Reflections On A Decade

Ten years ago, I turned thirty. I thought that was so old. I knew so much (insert plenty of sarcasm here). We spent it in Vegas, and I was 6 months pregnant with my 2nd child. I ONLY HAD ONE CHILD. That alone seems a lifetime ago...The first photo is from shortly before our trip (Jenna spent it with my parents - we figured it'd be our last childless vacation for quite some time, and we were right). The next picture is from our trip. I was never a tiny pregnant girl, hehe.

I was working full time in a microbiology lab for a pharmaceutical company. I loved my job, and never really considered staying home with my kids. We spent the first half of that decade a family of 4 prior to having 2 more kids. I had (and wasted, frankly) so much TIME back then.

In my 30s, I learned how to be a better mother, a better wife. I learned how to communicate effectively, how to get what I want and need. I learned WHO I AM (even thought that is always changing). I learned how to be comfortable in my own skin, even if I have more of it than many women. I learned that it's ok, even important, to be selfish sometimes. I learned that life is all about BALANCE.

That 30 year old girl in those pictures never DREAMED of doing the things I've accomplished this past year. I know I'm a work in progress, but I'm proud of what I've achieved and dream even bigger because of it. I can't wait to see what my 40s bring.

My birthday was a wonderful day (and thank you for all your birthday wishes!) that I managed to cram way too much into, but it went so smoothly that it didn't seem to matter. I ran almost 7 miles (and ran out of time), I spent the afternoon with my hubs who skipped out of work a little early, I had a lovely dinner with my family, and I had a fun night out with my friends. We drank beer and played pool and watched the Blackhawks lose (SO not feeling good about their playoff chances *sigh*). It was all I asked for - perfection.

I have no pictures to share, since I was too busy kicking everyone's ass in pool. I'm sure some of that was charity (no one beats the birthday girl!!) but I'll take it.

I got the Harry Potter set of blu-rays from 1-7 and the new Foo Fighters cd, which has some GREAT running tracks on it. I am a rock-n-roll girl, and a huge Foo fan, so this cd makes me HAPPY. Here's 2 faves so far - enjoy!