on turning 40
The big 4-0
I’ve been asked a lot lately how I feel about turning 40. When I was in my 20s, I thought 40 was old. Now, I’ve changed my mind. :) I don’t feel old! I sometimes still feel like I’m in my 20s … until I talk to someone who is in their 20s. Then I realize how much I have learned and grown since then! Still, I like to be in bed by 8:30 pm to do my daily crossword puzzle … ha!
That said, I thought when I was 40 that I would have my life together. That my house would always be clean, I wouldn’t have random piles in my bedroom, that I would know what I was doing. But, the older I’ve gotten, the more I realize I don’t know. Still wingin’ it!
Bottom line: I don’t have any complaints. I am living several of the dreams I used to dream. I am happily married to a man who kisses me three times before he leaves for work every morning, I have two beautiful children, a job I enjoy, a second home in my favorite place, sweet friendships, and have been able to travel to many amazing places. This is still the life that I would choose!
Turning 40 feels like I’m entering the next phase of life. This season will hopefully be me continuing to get my color back after having young children. It’s crazy to think that this decade will be my last with having kids at home. I want to be present and take it all in!
40 RANDOM THINGS ABOUT ME
I’m an Enneagram 9, wing 1.
If there are cheese curds on the menu, I will order them.
My favorite food is Mexican.
I’m not an animal person. The only pet I’ve ever had were fish (RIP Big Red).
My favorite colors are fuchsia and ice lavender.
My StrengthsFinder: Intellection, Harmony, Input, Developer and Consistency.
I love to travel! The five most beautiful places I’ve ever visited are Maine, Sedona, Iceland, Norway and Niagara Falls.
My favorite number is 8.
Growing up I always wanted to have four kids … but am more than content with two.
I don’t like surprises.
My spirit animal is either a koala (they sleep 20 hours a day) or a flamingo. Flamingos can lose their pink coloring while raising their children because so much of their food and energy goes to their young, and I’ve never related to an animal more.
I was born with a club foot.
I am 80% Scandinavian.
My favorite band is NEEDTOBREATHE.
I was in a sorority in college (Pi Beta Phi).
If I could redo my wedding, I’d wear a jumpsuit instead of a dress.
My favorite movie is “My Best Friend’s Wedding.”
My favorite TV series are “Gilmore Girls,” “M*A*S*H” and “Bluey.”
I want to visit Palm Springs, Costa Rica, St. Louis, Utah and the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas. I would love to revisit Disney World, Jackson Hole and Maine.
My love languages are words of affirmation and physical touch.
If I wasn’t an editor, I would love to work at a library.
I am a winter and feel best when wearing black or hot pink!
I like to be adventurous and try new things. Cliff jumping is my favorite thing I’ve ever done!
I was born in Minnesota but have lived in Iowa my entire life. I grew up in a small town and loved it! I had a wonderful childhood.
My parents divorced when I was 31. It’s been hard, but I’m glad I was older when it happened.
Eric and I met the day we moved to college, living in apartments that were conveniently just a few doors down from each other. We became best friends and started dating the following May. We’ve been married almost 17 years!
My faith has always been a huge part of my life and who I am. Now I am leading Rooney’s confirmation group and hope to pass that on to my kids.
I’m an introvert and am constantly seeking silence and solitude.
My style personality is Natural Dramatic. I feel my best when I look like I’m going to a rock ‘n’ roll concert.
I have an older sister and a younger brother. I have always loved being the middle child!
I drive a minivan and absolutely love it.
Starting therapy was the very best thing I did in my 30s.
My first job was as a lifeguard at my local swimming pool.
My favorite book is “The Giver” by Lois Lowry.
Tom Arnold once gave me a piece of gum, and then my brother chewed it.
Growing up, I collected paper napkins, and I still have them all.
I have a major sweet tooth. My family calls me the candy queen.
I love blankets.
I am a pretty picky eater. Typically on a given menu there are only a few items I would consider ordering.
The original Oreos are the best Oreos.
Finch says I look way younger than 40. Thank goodness for hair dye!