The time of year to add another candle to my birthday cake is here once again. Last year was the big one, exiting my 20s and having to reply, 30, when asked how old I am. Now that I am looking straight at 31, I reminds me of when my sister was the same age.
I have two older sisters, 10 plus years older than me. When my sister, the younger of the two, turned 30, she didn’t have a huge reaction. It wasn’t until she turned 31 that it really hit her.
She was sitting at home tearful about her upcoming birthday. I was talking with my nephew who was under 10 at the time, and I asked what was wrong. His quick reply was, “Oh, she must just be watching one of her girly movies,” then he went on with his business.
I do have to say that seeing the class below me turn 30 made me feel a little older than when my friends and I left our 20s. It set in more that the days of my careless youth were probably behind me and scheduled fun between dance class and school activities was what my future looked like.
But I am happy. I couldn’t be any happier than where I am as I turn 31. For one, my birthday is on a Friday and payday, score. Then, Saturday I get to watch a wrestling meet in Kinnick Stadium before watching my 9-0 Hawkeyes at a black out night game versus Minnesota. That all comes in the first two days.
I can say that I do miss the baby cuddles and falling asleep on my chest from when the girls were first born, but I love their ever growing spunky personalities and the girls they are growing into. Every day is an adventure, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
In the past year, we purchased the property I always wanted in town and have plenty of work to put into it. From adding a shower to building a deck and adding a bridge to our creek, yes we have our own creek, I see the next year being the year that we take a house and make it our home.
Although, I now have to act like more an adult than I often feel, and can’t just go do whatever I want on a whim, being a grown up isn’t all bad. Being able to plan for big vacations or family trips and provide the experience for my kids is a 1,000 times better than I would have ever imagined. Getting out of debt and being financially responsible is a very close second.
So for those who might be staring at 30 in the rearview mirror or those who feel like it is looming over them as they quickly say goodbye to their 20s, don’t worry, it really is better with age.
Contact Jamee A. Pierson at
641-792-3121 ext. 6534
or jpierson@newtondailynews.com