A Birthday

I AM 30.

Whew. That was tough. I just broke out in a cold sweat. Now that I verbalized it, I can begin to accept it.

I'm exaggerating; this was not really a tough birthday for me. I actually feel like my 30's are going to be wonderful. I kind of feel like I have a better idea of who I am - my limitations, my potential, my dreams, my faults, my strengths... life is looking good from where I stand.

It was a whole weekend of celebrations. Ben and I got to hang out with some other couples for an adult evening, and it was delightful. Dinner, games, laughter, gifts, chocolate covered strawberries... what more could a girl ask for? Not much, in my book.

The next day I had brunch with some of my favorite ladies at a lovely little restaurant called The Wild Fork. I can't remember the last time I had girls time without children. It had been awhile and it was such a pleasure. The day out continued with shopping, frozen yogurt, and a movie. I was out ALL DAY... without my children. This is so unheard of that around dinner time I was actually missing them. I NEVER do this. I had not planned to stay out all day, so I kept calling hubby, asking if I should come home. And my darling husband, on Daddy Duty all day, was so encouraging and gracious. Sigh.

There's a theme so far in the celebrations. Have you noticed an absence of little ones? Yes, that was deliberate. When asked what I wanted to do to celebrate the big 3-0, I answered that I just need a little break. Some me time, some friend time, some girl time. Staying home with children is fulfilling and exhausting, and this was my idea of rejuvenation.

The next day, we had a family birthday lunch with everyone, and that was wonderful too. I'm a very blessed girl. Ulp, did I just say girl? I guess 30 is not exactly girl age. Aging is such a weird sensation; I honestly still feel about 22. But, I realize how old I'm getting when I see kids driving and think, "What are you, like, 12?"

I digress. I had a wonderful birthday, but it doesn't end there. A dear friend, who turns 30 in May, and I decided to meet up for a girl weekend in St. Louis next month. A sort of mutual celebration. I can't express how excited I am about this. I feel spoiled getting all this me-time.

As I said, the 30's are looking pretty good...