Entering the Resurrection Years

Well, maybe I'm back to blogging. I'll give it a try again. Lucas, my 11 month-old is crawling around and just started banging on my husband's classical guitar. We'll see how long this lasts :)

I'm turning 33 this week...entering what my brother called "the resurrection years." And for some reason, I'm reflecting on my age. I don't usually do the reflect-on-your-birthday-thing. But, I've been thinking how fast the last 10 years of my life have gone.

***Blog Break #1 (26 min.) Time for his nap.***

Where was I? Oh... life. It's hard to believe I've been out of school for 10 years. I know, some of you are thinking, "Wait 'til it's been 40!". I'm at the age now where I could have been on that show "thirtysomething" back in the 80's. They seemed so old at the time. I'm comforted by the fact that in double my lifetime, I'll only be 66.

I do have to say, I have thus far loved my 30's. I don't mean that life has been easy, but I like getting older (emotionally and spiritually... I could skip the physical aging). And most healthy people always say it only gets better. That too is comforting.

But I have a question. Am I young or middle aged? At a church retreat a couple of months ago, they asked the "older" people to go around and lay hands on the "young" people and pray for them. Pass the baton sort of thing. I sat there confused for a second. There were college students there who I meet with to mentor. Those entering college are almost half my age. I looked at my "younger" friend (who by the way is too young to remember who Mary Lou Retton is!) and she knew what I was thinking. She told me to stay put and be "young!" So, I did. I'm comfortable there. I think I feel older than I am. The last 5 years have certainly taken their toll on my life and my body. And even though I don't want to go backwards... it sure would be fun to be youthful! We can still do that right? Water fights with neighbors, tee peeing/rolling houses, and chinese firedrills (Why did we call it that? That can't be P.C.!) But it was fun! I'm trying to picture what my neighbors would do if I tried to start a water fight! Are we fuddy duddies?

***Blog Break #2 (7 minutes) Not going to sleep***

5 Things I did in my 33rd year that are worth recording on a blog:

1. I adopted the most beautiful, wonderful little boy (who is still not sleeping!)

2. I have learned to keep house better. That may seem small to some... but it's a giant feat in my world.

***Blog Break #3 (2 minutes) I caved! He's up. Not one of my best accomplishments.***

list con't:

3. I spent time meeting with an amazing college student (talking about life, relationships, dreams, etc) and got to watch her grow.

4. I spent time pushing my little boy on the swing at the park.

5. I have begun the certification process to become a doula (a birth and labor support companion). I'm now an official volunteer doula for the GALS (Giving Austin Labor Support) and Any Baby Can project offering free doula services to mostly at-risk teen moms.

***Blog Break #4 (5 min) Meltdown ensued! OMGoodness! Sheesh!***

7 Things I look forward to in my 34th year:

1. Spending time at my in-law's new house... there's a pool and me and Lucas are soon to be in it!

2. Lucas' 1st and Felipe's 32nd birthday party in June! Is it odd that I'm more looking forward to their birthday party than my own?

3. Dedicating Lucas

4. Volunteering with GALS

5. Possibly having/adopting our 2nd child

6. Becoming a better friend

7. My 5th wedding anniversary!

***Blog Break #5... I'm done. It's the 2nd meltdown and just time to be done!***

A 3rd list just for fun and he's finally back down:

Things I looked up while writing this blog:

1. The show "thirtysomething"!

2. The word "hunky dory" because I thought about using it. Decided against it.

3. The word "feat" to make sure I was spelling it correctly: A notable act or deed, especially an act of courage; an exploit. 2. An act of skill, endurance, imagination, or strength; an achievement. ...

I'm using it in the "achievement" sort of way.

4. Chinese Firedrill:

A Chinese fire drill is a gag performed by a vehicle's occupants when stopped at a traffic light, especially when there is a need to change drivers or procure something from the trunk: Before the light changes to green, each occupant gets out, runs around the vehicle, and gets back inside (but not necessarily in their original seat). If one of the participants lags, the others may drive off without them.

Figuratively, a Chinese fire drill is an act—especially, any large, ineffective, and chaotic exercise—by a group of individuals that accomplishes nothing. It is dangerous, and illegal. Ha Ha! I say we laugh at that in our youth!

Origins are also listed at Wikipedia if you're interested.