What I wish I could've told my younger self...

So what you are turning 30 and still single?  In just another year, you are going to meet the most amazing man and the wait will be worth it. This man will support you no matter what harebrained ideas you come up with.  He will encourage you, cheer you on and be quick to give foot rubs when you decide you want to run a marathon.  Yes, I know that last line came as quite a shock.  I mean, you could've majored in college sitting on the couch, watching tv.  But this man you meet, inspires you and makes you want to be the best you can be.  There is nothing you feel like you can't do or accomplish. The love you feel for each other is like nothing that can be described.  It is this depth of emotion that will carry you through the more challenging times.  When your husband (yes! you get married!!) loses his job in 2009, keep your positive attitude going for the both of you and know that the most perfect career opportunity is about to be offered a few short weeks later.  This time he has off should be treasured, not stressed about. 

Before you know it, and way before you turn 40, you will have 2 kids calling you mom and living in the suburbs. You realize that when child #2 comes along, your heart expands and there is plenty of love for another child. I know that you want 3 kids, but you will find out that 2 is plenty for you. You are going to take such delight in watching these two babies become little people. They will become your world and not a day goes by that you don't Thank G-d for them coming in to your life. You will have figured out this dinner thing and no one will be eating popcorn every night as their main meal. Actually, you get pretty darn good with the slow cooker.

You put your organizational and multi-tasking skills worthy of an Olympic gold medal to good use and keep the household running.  Everyone is living a full and very busy life.  Your sense of direction is still left functioning somewhere in Florence, Italy, but its okay, because your entire world is now a 10 mile radius.  You no longer want to climb the career track, travel for work or socialize at work happy hours.  Your happy being at home (some days more than others) taking care of the kids.  There is no place you will rather be.  When the opportunity comes along to do some part-time work for The Man, just know you'll get used to his quirky ways and actually become fond of the old guy.

Your best girlfriends will have tripled and everywhere you turn a fellow mom is coming to your rescue, because as you find out, it does take a village. These wonderful women will provide emotional support, give you many reasons to laugh and make you feel like you are never alone in dealing with a spirited, challenging child.  So when you think that you already have plenty of friends, know that there is room for more.  It will be more than worth it.

And grandparents, in-laws, aunts, uncles and cousins become a vital part of your life.  You want them involved in not only the big things, but the little day to day things too.  Being surrounded by family is something that you can't ever get enough of. 

And one last thing, at some point, you are going to total your car in an accident.  Don't worry, no one gets hurt. But, you are going to need to buy a new car.  Although the Honda CR-V looks like the perfect vehicle for you and Bailey, go for the Acura MDX instead.  Trust your older, wiser self on this one.

It's not always going to be fun and games.  There will be plenty of days when you don't think you can't take anymore, and need a break.  Some days when you want to run and never look behind you.  There will be days when it feels like its all work and no joy, but please remember that anything worth having is worth working for. It will make the good days sweeter and the bad ones quickly become a blur.

All because I said, "I DO!!" 8 years ago today. 

And now a special note to my hubby: I love you so much honey and can't wait to see what I can tell my 70 year old self.   Thank you for making the above and so much more possible.  You were worth the wait, but I am glad it didn't take any longer.  Happy Anniversary!!!



Go on, walk through the door.
It is about to be one heckuva an adventure.

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