March 29, 2024

Column: It ends with a 0

Editor’s Note: This column originally published Nov. 4, 2014.

As I turned the page of my calendar Saturday, an event stared me in face. It’s not Thanksgiving or my biggest craft show of the year or even the Wisconsin or Nebraska games at the end of the month. It is my birthday, which this years ends in a big, old 0.

I have to say, it hasn’t caused me much stress or anxiety to turn the big 3-0. It amazes me to think of what I accomplished in my 20s and I am excited to see what will happen the next 10 years. In my 20s, I graduated from the best university in the state, which of course is located in Iowa City. Only a few months later I got married and moved in to a brand new house. My husband and I got our dog, Homer, and I started a job I spent six years at before landing at the newspaper.

By far, my biggest achievement has been my two daughters. After having my oldest, my world completely changed and my priorities became straight forward and clear. The surprise arrival of my youngest less than a year and a half later taught me more about myself, and what I am capable of, then I knew was possible.

Before she was born, I couldn’t understand how I could love and take care of two little people equally and without any favoritism. My husband constantly told me not to worry, and I have to say in this instance he was right. My love grew, not split for both of my girls, and I can’t remember what life without my little family was like before we became five (yes I count my dog always).

I have only had one moment where I heard I was turning 30, and it stopped me in my tracks. It was an ordinary day just walking inside with my dad when he mentioned in less than a month I would be 30. At that moment, it felt a little older than just the year after 29.

Like I said, right now it seems like my birthday will be more of a non-event. I’ve planned a day of pampering for myself, visiting my maid-of-honor to get my hair done, followed by some shopping, a pedicure and lunch at one of my favorite eateries. That night I will hang out with my family and hopefully have my favorite meal, meatloaf with cheesy potatoes and cheesecake for dessert (hint, hint family).

Then Friday will come and I will be 30 and one day not have to worry about another number for 10 or so years.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson
at jpierson@newtondailynews.com.