Follow the yellow brick road?

Ooof. That was the sound this morning when I woke up, bleary eyed and rolling over on Eeyore. And then I strangely smelled smoke. Oh yes. Last night comes tumbling back in a tidal wave of smoke and amaretto. Girls night out ended up at one of the few bars left that still permits smoking and when the door opens it immediately penetrates your clothes, hair and basically anything else. Or maybe it seems that much stronger since smoking isn't allowed in most places these days. At any rate, it was definitely reminiscent of three or four years ago when life was seemingly less complicated but also more artificial. Now, I'm lucky if I see my bffs once a month-not every week like before. Going out is more of a time to catch up and fill each other in on happenings that can't be communicated properly over text, facebook chat or hurried phone calls. It's not a staging ground for attracting members of the opposite sex and one upping each other.

 It's strange, this whole thirty thing. For some reason, whether it's society portrayals or personal expectations, but I expected to have "things" figured out. What these things are, I'm not sure. I suspect they're different for everyone however I guess assumed I'd be married (that deserves a big LOL), reached some career high and planning the next phase. Instead I'm still experiencing the nerve inducing round of first dates, am starting a new job and about to make some huge changes to my living arrangements (currently living alone in an adorbs apartment). And you know what? That's fine too. The yellow brick road is paved with many twists and turns. (Wizard of Oz is one of my favorite movies). Dorothy's journey may have been shorter if she had chosen a different path, but it wouldn't have been the same and she might not have met the special friends that crossed her path. Had I chosen one path I would have been married, and most likely divorced now, and possibly stalled in a career that wasn't personally satisfying as it had been once upon a time. So while I still dodge a few flying monkeys, I'm enjoying following my own yellow brick road. And I think I'm getting closer to Emerald City. It might take me awhile but I know I'll figure it out. I might keep waking up with Eeyore for a long time to come and have to put in more hours than I care to admit for school and have more bad dates than good ones but it will make the end result that much sweeter. And if not, I always have had a thing for red shoes. Just three clicks and you can always go home.