Very soon I will be unemployed: On August 3rd I am losing my job. I have known about this for several months (I was notified the day before my wedding in April), and have had time to get used to the idea. I am not mourning this loss. The job was fine, and my coworkers were great, and I learned a lot working here for the past 4 years. I have no regrets. But it was time for a change, and change was handed to me, willing or not.

I am newly married. It is a wonderful, exciting, new title that I thoroughly enjoy. Married. Many of my friends are experiencing the same thing. A lot of us at this age are getting married, and it’s been fun comparing notes. An entire facebook thread revolved around this topic: “Sometimes I just call my husband “Husband!” when I want his attention. It’s great!” I do this too. It’s unbelievable how great it feels, despite the silliness of it all. Sometimes I look over at him and blurt out “we’re married!” I can still hardly believe it. A part of me feels that this could be related to our relatively short “courtship,” but I think getting married completely revolutionizes your life. And I think no matter how long you’ve been with someone, taking this step really makes an emotional and almost tangible difference in your relationship with each other and the world around you.

We don’t have kids. Yet. I’m required to say yet, because you never know. Those of you who know me well know that I don’t have much maternal instinct. I’m more likely to tell you the bitter honest truth about something that’s bothering you (ie: “yes, your boyfriend is a total loser and you should dump his sorry butt”) rather than shower you with hugs and pity and comfort you. I’m not a jerk, I’m just not a mother. I feel awkward around small children. I love playing with my little niece Grace, but I don’t actually know what I’m doing. If she cries, I’m hopeless. In this way I am the opposite of my twin. Meghan is wonderful with kids. I always figured that if she had kids, it would be like having my own kids, since we have the same DNA and all. Of course now that I’m married to a wonderful man who would make the World’s Greatest Dad, my thoughts are slowly evolving. But I do know that I currently do not have kids, nor do I plan to have any in the immediate future. I’m not ready, and I think it’s relatively mature to be able to admit that.

For the most part I have lived my life in the standard way that is expected of young Americans. I graduated high school, went to college, had my crazy semester abroad, graduated college, moved back in with my parents for a while, moved out on my own, got jobs along the way, and now I’m married. I’m ready for an adventure. Something unexpected, something that will engender growth in my self-awareness and a broadening of my worldview.

In summary: No job + Newly married + No kids + General Antsiness = what better time than NOW?

Right?