Yep! I turned the Big 3-0! It still seems unreal to me though. lol. I remember when I was a teenager I thought 30 was old and it seemed so far away. When I got into my 20’s, I swore that I would never admit I was 30 to anyone and be forever 29. Silly huh? But that’s changed. I am very proud to be 30 years young(as my mother would say).

I realized I wasn’t as young as I use to be a while ago. Guess kids will do that to you? Hahaha. But I really don’t feel that different. I guess getting healthy and in shape has a lot to do with it. I am probably in better shape now than I’ve ever been. Yes, including high school. I weighed less back then, but trust me, I was far from healthy. I was young and I could put my body through a lot (all nighters, junk food, tons of candy, injuries from sports and other activities, and lots of alcohol) and bounce right back…. so not the case now. And I’m ok with that. Now I’m taking good care of my body.

So what can I say about my 30 years of Life? Well, it has definitely been a journey. I’ve made mistakes. Some big, some small. I’ve learned from most of them. Looking back at it all, it’s been a good 30 years despite the hard times. What’s stand out for me is Not any big acomplishment or trip. It’s the people :-) I am lucky to have had so many great and wonderful people in my life.

My dad who took care of the 5 of us on his own – when he didn’t have to. I don’t agree with everything he did, but I am grateful for all that he’s done for me and my brothers. My Grandpa who I admire and look up to. He’s taught me so much about life.
My friend, Chris Quenga who took me under her wing and treated me like her daughter. She helped me so much in high school. My teachers. Yes, teachers. I had some really great ones who taught me more than just a subject in school. My love for learning is because of them.
My friends. I am very lucky to have such wonderful friends. I still care about all the friends I had in high school and still close to a lot of them :-) I can never forget my friends in Florida who were the best part of my 3 years there.
Ben. How many can say that they got the man of their dreams (since I was 13)? Me!!! I have spent over half my life in love with him and I am so happy to be spending the rest of my life with him.
Last but definitely not least – my sons. They have truly given my life meaning and purpose. I may not be super successful by some standards, but I am pretty damn proud to be a stay at home mom to Gio and Seppe. They are my world. They may have not been planned but I am a true believer that Everything Happens for a Reason. To me, all that I’ve gone through was to prepare me for where I am now.

On my birthday (the 28th) I asked myself if I was Happy with where I am now and who I am? The answer…. Yes! Life might not be glamorous and a little tough, but I Love My Life.
I am looking forward to my 30’s. I plan on doing a lot with my life and I know that I’m Not too old to follow my dreams. I’m living a healthier lifestyle and loving it. I’m training for races that I never even considered when I was younger. I’m excited to watch my sons grow up – even though I am also a little sad about it. I know there is still so much to learn and do. And I plan on learning and doing as much as I can :-)

I didn’t do anything special on my birthday but Ben and the boys made me cards and got me my favorite, Roses :-) But that doesnt mean I’m Not doing something…I will be celebrated in Vegas the week after with Ben and my friends :-) I am definitely Not too old to party!

So Good Bye to my 20’s and Hello to my 30’s and the rest of my Life :-)