I can’t believe I’m actually 36. Does everyone say that?

 

It was only the other day that I was celebrating my 5th birthday at Chuckie Cheese. That was the biggest parenting win, because I still remember it as being my absolute favorite birthday.  Then I was 16, then 18, then 21. All birthdays that seem to take forever to arrive because you’re anticipating all the benefits. Then just as suddenly, I was 30 and thought “does this mean I have to be an adult now?” And even faster, I sped through the 30 – 34 age group and have arrived a true 36. In my mind 36 always marked the age where I was supposed to have it all figured out.

 

Then you get here and realize everything “they” said was true. Not only do you not feel any different than you did when you were younger, you certainly don’t have it all figured out. Plus you realize that the people older than you generally don’t have it figured out either! It’s a little bit disconcerting to realize that people who are in our most important positions – running the country, saving lives, etc also have very little figured out.

 

A new age brings  a range of emotions but above all I am thankful for my many blessings in life. I’m thankful for my family.My smart, strong, and hot husband who is better than I deserve. Essentially the two best dogs in the world (I wonder how I was lucky enough to get out of all the billions of dogs, the BEST two + the BEST husband?) My strong parents (who suddenly seem young. They seemed so old when I was a kid!) who gave me a good work ethic, determination, and a belief that I have the ability to take on whatever life presents. The rest of my family, my brother and his loving wife Karissa, and their two girls who are the cutest things I’ve ever seen.

 

I have a great many other things to be thankful for on top of all that. Wonderful supportive friends and communities, the ability to go where my heart leads and do interesting work. My faith in God given to me by my parents. My relative health that allows me to experience new things and travel and visit interesting places.

 

I still don’t feel like an ‘adult’ but I’m getting closer!

 

This weekend I had the chance to support at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships and see some of my favorite people take on the toughest 70.3 course around. It was really fun to be on the other side of things and to see how hard it is to be a spectator. Our cheer crew is second to none. John and I rode our bikes out to the start of the climb up Lookout Mountain and got to see how most were completely surprised at the suddenness of that hill! This was evident by the unfortunate gear selection of many of them.

 

 

Afterwards I played a little game and tried to see how many times I could see and cheer on our folks on the course. This was a tiny bit different than a typical race because typically I am calculating splits (often with the help of Sondra) analyzing competitors form and making predictions about position. So it was so nice to just focus on encouraging everyone to do their best and having a great experience. All our Atlanta Tri Club and Energy Lab athletes did great! I was so proud of all the ladies for seeing it through.

 

I didn’t feel too much like I was missing out but what I did miss was the pre- race prep and camaraderie the day before. All in all I don’t mind being on the sidelines but hopefully it won’t be that way forever. I had to actually leave Saturday night for an appointment because #ivflife so unfortunately I missed the guy’s race! Fortunately, John was able to stay and carry on the cheering torch.