31

 I woke up, and immediately felt that I was 31. That feeling of knowing you turned a new age, and it somehow already feels different. Turning 30 was a milestone and an exciting and very rewarding and peace filled experience. Turning 31 had a simple, calm and peaceful feeling, but nothing too extravagant. But I like it just the same. 

It had its own feeling of departing from 30 and 'saying goodbye' had a certain melancholy feel. 30 was a great year, and one of the better ones for me. It wasn't like everything this past year went incredibly well or successful, rather it was how I felt about myself, and it was very different from the 2 or 3 years prior.

 I was so incredibly grateful when I turned 30 that it was a beautiful, peaceful and exciting experience. But I think it's not 'saying goodbye' or even comparing, since I'm entering more into my 30's, so this is really just the beginning! 

What better way to celebrate than to go to Baskin Robbins with their 31 flavors! Pralines and Cream was my choice. 

It brought back memories of a student who would say 'ice cream' in Chinese- (bingqilin) just for fun, and he worked at the same ice cream company. And to think that this school year is finished and done is pretty amazing still! And it's nice that my birthday is outside the school year, in summer:) 

It wasn't the easiest school year, but it felt rewarding all its own and I'm proud of myself for sticking it out and enduring all the hard parts!

One of the things I did was write a list of (31) things I love about myself, and that was a cool and enriching exercise.