I turned 30 today...and I'm okay with that!
Honestly, I had a GREAT day. My hubby has been spoiling me for a week now, and today was just about perfect: I got to sleep in, got woken up by a cute sleepy baby in my face (love that!), had cinnamon rolls for breakfast (yum!), got to open presents, relax, then have a party! What could be better?!
But before we move too far into the next decade, I'm reminded of what the last one brought:
Age 20: I was in college at CU, living in the sorority house and drinking before I was legal. Yeah, I'll admit that now. I was dating someone completely wrong for me, but was head strong to do what I wanted.
Age 21: I celebrated my 21st birthday within days of one of my best friends--and roommate at the time. I don't think our suitemates ever forgave us for that!
Age 22: I graduated from CU with a Bachelor's degree in English Literature. Walking across stage for my college diploma was one of my proudest accomplishments. The night I graduated, I went to the Boulder Dinner Theater with my Mom and Dad (and boyfriend mentioned above... yes, he was still around) and then stayed at the Boulder Inn with Mom and Dad (already had to be moved out of the Delt). The next morning, Mom and I headed home... On the way down Highway 93, she pulled off on the shoulder and handed me her camera. We had a gorgeous view of the Flatirons, and Mom wanted me to remember leaving Boulder for the last time. I have that picture framed and will always remember taking it. That was a really special moment for me and my Mom.
The fall after graduation, I stopped waiting tables and started my first "real" job at Sports Authority (TSA) in Human Resources.
Two weeks before my 23rd birthday, on April 1st, I moved out of Mom and Dad's house into my very own apartment, alone.
Age 23: I had never lived alone before, but it was always something I wanted to do. My sisters got married at 22 and went from living with M&D to living with their husbands. I knew I always wanted to live on my own first before getting married. Besides, when I was 22 and single (oh, shortly after college graduation, the boyfriend and I broke up... after a trip to NY where all of our friends were sure he would propose! It was dramatic, heartbreaking at first, but the right--oh so right--decision.)
I loved my apartment! Admittedly, I cried myself to sleep on an air mattress the first night. Since my bed and other furniture wouldn't be delivered until the next day, I sat in a patio chair that morning and ate cheerios while I watched my (small) TV which was balanced on a stack of boxes. It was a meager beginning.
Though still driving the 'ol Ford Escort (aka "the tractor"), she met her demise when a distracted 19 year-old girl ran a red light and t-boned my paid-for car. I had just moved out four months prior to the accident and had not budged for a car payment. Dang! My Mom and Dad went with me to help me buy--and get a great deal on--a new (used) car for me. I bought a 2002 Ford Escape and named her Dori (from "Finding Nemo"... I'd be surprised if you got the reference).
Working at TSA, I met some really great people and had a lot of fun with a great group of friends. In the fall of 2005, I met John Stone (while I was walking down the hall on the way to the bathroom--very romantic, huh?) Little did I know at first, but I had admired (okay, stalked) him from afar whilst he did the same.
Age 24: John took me (and my family) to Coors Field for my 24th birthday and put my name in lights at the stadium; it was great! My Mom brought chocolate frosted cupcakes in a plastic baggy; it was a mess, but made for some great pictures and good laughs. That was a fun birthday celebration!
Two weeks before my 25th birthday, on April 1st, John Stone proposed.
Age 25: At the end of April, I moved out of my beloved apartment and back in with Mom and Dad while John and I planned our wedding. 75% of my stuff was "stored" in John's living room (his roommate was very patient with this!) and I squeezed my "essentials" into my old room. It was quite different being back after two years--and I had to pay rent!--but it was much easier to plan the wedding with Mom's help right there. Besides, I think it gave me some quality time with Mom and Dad before getting married that I wouldn't have had otherwise.
On September 29, 2007, John and I were married. The next day, I moved into his house in Arvada.
Age 26: In February 2008, I left TSA and started a job in consulting. Day 2 I knew it wasn't the right fit for me. But John, always encouraging and supporting, told me that I wasn't a quitter and challenged me to stay there for a year. By December I was applying for other jobs.
In August of 2008, my Mom and Dad moved out of my childhood home after 26 years there--you do the math! (I probably should have sought some professional help, or at least antidepressants after this move! Sad day.)
The day before my 27th birthday, I was offered a job at The Children's Hospital, beating out over 600 candidates for the Benefits Coordinator position, specializing in FMLA/disability. I actually love my job.
Age 27: I began working at The Children's Hospital and have made such great and lasting friendships. Three months after starting at Children's, John and I sold the house in Arvada and moved to SE Aurora to be closer to his job in the Denver Tech Center and my folks in Littleton.
It was an interesting transition, and there are some days that we wish we would have stayed in our house up North (we did so much work to sell it, it looked amazing when we left it!) but I think the move down South was the right move to make, ultimately.
Age 28: John and I reached the one year point of trying to become pregnant and sought professional help from a great fertility specialist at my OB's office. After pinpointing the problem, I was put on one round of medication that worked--and I got pregnant! We're going to be parents!!!
Age 29: I became a Mommy. Seriously, that is the ultimate high of my 29th year and something that has changed me forever. I feel like I was meant to be a Mom and thank God every day that I'm Noah's Mommy. I am so blessed!
John and I have felt the same struggles that many couples face after having a baby, and I feel like we've really grown closer as a result of everything. He makes me feel so loved and special every day.
I am a lucky woman. I have the love and support of my husband, parents, sisters, family and friends...and the unconditional love of my son, who is the light of my life. Through every year, every moment and every experience along the way, I also have the love and grace of my Lord in Heaven. I am so blessed! There were times along the way that I turned my back on God, but He never turned His back on me, and for that I am thankful.
So like I said, I'm okay turning 30... for God knows the plans He has for me.
And so far, they've been great!
Age 30: I'll keep you posted... ;)
