Friday, July 06, 2007

Embracing 30

Man, so many changes in the last year.

I became an Ironman.

I became pregnant.

I became the new AP US History teacher for next year.

I became unsure of what to do with myself in the face of all these changes.

It turns out, all I have to do is believe in myself and lean on my friends. My husband, who is the most amazing person in the world to me. And I am blessed with the most wonderful, supportive group of friends EVER. Thanks to all my buddies for helping me celebrate a new year--I was bombarded with voicemails, texts, emails, and cards on Thursday. It really brightened my day!

So they say that when you're 30 you finally start believing in yourself. I think I believe in myself for the most part...but I have a long way to go. These next three months are going to really test that, I think. I'll be volunteering at a triathlon this Sunday, and then volunteering at the Burning River 100 mile race this year...I have sent away my wetsuit to my good buddy Jacks, and sent away my wheels to TriEric.

This year, it's my turn to step back and return as much tri-karma as I can, because I know how lucky I was last year to receive so much.

This year, I'll watch my good friend TriShannon cross that finish line at Ironman Wisconsin, after she was forced to sit back with an injury and support ME last year. Her dedication, talent, and perserverance never cease to amaze me.

This year, unfortunately, I'll have to settle for Ironmanlive.com to watch Greyhound at the finish line. Last year, I got to put my sweaty, nasty, rain-soaked and shivering arm around him at the finish line and RobbyB put the medal around MY neck. I wish I could be there to do the same.

This year is my Iron Sis Wil's year. I can't wait to watch her finish Ironman. I can only hope to repay her somehow for all she's done for me in the past few months. It's amazing how something as seemingly insignificant as a race can bring people together and bond you for life, you know?

So in the spirit of embracing this year's changes, here I am. I'm done hiding.



13 weeks to go until things change more than I can even imagine.

50 comments:

JenC said...

You look fabulous! Thanks for sharing the picture.

Wes said...

Sara, you still look like an Ironman...with a baby on the way ;-) What jenc said! You look GREEEEAAAT!

Wes said...

Forgot to mention that Dee Dee and I heard a Huey Lewis song playing in the restaurant last night when we went out to eat :-) Guess who immediately popped in my mind! LOL.

Unknown said...

You look absolutely wonderful!!!!

Kate said...

I was all prepared to write "you look fabulous" but saw Jen's comment..

Ah well, you look fabulous!! You look really fit, happy and so healthy!

Jane said...

When I was in my twenties, my best friend said that she couldn't wait to be in her thirties. I thought she was crazy, but she was right. Things just get better - you're more secure, established in your career, stop caring so much about what others think, decide what's important to you in life. So happy 30th! You look very healthy and "glowy."

Laurie said...

It has been said but it is true, you look fabulous! I am so happy that you are feeling confident enough to post pictures :)

KC said...

there is some serious glow going on in this photo!! :)

21stCenturyMom said...

You look adorable!

And yes - big year for you.

The 30s are great. You are young and active and full of energy but you start to become wise and confident.

Enjoy!

Audrey said...

hey hottie! you look fabu! happy birthday!

Michele said...

WOW!!!! You look GREAT!

TriZilla said...

I know you don't know me, but I've been reading along (sending you hugs when you were tearful, and sticking pins in my doctor voo doo doll when you came back with that load of crap that that idiot thinks you are too big). You are beautiful. Beautiful. I think you're right to embrace this transitioning time in your life.

I'm also turning the big 3-0 in just about a month (ACK!), and it's hard. I JUST got a job (another teacher on the blog block), I'm moving... so many changes. But It's all good stuff, you know? Wishing you all the best. Stay sane, okay?

about me said...

we've never met, but if i saw the lady in the photo in person i'd say she was beautiful!!!

Carrie said...

You are so pretty! Pregnancy looks good on you.

Sara_J said...

You look AMAZING!! I can only hope I look as good when I'm pregnant. Enjoy it. Seriously, you are inspiring.

Toni said...

Look at how gorgeous you are! Pregnancy looks good on you!

Happy Birthday! Hope you had a great one! Yea! New AG!

- triRN

jbmmommy said...

