A GOODBYE TO MY TWENTIES.....

Not Going Gracefully

By Tom Mulhern

It isn’t fair, that’s what I say

To go from twenty-nine to thirty in just one day

It’s much too drastic, it’s too big a change

It’s got me unsettled and it feels all strange

This shift is too sudden, it doesn’t seem right

To be twenties for ten years, then thirty overnight? 

From twenties to thirties is heartless and mean

There really should be something in-between. 

Today I turn 30.....30, UGH! I know it is just a number, but it is a number that I have a hard time thinking could ever belong to me.  I no longer am in my 20's.  As a student I remember thinking that teachers in their 30's and older were old and officially lost their "cool".  I think I'm still cool, but I fear what students would think, glad I am staying home these days and not teaching. :-) At this point, it is my little monkey's opinion that matters.  Today while I was putting on make up, we walked in and said "Mommy so pretty", (melt my heart) maybe 30 won't be so bad.

BUT.....I must say farewell to my 20's.  So, I will recap some of the highlights of the past 10 years in no particular order!! (the the first 3 are most important!)

- I met, married, and know I will spend the rest of my life with the man who is my love, best friend, and partner

- I became a mommy to the sweetest, funniest boy I know

- We found out our family of 3 would soon be 4!

- I graduated college with 3 of my best friends right beside me

- I taught for 7 great (most of the time) years

- I met Erin Hunter who I spent 95% of my time with at the gym, pool, and causing chaos in the Valley.  Oh the stories we have!

- I traveled with a variety of travel buddies and loved it all: San Diego, San Antonio, St.Thomas, Hawaii, Salt Lake City, Atlanta, Visalia, Modesto, Aurba, Colorado, New Mexico, Vegas, Idaho, Virginia Beach, Chicago, and I am sure there are more but these pop up first in my head.

-I was able to share and stand up as a bridesmaid in 10 of my nearest and dearest weddings

- I lost my first grandparent (and hopefully the others until I am in my 40's at least) :-)

- I completed my masters degree

- I bought my first house as a single lady

- Sold my first house and had to move out 5 days after bringing home B from the hosptial. *he never got to enjoy his first nursery :-( *

- I became an Auntie

- I ran my first 1/2 marathon

I lived, laughed, loved and have to thank the Lord for all the many blessings and the amazing family he gave me, the one I married into, and the friends that are my family! 30's you have A Lot to live up too! Good luck!!!!

And a few pictures to go along with it!!

1 of our first photo's -  2008

 Becoming an Auntie - 2007

Erin - her 29th b-day - 2008

Graduation - 2004

1st 1/2 marathon - 2006

My first place, that became our first place  purchased in 2006

First family photo - 2010

We will now be a family of 4 - 2011

Aruba Honeymoon -2009

Engaged - 2008

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11