taking time for yourself and how to have it all despite our busy schedules. The idea stemmed from a group my friends and I started as a vow to "get a life."

Since then, life and residency has definitely gotten in the way of me having a life, and just now, in the wake of turning 30, and focusing on my on health and fitness this year, I find myself back to where I was three years ago, vowing again to "get a life." Funny how that happens.

20 Days 'Til 30... Time with my Bestie

**Now that my countdown to 30 has officially begun, I've decided to do something extra special every day until I turn 30.**

The special something of the day was having dinner with my male bestie, Nate. We were inseparable for decades but lost touch over the years and just recently started hanging out again. I've missed my bud, so tonight was extra special. Here's us at Chili's:

23 Days 'Til 30... a pre-4th BBQ & club outing

**Now that my countdown to 30 has officially begun, I've decided to do something extra special every day until I turn 30.**

Today's special something was going to a BBQ with a group of friends I've known for anywhere from 10 to 25 years. We had a good time telling old stories and making jokes about each other -- not to mention great food, drink and dessert.

Afterwards, me and 3 of the girls went out to a very empty nightclub in NJ. But, we still enjoyed each other's company and ended the night with some good music.