What I did on my summer vacation

The other day as I was trying to get every ounce out of what remained of summer, riding my bike up the Hudson River, I became really aware of the changing light and the presence of Columbia University just over the hill of Riverside Park. Summer was over. But it was also, compared to last year, a really good one. Last year I was still recovering from a really stressful job and trying to find my way in the new post-work identity. This summer, I took every opportunity that would get me closer to my goals and turned down others that would be less productive. The end result? Here's what I did with my summer vacation:

1. Hosted a birthday picnic for my 30th in Central Park with close friends
2. Ran lots of races with New York Road Runners
3. Hiked Bryce Canyon and Zion with my mom
4. Took a course in global public health in Geneva
5. Took another course in Amsterdam on post-conflict development
6. Traveled by myself for the first time in years
7. Took myself out to a lovely dinner on the river in Geneva
8. Ran a half-marathon through the street of New York City!
9. Went on a billion interviews and met some great people and organizations
10. Learned how to negotiate better for what I deserve
11. Swam in the ocean
12. Had many a lovely Thursday night out with my girlfriends
13. Started knitting again and made a dress for my friend's baby
14. Cleaned my closets and organized all my work and school stuff
15. Grew tomatoes, herbs, and flowers

I'm sure there's more, but with classes starting and some interviews just a few hours away they are escaping me. But it was a really good summer.