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Thirty Four

So I turned thirty four last week. A week ago today. Thirty four. Sounds weird. Seems weird…and yet, not really that big of a deal. It’s weird to say that it’s been almost 16 years since I graduated from high school, and over 11 years since we got married, and almost 2 years since we moved into our new house. Time marches on and the years keep sweeping by…and yet, I feel mostly the same. Is it true that you’re only as old as you feel? Cuz I’m not sure 34 feels any differently to me. I’m officially in my mid-thirties now, there’s no denying that…but I think 34 feels ok. I’m ok with 34.

I look back at the changes in our lives the past few years and how dark some of those days were at the end of my 20’s and beginning of my 30’s. I think about the happy early days when we were first married and smile. Just a couple of kids. Our road has been bumpy, surely bumpier than most people our age…but it has been good. I guess I feel right now, that we are in a good place. I like my 30’s. They’ve been good to me, so I really can’t complain.

The Saturday before my birthday we went out with Hope and Chad. We had a delicious meal at the Cheesecake Factory followed by a movie. It is always good to hang out with them without the kids. Not that we don’t love the kids, obviously they are undeniably precious to us, but spending time with Hope and Chad alone is always a good time. Even if Chad gives me tons of crap for the way I drive. He’s just jealous of my mad driving skills!

The next day we had a birthday lunch with Matt’s family at one of our favorite Chinese restaurants up in Ames. It did not disappoint! Of course I took my actual birthday off, and spent it with Matt. While I wasn’t able to make plans to visit my parents this year…I did talk to my Mom on my birthday. I really hope next year we can be together. Even at 34 I still want to celebrate with my parents. I’m sure this will always be the case. I really don’t see myself as being one of those 50 somethings who just pooh-poohs her birthday like it’s no big deal. I will always want to celebrate it…even if just a little…with friends and family.

Of course it snowed the day before my birthday so naturally I had to get up and snow blow the driveway on my birthday. But, I was determined not to let that most loathsome of tasks prevent me from being happy and having a great day with Matt! We got around and went to the mall. It’s funny, the past few years, Matt has admitted he actually doesn’t mind going to the mall with me. WEIRD, I know! He just hangs out patiently while I peruse items and try things on. We also wander through men’s departments too and sporting goods stores…so don’t feel TOO sorry for him being stuck outside my dressing room at the Gap. We stopped and got frosted cookies to have as my official birthday treat and just had a great time hanging out together. After the mall we went to a matinee and then picked up a pizza for supper on the way home. Ahh…it was a good, good birthday!! I had a great day off with Matt, enjoyed celebrating with our families, and made sure I kept up my workouts to make up for it!!! Of course it is easy to keep up the running with the new Rocky t-shirts that Matt gave me and my new Rocky Balboa greatest hits cd! I mean, who could stop themselves from running when listening to Eye of the Tiger!? What can I say, the Italian Stallion inspires me!! He’s helping me train for my next 5K, coming up on the 13th of February.

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