Saturday, March 17, 2012

30th Birthday Blog

I think it is fair to say that I've played it pretty safe my whole life. I only got sent to the principal's office once- and that was because I was stuck in my snowsuit, not because I was in trouble (it was a little traumatic for a second-grader!). Never had detention. The only time I "snuck out" was when my brother and I were pretending to be spies one summer. And we didn't have anyone to spy on, we just crept around the house and through the trees trying not to be seen by the nobody that was around. My big rebellious act? Getting my belly button pierced when I was 18. Who saw it? Pretty much no one unless unveiled it to prove I'd gone through with it. My other rebellious act? I got a tattoo. When I was...wait for it...27. Hardly a youthful impulsive moment. I never went to college parties or on a spring break trip. I might have wandered around Lakeside fairly late at night, but really, what kind of trouble was I going to get in there- where every other person I saw knew someone in my family?! So yeah, you could say I was a big troublemaker.

Turning 30 doesn't really bother me. Age is just a number. If I'm honest, I think I probably stopped counting birthdays at 18- I still feel like 18. I might even be able to still pass for 18...in the right light, of course. So why all the reflection?

I don't regret my life or wish I could do it over again. I worked hard to get to where I am (and I have the student loans to prove it!). But since Mini Muffin arrived, I see things a little differently. I don't want to work every weekend. I don't care if the house is a little messy. I  haven't balanced the checkbook in weeks.

I want to spent time with my family. I want to go on adventures. I want to do some good in the world.

It took me a little while to get my priorities straight. But I try to soak up every minute with Mini Muffin and the huz. I don't hesitate to say yes to something I want to do, if we can manage it. I cut off all my hair so someone in need of a wig can enjoy it See where my hair went.

So happy birthday me. Here's to a new hairdo and a new outlook. Here's to saying yes to opportunities without overanalyzing. Here's to teaching and learning and enjoying every second with Mini.



5 comments:

  1. So proud of you!! That was an awesome thing to do and your new hairdo is beautiful on you!!! Love it!!! And love you!!!! Happy Birthday!

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  2. I second what Beth Ann said. You are SO awesome and I am just... overwhelmed... to know that somehow a "product" of my parenting turned out so well. Love love love--Mom

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  3. I feel incredibly lucky to have had you in my life for the past 12 years (gulp, that is a long time), and look forward to many, many more years. You are pretty spectacular!

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  4. What a great blog post! So glad to know you and all the fun we had in college. You are a great friend! Happy birthday!

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