On Turning Thirty

Thirty. Hmmm..... Thirty. Thirty. I can't get used to saying it. Now, let me be clear. I don't want anyone out there thinking that I'm one of those people who is traumatized by turning 30. I'm actually cool with being in my 30's. After all, anybody who knows me knows my twenties weren't always an example for godly living. There is something very freeing about starting a new decade with a clean slate! I'm actually looking forward to leaving the old behind and looking optimistically toward the new. (I realize I just opened the door to "old behind" jokes. Bring it!)

Having said that, I am not immune to the social implications that come along with being 30. I mean, just yesterday I wore body glitter and put my hair in pigtails. It rocked. Sometimes I just wonder if I'm doing my 30s right. Aren't I supposed to be sensible by this point? I actually had a teenaged Walgreens employee stare at me like I was an alien when I asked her where to find good (really, really sparkly!) body glitter. I couldn't tell if she just didn't know what body glitter was or if she was thinking I was far too old to be purchasing that. Tip of the day: Walgreens no longer carries body glitter.

And then there's the expectation to have a solid career going. Hah! I have to laugh out loud even looking at those typed words. Whatever! My career is about as unstable as they come. Hopefully I have landed a long-term gig at Nampa Schools, but really, who knows where I will end up next? In my twenties, I thought of this aspect of my life as quirky, spontaneous, and passionate. Now that I'm 30, am I flaky? Irresponsible? Clueless?

Here's what I have decided. By the way, before I continue, I have to give credit to my mother in law Anita and my best friend Emily who guided me toward this happy revelation. Here it is, are you ready? Cause its deeply profound....WHO GIVES A FLYING FLIP?! I have come to the conclusion that I can be a body glitter wearing, pig tail sporting, professional counselor/baker/entrepenuer of whatever tickles my fancy, kind of girl in my 30s, and even into my 80s if I want. Although I may have moments of self-doubt, the thing I am comfortable in is that I am me, and I don't care what anybody thinks or what society thinks I should be. I am thrilled with my blue eyeliner, my hot pink high heels, and that new strappy top I just bought. I am happy in my own skin! I'd like to give a great big high five to my girls who wear false eyelashes, glitter gloss, diamond studded sunglasses, and electric purple nail polish. Rock on my good friends! We look GOOD!