Tuesday, February 7, 2012

30 ...

I remember when my mother turned 30. I was six at the time and my dad threw her a surprise party that he said he told me about prior to the event. I have zero recollection of having this knowledge. But, I was pretty proud of myself for not spoiling the surprise.

What I do remember, however, is that my mom didn't want to turn 30. In fact, I think we bought her cards that said, "Happy 29th Birthday", until she was 40. I never really understood why she, or numerous other women, had issue with closing out their 20's. I was just always told, "When you get there you'll understand."

Thing is, I still don't.

I've always been a Honey Badger. Even at 7 months old.

Now, don't get me wrong, my 20's were pretty spectacular.

I met and married J. We bought our first, second and third homes. We had three beautiful daughters. I found my passion for fitness. I appeared on the pages of Runner's World with Dizzle and Doodle. I grew stronger both inside and out. All in all, I've had a million magical moments over the past decade.

But, today, on my 30th birthday, I'm still not sad to see my 20's go. Instead, I am excited by the possibilities that lie ahead and if that means that I have to add one year or 10 years to find out what's in store, I'm eager to do that. I want to continue to grow. To improve who I am and who I can be.

Making 30 look good ...

Trust me, I'm getting better with age.

41 comments:

carrie said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I was panicked to turn 30, but now that I am days away from 33, I have discovered that Carrie Bradshaw was right. The 30's are fabulous!!! Welcome to the club!!!!!

MCM Mama said...

Happy Birthday!!!!

The 30s are an awesome decade! (So far, the 40s aren't so bad either, but the 30s rocked.) Can't wait to see all the amazing things you accomplish in your 30s!

Kim said...

I had a harder time turning 31 because I didn't want to be thirty something. Now that I'm in my 40s, it's all good. I love it and am in better shape that I was at 30. Happy Birthday!

Kerrie said...

So far, my 30's have been the best. Happy birthday! Hope you have a cupcake...or two!

Jesser said...

I agree ... turning 30 didn't bother me at all! I think if you're in a good place and you have good perspective, it's a positive thing. I know I like myself much better at 30 than I did at 20.

Jesser said...

And I totally forgot to say ... HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Hope it's a wonderful one.

TNTcoach Ken said...

Happy B-Day and what is this 30 that you speak of??????????

Kayla said...

Happy Birthday! Hope its wonderful!

Amber said...

Happy Birthday! I was thrilled to turn 30 for some reason. Maybe it's because I married my BFF. Now turning 31 last month threw me for a look...like "WOAH! I'm not young and 30 any more...I'm a grown up." :)

Molly said...

Happy Birthday! I turned FORTY last Tuesday, and it was easier than turning 30 believe it or not. You've had a great decade, and I'll bet the next will be even better!

Carrie said...

Happy birthday! 30s rock!

Jessica (Pace of Me) said...

Happy Birthday, T!! I am totally with you on this. And you will love your 30s! I am half way through them and it has been a great time so far, and definitely better than my 20s (which were pretty great). I hope you have a fabulous day!!!!

Running Ricig said...

Happy birthday! Your 30s are going to be even more epic than your 20s! Have an awesome day.

ltlindian said...

Happy Birthday! The 30's do rock. I wish I'd found my running love then instead of at 40. I be one fast SOB. :)lol Have a great day!!

Non Sequitur Chica said...

Happy birthday!!

SupermomE13 said...

Happy happy birthday!!! I hope it is an awesome day for you. :) And so far my 30's have been my best decade BY FAR. Rock it! :)

Beth said...

Happy birthday!

Johann said...

Happy Birthday! Have a great day and a year full of happiness.

Jen Feeny said...

Happy Birthday chica and welcome to the club! It's great to see someone else that isn't scared of their 30's but rather, ready to embrace and rock the hell out of them! :)

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday, you! You do make 30 look good. Your confidence shines through.

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

The last time I knew what birthday my mother was celebrating was when she turned 36. I seriously don't know how old she is. She just doesn't look or act the age I know she must be. I love the example she sets in that aspect of life.

I didn't "mind" turning 30 either. But being way past 30 now, I must admit that having a young child in my 40s does give me pause. Not for me or any regrets in the life I have already lived but in the thoughts that I want to "be there" to be part of their lives. I want to see those milestones. My father taught me that it's not really a promise that we get to see our kids grow up. I didn't have him for so many things I wish I did.
BUT. I do agree that we should all be getting better with age. And I want to make sure that I learn from everyone who touchs my life. You, T have been a wealth of lessons. Thank you for sharing your way of thinking with me. I hope that I can share that brazen optimistic "honey badger" attitude with my kids.

Happy amazing 30th Birthday!

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday! My 30 is coming up soon and I say BRING IT ON! I just love your attitude and I know that you will rock this next year. Here's to 30!

BabyWeightMyFatAss said...

Happy 3oth!! Thirties are awesome!

fancy nancy said...

Happy birthday!! Welcome to the next age group!!! 30s rock!!

Marlene said...

You sure are! Happy 30th to one of the most wickedly badass athletes I know!

Runners Fuel said...

Happy birthday!! I just turned 30, too. I don't understand what the big deal is either. It'll be a great year for us both!

Randi S said...

happy birthday, Tonia!!

The Jesse said...

Happy Birthday!

Katie said...

happy birthday!

Elizabeth said...

Happy Birthday! And I agree with you 100%. everyone freaked me out about turning 30 (i’m now 31) and 30 and 31 (so far) have been my best years yet. I know who i am and i am confident in that.

Rose @ Eat, Drink, and Be Meiri said...

You have 30 comments already as I type this, which is pretty cool.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

~* Jenn *~ said...

Happy Birthday! :)

Jennifer said...

Awesome post. Happy birthday!

Catey said...

Happy Birthday!
I'm with you, I don't get the people who hide their age or fear their age...embrace it! My 20s were pretty awesome, but life really took off once I hit 30 and it's been crazy wonderful ever since!

ajh said...

Great attitude. I've never minded getting older either.

Char said...

I'm staring down the barrel at 50 and still don't get worried by the number. My only worries are if my body will still let me do what my mind wants.

Have a really Happy Birthday.

Julie D. said...

i'm pretty convinced our 30's is the best decade in a lifetime!! Happy Birthday, T! Enjoy your day.

RunningFromCancer said...

Happy Birthday! Enjoy your 30's. I still look forward to every birthday and I am 56. I enjoy many more things now that I ever did when I was younger and have a greater appreciation for my fitness and health!

Unknown said...

Happy slightly belated birthday! Own 30!

Zoƫ said...

Hope you had a fabulous birthday! And yes, you DO make 30 look AMAZING!!!

Unknown said...

Wishing you even more health and happiness in your 30's and the decades to come.