Life of a 30 Something

I had a great talk with my BOFF last night. Like, much needed girl talk, wish it were over wine talk. After I hung up, it hit me. I am no longer a college co-ed, or even a carefree 20 something. Nope, I am a single 31 year old woman. Ick. It just sounds so blah. Woman, I mean what happened to the days when your mom called you young lady? Nope, now its just woman.

Don't get me wrong, not sure I would go back to say er, 23, but not quite sure I am ready for the mammoth decisions and experiences of my 30's. Gone are the days when I could just pick up and move because the wind blew east or the grass not only looked greener, it was speckled with cute boys. I have so many other moving parts to my life that require so much thought even to say, go to the store! And don't get me started on the man front.

Doesn't get easier when you hit 30. I think in fact it becomes mire complicated as the sea of potential suitors narrows and breaking up or starting something new or changing anything in that department seems like deciding to go to war!

In fact, all decisions that need to be made now seem epic. They are life altering, pick the course you want to take difficult. Its not a matter of do you like me, check yes or no; or hmmm do I go out and skip class in the morning or go to class hungover; or to buy that new purse and eat Ramen for a week or not.... I mean, who lied and told me that your 30's is when you have it all figured out and you get to start living your life? Is anyone really 30 and flirty and thriving?

My image of of 30 was married, job, 2.5 kids and a dog (or 2). It wasn't one big decision after another that swallows you whole and/or watching everyone else live out your dream.

Perhaps my 40's will be the new 30's?

My back hurts, my skirt's too tight

My booty shakes from left, to right from the left and to the right.... Come on you know you totally just sang/chanted that one out loud. My point... my body is getting... yes old.

I mean I remember when I could knock out a 7-minute mile and my back never ached. Last night on my run, which I think my grandmother could have run faster than I felt like I did, my body was screaming  at me. My knees ached, my back was killing me and every step seemed to take another year off me. Running used to be my solace, my stress relief, my freedom, what happened?

Seems like when I hit the big 30 my body just stopped. Metabolism stopped, hips widened, stomach flabbed up... Just one big hot mess! My workouts didn't change,  my diet had been a little off but not so much that I have gained more than I would like to admit. I mean I heard that things slow down after 30, but I was hoping they meant life, not my freaking body!

I asked for thoughts on this subject and someone pointed out the inundation of stress in my life as of late. Ah yes, that little bugger.... in the form of moving, the Big D, buying a house, new puppy and more responsibility at work... Yes those things.... darn those things. I also was told perhaps my iron was low. Ah iron... I have been known to be anemic. So, let's put that on the list. Someone also pointed out that perhaps its was my BC. Hmmm, perhaps... I know some kinds can cause weight  gain, but I am pretty sure that is mostly a myth. And last but not least, it was kindly pointed out to me that I sit.... all.day.long. Hmph.... Yup, I sit in a chair all day and look at the computer and type. Yes I try to get up and move every so often, but I'm pretty much sedentary. Doesn't do much to keep the ole metabolism going... So sum it all up... my life sucks? Haha... No

Life is just in a transition period. I am being required to rethink and reform habits. I have to reevaluate what works for me, what is important and develop new routines. I no longer have someone who makes my egg whites and turkey bacon while I get ready or eats healthy with me. I have to do all these things on my own and let me tell you its much easier to just eat cereal (guilty this morning when I had plenty of time to make said egg whites and turkey bacon).

Has anyone else fought this battle? What have you done that has helped you kickstart your life again after a stressful bout?