Thirty is not so awful...people give you better presents...

The cycle of life...and the big 3-OH.

This past week has been a whirlwind with the women in my life that are various stages of pregnancy. I was heartbroken last week with one of the 3 worst calls that I have had from MB...not only for my best friend, but for her wonderful husband that they has lost their baby. The sound of grief in her voice is too recognizable for us being so young. I am so optimistic that they will 'be fruitful and multiple' very soon...

On the other side, my friend Shelley and her husband Joe had 3 fertlized embryos thawed and implanted on Thursday...I spent Friday night with her and a couple of her girlfriends...she was on total bedrest for 4 days...so we drank wine (less Shelley) and ate pizza in their bed. They have to play a waiting game now until the 30th to find out if/when those little embryos will implant and turn into a little Kuhlmann. Shelley is wearing the special 'Blessed Mary' that Julie gave me...I was supposed to pass it on at the right time, because lots of infertile ladies wore it before---again, their solid marriage and positive attitude are really awesome.

Cory is doing well and we are looking forward to finding out what Peanut is...a little Jack or TBD girl's name on May 4th!

Work is sort of a mild Hell right now, but this will pass. I turn the big 3-0 on Wednesday...sort of a buzz kill that I have a 16-hour day following my birthday...so no celebrations on my actual big day. Looking forward to some cooking with Mr. Mason tomorrow night-and then going out this weekend to celebrate---but I am REALLY looking forward to being done with my twenties! At this time...my goals for 30 are to run another marathon, get involved with the ACS, advance at work...and hopefully have a consistent companion, enjoy and spoil the newest addition to our family!!! (cannot wait) and maybe, just maybe learn to be a little patient....

Fun Photos

On the porch at the Condo in Chicago...see little tiny baby bulge on Cory!
Sunday & Berni with their Easter Scarves and new Bones from Aunt Elizabeth
Liz, Matt, Cory & Andy after the Shamrock Shuffle
Stiffler & Matt taking a nap

"I Carried the Watermelon"

Dirty Dancing is 20 years old and to celebrate this monumental occasion in cinema; on May 1st they are putting it back on the big screen for one night-one show! I purchased my tickets yesterday and the roomie and I are planning on sneaking in beverages and enjoying the show. Although I have seen this movie 100 times, my parents would not let me see it in the theater when it was released....I was 10 at the time.

Which brings me to the next looming event...my 30th. I don't know if I am having sympathetic hormone surges because my sister is preggo and others are trying---but I have gone from being very excited about turning the big 3-0 to sort of dreading it. I have so much to be thankful for...think I need a little solo 'retreat'...and that may come in the form of a spa treatment.

30 is still young, but it's interesting how my goals have shifted. Professionally, I want to grow and do my very best. Spiritually, I have found a nice balance between my love of the Evangelical churches that I have been attending the past 3 years and my Episcopal roots---it's always good to 'come home' and I found a really cute Episcopal church in DC that feels like a good fit. Relationships-I see my future mate as someone who is my friend first and foremost. I no longer want a man to rescue me emotionally and financially---I want an equal on all levels.

I have decided to bag the Chicago Marathon and run Marine Corps again. Charity Runners is making their national debut and I am hoping to be part of the planning committee and get involved with the ACS...because they are the best group of people that I have ever met, and it will be fun to start carrying on a Streit tradition in DC!