I agree that you look great, thanks for sharing the picture. Pregnancy looks great on you, I'm jealous!

Enjoy your 30s, they've been great for me so far.

Addisyn said...

Happy Birthday! You must feel so accomplished at this point in your life. Changes in life are what keep it interesting, right!? Congrats, and you look beautiful.

Jodi said...

Wow girl, you look amazing!

Happy Birthday. Every year just gets better and better, huh?

:-)

Jodi

jeanne said...

you are totally beautiful and i hope to god you get a new wonderful supportive doctor!

Jennifer P said...

You look beautiful.
Welcome to club 3-0.

Amy said...

You look fantastic Sara! That child is going to be beautiful even with just half of your genes.

Spokane Al said...

You look pretty dang good.

I expect that riding in the aero position over the next few weeks may be a bit challenging.

Unknown said...

You look absolutely beeyootiful. No need to hide any longer.

I'm at the end of my mid-thirties. They've been fantastic. The years ahead may very well be your best yet. Enjoy!

H said...

Oh no! You're teaching APUSH! I took that class!
Only got a 4 on the exam. :( Credit anyways.

You look great!

Brent Buckner said...

Happy birthday - glad you're embracing it!

Kim said...

um. hello. GORGEOUS!!!!!!

ShesAlwaysWrite said...

You look so beautiful I'm actually crying right now. Seriously woman, you're a goddess.

Cara said...

Holy crap! You look freaking gorgeous!!! I don't know what I expected you to look like after your post about your stupid (um, blind?) doctor, but you look terrific! Happy 30th! The biggest difference I've found about being 30 is remembering what age group I'm in now. :)

E-Speed said...

I think everyone here has hit the nail on the head! And you look even better in person! Hope you're 30th was a great one!

teacherwoman said...

What a year it has been! And you look so beautiful!

Kurt said...

You look great. I am thinking of flying out to WI to root Shannon on also.

mouse said...

I keep telling people that I really think that life really begins at 30. they think I am crazy. granted, I spent the majority of my 20's trying to figure out what the heck I wanted to do with my life, but whatever.

and holy cow, lady! seriously. you look phenomenal. I only hope to be as adorable as you are when i'm pregnant.

Andra Sue said...

Awwwwwww...you look great, and completely happy. :-)

30 was a really good year for me and I hope it is for you, too!

Janet Edwards said...

Adorable pic sweetie!!! Definitely the best years are still ahead.

It is awesome you are returning so much positive tri karma this year. Can't wait to root you on in 08!

Cliff said...

TriSaraTops..u are huge.. :)..huge in a good motherly way...

Steve Stenzel said...

That's quite a belly! Cute!!

Sarah said...

You look absolutely beautiful! And very happy. Happy 30th!

Tammy said...

You look gorgeous! Happy 30... it just keeps gettin' better, baby!

Bolder said...

you wear that baby well!

(did i pull that off?)

qcmier said...

Lookin' Good!!!

Rae said...

You look GREAT! Your doctor must be a jealous crack smoker.

Happy 30th! I think 30 is just the beginning of all the fun!

Robin said...

You look terrific and very happy! I'm glad you shared your picture. And the 30's are just awesome, welcome to so many great adventures to come.

RunBubbaRun said...

You look marvelous, simply marvelous...

missed ya at WIBA, have fun at the burning river 100, hopefully you will volunteer again if I ever get to run it.

Veeg said...

You? Are BEAUTIFUL. :)

Fe-lady said...

You look great! So cute! I wondered how you have been doing!
Just wait until you hold that baby....running won't seen important to you AT ALL! (and prepare to fall in love all over again!)

Julia said...

You look absolutely gorgeous. Really.

FunFitandHappy said...

A belated happy birthday Sarah (and ironbaby)

PS - You look GREAT!! :)

Comm's said...

I have a terrible time putttingn things togetner. Have no fear.

greyhound said...

You not only look beautiful, you ARE beautiful, as all your friends and your husband have said before.

The memory of your finish is one of the things that keeps pushing me. I know you'll be there on September 9, even if you're sitting in front of a computer in Ohio.

(Take a nap; you'll have to stay up late for me.)