Wednesday, February 11, 2009

A Young 35


On Monday I turned 35.

For the last several weeks I have been whining and complaining about how old I am getting. I have been such a baby about it that I'm starting to get on my own nerves.

My grandfather turned 90 two days before my birthday and while I sat back and watched this rugged, active, energetic man blow out his candles and schedule another big bash 10 years from now, I began rethinking this whole aging thing.

I am healthy, strong, and blessed beyond measure. How dare I complain about the years I've earned rather than feel grateful for each and every one?

My mother died at 57. She was far too young and full of life to leave us, but I am grateful for every single second I had with her. Never in my life did I hear her say one negative thing about aging. She welcomed every new stage that came along.

Yes, I'm 35...or "checking the next box" now, as I like to say. And, rather than focusing on what gravity has begun to take hold of or point out the arrival of crow's feet and stress wrinkles, I will do my best to welcome this year with hopeful optimism and sensibilities. I will appreciate those moments of joy that have given me laugh lines and recognize the gifts that come with age. I feel that I am smarter, more self-assured, and far more comfortable in my own skin than at any other time in my life.
The world no longer looks like it did 15 years ago. It looks better.

And... I can't wait to find out what it will look like in another 15.


*See what you get for your birthday when you're dating a really sweet bicycle man!
(...not to mention super cute!!) Thank you, Lance.

11 comments:

Kristy Treible said...

Happy Birthday! I am so happy you finally got your cruiser! You deserve it! Too bad you didn't include a picture of the super cute Lance :)

tricia said...

Happy Birthday Sara! You sure don't look old, so you have that on your side. Yeah, we want to see a picture of Lance! SWEET BIKE!

Keri said...

That is super sweet of Lance! You are a beautiful 35 year old...and I would like to see a picture of Lance too!

Keli said...

Wow, you're dating Lance Armstrong? How lucky are you!

Happy birthday!

Kacie said...

Sara~ Happy Birthday, I hope you had a great day! Lance seemed really nice at the party. You guys seem PERFECT for each other. There is no reason for you to comnplain, if I looked HALf as good as you I would be in Heaven.

heathermommy said...

I hope you had a great birthday. That you likes an awesome bike.

Lindsey Wood-Felstead said...

Love the bike! It's perfect. Hope your birthday was wonderful! The votes are in...a picture of Lance on your next post!

Natalie Hall said...

I love that you are a couple, and a beautiful couple I must add. Congrats!! Lance lives around the corner from us, I guess his parents that is. Love the bike. And you are looking wonderful for 35. And being a single mom, I really don't know how you do it. I could bow down to you, amazing!!!

Anonymous said...

Are you dating Lance Armstrong? You do know that he travels a lot and so if you ever get lonely I could free up some time for tea...or Coke! Keep me posted Gorgeous.

Wendy said...

Holy Cow! Brownie points for Lance~(your Lance is WAY cuter then Lance Armstrong!) and if you have gravity takin hold of something then I want to see it! Enjoy 35 while you can cuz 40 is not as pretty! You certainly DO NOT look 35~good genes Id say! We love you Sara and are so happy that you are happy!~

scooley said...

I love the bike tell Lance my B-Day is 10 days after his. I hope he still remembers.J/K. I so glad you guys are so happy together. Lance is one of the best guys I know. *Truthfully* He needed to find someone that is great too. You guys are good for each other. I'm glad you had a great birthday Jared turns 35 this year I don't think he is so happy about it. I tell him he still looks 26 that makes him feel better. Have a great *V* Day