I'm going to be 30....where does time go?

I have less than 4 months until I turn 30 years old.  I used to freak out and think 30 sounded so old.  But, now that I am nearing the big 3-0, I am just thankful to be healthy and happy. Looking back (like the above photo of me and my friend Beau in 1998) I had a pretty good life growing up in Sioux City. 

I still have friends from high school that I stay in touch with like Beau, Michelle, Sara, Emily, Steph, Kara, Jon, Chris, and many more. We were straight laced kids in M'Side who love to get together and talk about our crazy days at East High. Remember when the pig was let loose in the senior hallway or Mr. Bernard chased students down with his golf cart? Good times.

I even married a guy from my high school. Although in high school I would probably never have spoken to him, because he was younger and in my brother's class. At that point I would not have wanted to socialize with my brother even though now we are very close (right David?!). But I digress....there have been some not so fun times since high school, but I think they have made turning 30 even more meaningful.

After college at BVU (Go Beavers!), I got a great job at a small town newspaper and had a fun roomie (Hi Steph!) in a "vintage" apartment.  Then at the age of 25 I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  Six months of chemo and I was ready to be healthy again.

I went back to visit my alma mater with Betsy Boo (a kick ass golfer/roomie), went to CT for Beau and Amy's wedding, attended a million other weddings, and Matt and I bought our first house.

I started hosting a cookie exchange, which has turned into one of my favorite events each year.  We also adopted a Mini Schnauzer. She is the light of our life. (Except at 2 a.m. when she wants to get up and play....or at 5 a.m. when she barks because she is hungry.)

Matt even survived a trip to Denver for Rachel's wedding crammed into a Pacifica with my parents, my brother and a million things of luggage.

We did get married (you're welcome Grandma) and it was so much fun. Showers and bachelorette parties are great and it's fun being the guest of honor for a change. (Thanks friends/family!)

And, my Great Aunts/cousins made it to the wedding from California after Beverly beat her first fight with cancer.

I saw the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone on our honeymoon. Gorgeous! Then Matt was laid off from his job as a welder so he went back to school fulltime.  (Hello many miles/hours away from home.  Can't we move Wayne closer to Sioux City?)

And, I lost a body part. (Farewell gallbladder!) Along with my Great Aunt Beverly, and great family friends Becky and Brian.

So as I enter the 30s I plan to appreciate friends, family, (and dogs).

And, to go after the big bone if I want it. And, when I turn 40 I will be able to say I enjoyed my 30s instead of surviving them.  Here's to a happy and healthy next decade. Cheers!