I'm only 20 days away from being 30...

[MauEvig]

My birthday is the 23rd. I really can't believe I'm going to be 30 this year. It doesn't feel like it. It feels weird, surreal even. I don't feel like I'm about to end my 20's and embark on a new decade of life. It feels like I just graduated High School.

Am I alone in experiencing this odd feeling of reflection, or is it normal for everyone? I wouldn't say I'm dreading it per say. It's more like it just doesn't seem possible.

Yet I like to think the 30's will be the best years of my life, especially when I start in my new career as a teacher. Somehow I think they'll be even better than my 20's, by a lot.

[Spookymufu]

I think there was a whole "Friends" episode about this

[Murfreesboro]

Looking back over my life to this point, I think 30 was the birthday I dreaded the most. I started having kids in my 30s and from that point on I just felt so connected to youth again that no birthday since has fazed me at all.

Seriously, they say that the 30s are statistically the most creative decade of human life. People are old enough to know and young enough to do. It's a great period, much easier in most people's experience that the 20s, which are often quite anxious for people.

[NeverMore]

Some day I'll make it to 30. Mentally, that is. I'm totally an overgrown kid. I just know if that head transplant works I'm gonna go for it myself. Get rid of all the aches and pains in this older body.

[MauEvig]

Well I never watched friends; but I believe my mom has. Doesn't surprise me that there'd be a sit com about this. In a way I almost think 30 is more of a right of passage than turning 16, 18, or 21. I don't really know why either.
I have mixed feelings about it; but I'm trying to keep a hopeful positive attitude about it. I'd like to believe the 30's will be full of good things. I'm sure there will still be challenges; life is always full of those; but when put into perspective I think things are going to be great over all.
If the 30's really are the most creative decade, then I am sure this will be the decade I get my first book published, and I believe my career goals will finally take off.

[Murfreesboro]

Go for it!

[MauEvig]

Now it's only a week from today. Where did the time go!?

I'm a little excited. I'm also a little antsy. What path shall await me as the big 3-0 rolls in on my life?

I shall be the new and improved MauEvig 3.0. Everything always looks better when you put in that decimal point, because then you can see each birthday as a new and improved version of yourself.

[Murfreesboro]

Good for you, Mau!

[MauEvig]

Three more days you guys! But considering the good news I got this afternoon; I feel like the 30's are already off to a good start and I haven't even got to MauEvig 3.0 yet!

[Murfreesboro]

Interested in sharing the good news?

[MauEvig]

Absolutely; I got accepted as a substitute teacher at our local school district! I'm really excited about the prospect. Come to think of it though, there is a bit of a story how I came about to even getting the interview in the first place.
For one thing; I got the phone call when I was home sick last week. I was still feeling a little ill the day of the interview so I called and had it moved up to Monday. This bought some time to figure out how to prepare for it and I got some new clothes at Walmart and my boyfriend helped me out by getting me a hair cut at the barbar shop they have there as an early birthday present...and I even wore make up! Yes; I actually got some make up. I never do this save for Halloween but I really wanted this.
If I had been at work I would have missed the call; I could have still called back but because I'm working two jobs now, I wouldn't have been able to get in to interview immediately.
And I've realized something; something you've been telling me in some of our other discussions. She said she was going to give me a chance. I took a chance by going to the interview; and preparing for it. Yet it all seemed to work out so...perfect. It was like I was meant to have this job. I'm even further convinced now that teaching is my calling in life.
What I've realized is that I took a huge leap of faith. Who knows, maybe there is something out there guiding me in the right direction. I'm not saying it's God per say but...maybe something. It could just be coincidence but I remember your point that every thing we do in life is a leap of faith. This definitely is for sure.

[Kolchak]

You know there is a part of me that wishes I could be 30 again. But, another part of me is sick and fed up with what has happened to this country, that I'my glad I am getting older so I don't have to be around much longer to see the down hill slide continue.

[Murfreesboro]

Congrats, Mau! It sounds like this is going your way!

Being young is wonderful, but difficult, too. I see my own kids going through all the stuff I went through way back when--searching for life partners, making career choices. Everything is so stressful. Youth is a wilderness, just like the fairy tales say.

Kolchak, when I get depressed about the direction our country is headed, I recall what my Bible prof told us in college. He pointed out that the Book of Ruth takes place during the time of Judges, which was a very unsettled, stressful time for the nation of Israel. Yet this beautiful, lyrical story happened then. The life of the common people went on. He told us to remember that if we ever lived during stressful political times, how there is always an undercurrent of life that just keeps on flowing.

[MauEvig]

I'm very blessed that I have found my soul mate. I don't know what I would do without his love and support. Now I'm moving forward with my career goals.
I think my life is coming together.
Tomorrow is the official kick off to my 30's...I can't believe it's almost here.

Kolchak you have a good point. But I wouldn't wish your life away. It's sad that our country has headed in such a gloomy direction, and it's the future generations that will suffer for it. I hope that as a teacher, I'll be able to do my part to prepare them for the future that awaits them.

[Murfreesboro]

Today is your big day! Happy birthday, Mau! I'm sure you will have a very successful career and continued happiness with your BF! Love to you and yours!