an unbelievable decade

I turned 30 today.

I’ve been asked by several folks if I feel any different.  Honestly, after birthing a child a few weeks ago, this actually feels pretty anticlimactic.  But it’s my birthday nonetheless and, for that, I am quite pleased.

As I did when I turned 20, I looked back over this past decade and I’m actually pretty overwhelmed by everything that has transpired in just ten years.

Here goes:

- I graduated college, albeit by the skin of my teeth, but I have that shiny piece of paper anyway

- I had a massive falling out with my mom which was then subsequently repaired four years later and we’ve never been closer than we are now

- I moved from the midwest to the East Coast and haven’t left which makes this the longest I’ve ever spent in one city

- I’ve owned three cars

- I’ve held down six jobs, not counting any freelancing I’ve done

- I found and rented my very first apartment

- I adopted ferrets and laid one to rest last year

- I adopted a puppy who has turned into the coolest dog one could hope for

- I met and friended some truly amazing people who have since moved away to other states (sad face)

- I met, fell in love with, got engaged to and married the sweetest, most patient, most forgiving, and hottest man in the world.  He’s my best friend and my soulmate.

- I had a falling out with my dad which is still to be determined

- I rented my very first house

- I became an Aunt twice over

- I gave birth to the most beautiful baby girl in the whole wide world

I think I’ve done the most growing up and discovering myself over the past ten years.  Twenty to thirty is a big transition period for everyone, I think.  I know for a fact I’m a completely different person today than I was at 20.

I cringe at some of the inane stupidness I pulled when I was 20…

So as my little bug sleeps in her swing, I wrap my hands around my mug of tea and sigh happily because, honestly, I am happy.