I normally try to adhere to AP style in blog posts, but breaking the rules (and spelling out a number over 10) seems fitting today… because I’m thirty. Yes, thirty. Which is crazy. It feels like it was just yesterday that I was a senior in college, about to turn 21 outside the Sea Grape! (Scroll down to see a couple of photos from age 20/21 with my best girlfriends from college.) Where did the time go?
In some ways, I feel very much like a 30-year-old today. Gone are the days in which I could stay up until 5 a.m. with my friends, and I no longer live in a 400-square-foot apartment cluttered with trinkets and painted a lovely shade of canary yellow. My tastes have changed (wine > beer, less > more, cooking > mac and cheese every night, and navy > all other colors), and I have a husband. At the same time, though, I still think of myself as a kid. I still have the same personality I had when I was younger, and I still enjoy doing a lot of the stuff I used to enjoy way back when. I still go to my parents when I’m overwhelmed, overjoyed or in need of advice, and I still don’t have everything figured out. But maybe you never really cross into “full adulthood.” Because how can you completely leave behind everything that you once were? (Well, don’t I sound like Carrie Bradshaw.)
A younger version of myself probably envisioned things being a bit different by the time the big “three-oh” rolled around. You know: a house, kids, a dog, an East Coast zip code, etc. But you know what? I’m so glad that my life turned out the way that it did, and I wouldn’t trade the decisions I made or the incredible experiences I had for anything. Will we eventually have some of the things I just mentioned? Probably! I hope so! Who knows, though. All I can say is that right now, I’m loving my current stage of life, and feel blessed, thankful and loved. I’m truly the happiest I’ve ever been (thank you, Mitch!), and for the first time, I’m not worried about what the future holds for me. Talk about refreshing.
That said, I’d be lying if I said that I’m not the teensiest bit freaked out by the number itself, even though I know it means very little. I’d also be lying if I said I’m not sad to see my 20s go, and not nostalgic for a stage that is now coming to a close. But I think these are all normal and good feelings to have. They indicate that through all the ups and downs, I really freakin’ enjoyed the last decade of my life! And that’s what life’s about, right?
My apologies for babbling on and on like this, but stay tuned for a more coherent post about what I learned from my 20s. :) And a happy 30th goes out to my soul sista, Allie, with whom I share this day. (Love you, Mouse!) And Mitch? You’re next. Enjoy your last three days of being 29! Muahaha… ;) (Love you, too.)
On to the next 10! :)
all the best! love this emotional personal post!
Irene
http://www.thedailylace.com
Getting older can be scary, but I love your outlook on things! I am terrified to be turning 18… it will be so weird to be an adult, be almost ready to go to college, and be starting to make my way in the world; however, I can’t help but be excited to see what the future holds. Happy Birthday Kelly :)
Hunter
Prep on a Budget
When did 21 become so far away? I continually wonderful this. Life takes us on funny paths and never where we imagine, but it all seems to be quite okay when we have the people we love with us.
Happy Birthday Kelly!
http://www.iamchiconthecheap.com
Happy Birthday Kelly!!!
Happy birthdayyyyyyy Kellyyyyyyyy!
Happy birthday Kelly!! Such a fun milestone to celebrate!
Happy 30th! What an exciting time! I’m rapidly approaching 30 and I had a heart to heart with my mom a few months ago about the BIG 3-0. She told me her thirties were some of the best years! Cheers to that! ;)
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
My mom said the same thing! New chapters are exciting. :) Thanks, Meg!
Happy Birthday Kelly! I don’t think I’ve ever been anxious to be older. I hated being a teenage (I could not relate to any of them #oldsoul), and thus far (although, I’m only 21 so I still have 9 years to improve on this), I’ve been so stressed out with school, work, and life planning that I haven’t started to enjoy my 20’s. Here’s to another great year, and a very stylish 30’s!
-Katherine
http://thegreenbows.blogspot.ca
Katherine, thank you so much! You’re so sweet. I hope you enjoy your 20s… just realize that most people feel stressed out about school, work and life in general in their 20s. I know I was :) It’s totally normal, and things just seem to work themselves out! :) xoxo!
Happy Birthday Kelly! Hope you have the best day ever!!
Happy birthday!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
Happy Birthday Kelly!! I hope you have a great day!! I ordered the Belmond boots from Eastland that you featured about a week ago, and called their customer service today to check on the order. They told me that the Belmond boots were flying off the shelves and asked how I’d heard of them. I mentioned I found them on a blog, and they asked me for the name of the blog I’d found them from, and I heard the customer service rep write your blog name down in her notes :) I’m originally from Maine, so I was very excited to see an old favorite of mine featured on the site – I actually also ordered the Joanne boot from Bass, recently, as well … it’s boot-buying season! Thanks so much – I love reading your blog every day!
Jessica,
I’m SO SORRY for the super delayed response, but I can’t tell you how much this meant to me! You’re adorable, and you made my day. Thank you, girl! And I hope you love your Belmonts! Please drop me a line sometime! :)
xoxo!!
Happy Birthday Kelly and remember you’re only as old as you feel! Not gonna lie, mac and cheese every night doesn’t sound too bad (and I don’t think that will ever change no matter how old I am hahah). Wishing you a happy, healthy year!
-Alex
http://www.monstermisa.blogspot.com
Mac and cheese is still my favorite, hehe. Thank you, Alex! You’re such a sweetheart!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KELLY!!
happy thirty kelly! your thirties are going to be fabulous!
Happy 30th Kelly!