Today is my birthday eve, the last night of my 20's.  Tomorrow I officially turn 30, a fact that is leaving me strangely reminiscent, so I decided to compile a list simply because lists are awesome and what better way to remind myself that the last decade was well spent. 

During my 20’s I:

Managed to FINALLY graduate high school and have pretty much been going to school ever since.

Have spent 9.5 years of it being the dynamic part of the Betsey/Eric duo.

 Spent a total of 3 years pregnant and another 3 years nursing.

 (That is 6 years out of 10 that I shared my body with another human.  I’m ready to reclaim sole ownership!)

Single handedly contributed to pollution and overpopulation by popping out a baby at 22, 24, 26 (x2) and 28.

Have gained and lost 40 some pounds 4 times—which really makes you appreciate the human body and all its elasticity.

Changed a diaper every single day (minus two) for 7 years, 4 months (and am still at it for another year or so…).  That’s about 2600 days, for those of you interested, which, if I only changed an average of 5 diapers a day would add up to 13,000 diapers. Since 3 of those years I’ve had 3 in diapers at a time, that number is exponentially higher.

(Having just realized how many diapers I’ve changed, I did a little math and figure that I’ve spent approximately $4,000 on diapers over the course of my breeding years. And that, ladies and gents, is why my wardrobe sucks.  Butts are expensive).

Moved from little sporty car, to sensible 4 door sedan, to minivan to conversion van.

Have become more comfortable with myself and no longer freak out at the mere thought of talking to people—at times I, gasp, even enjoy it!

Learned how to cook more than ramen noodles and now cook 3+ times a day (and secretly enjoy it…though nothing is better than having food made for me).

Have accomplished more than I would have thought possible when I was moving from 20-30.

Completely lost track of time and am often shocked by how long ago my angsty teen years were (and good riddance to them).

Finally found what I want to be when I grow up—and am currently working on it!

Really did all that I could have done or would have wanted to do with these last ten years.  Sure, at times I get a little wistful and wonder “what-if,” about the path that I’ve chosen to take—especially when everyone else’s life seems more glamorous, more fun, more comfortable and, let’s face it, somewhat easier than mine.

 But really, I have no clue what my life would be without the choices that I’ve made. When I look around at some of the people who I used to know, whose lives were parallel to mine, I’m SO glad that I strayed off by myself because ultimately I see a lot of unhappiness.

So, I guess I’m not too tripped out about being 30.  I kid that it is the entrance to old age, the end of my youth, but really, to me, in all my sentimental schmaltziness, it’s the start of the good part of life. Bring it on 30’s, I’ve got a lot of plans for you!!