Reflections on My Birthday

Today’s my birthday. The big 3-9. The last year of my thirties — which feels both impossible and completely believable at the same time.

As I sit here, coffee in hand, trying to soak in a quiet moment before the chaos of mom life and teacher life collides again, I can’t help but reflect on what this decade has meant. The truth? My thirties have been full. Full of love, laughter, noise, exhaustion, growth, and the kind of lessons that only come from juggling it all — marriage, motherhood, and a career that constantly keeps me on my toes.

I’ve been teaching for 14 years now, which means I’ve seen a lot — fads, slang, new curriculums, and generations of kids who’ve somehow both changed completely and stayed exactly the same. I’ve guided thousands of essays, survived countless school assemblies, and watched my students grow up right before my eyes. I’ve laughed with them, cried for them, and learned just as much from them as they have from me.

And then there’s the mom part — the role that doesn’t come with a syllabus or a staff handbook. Three kids. Three completely different personalities. Three reasons I’m forever behind on laundry but endlessly grateful for the noise and chaos that fill our home. Being their mom has made me softer and stronger at the same time — it’s taught me patience, perspective, and the art of finding humor in the messiest moments.

This last year of my thirties feels like a bridge — between the lessons learned and the life still to come. I’m not chasing “perfect” anymore. I’m chasing peace, purpose, and maybe a nap. I’m learning to be proud of how far I’ve come instead of anxious about where I “should” be.

So here’s to 39. To one more year of growing, teaching, laughing, surviving, and celebrating all the small victories that make up this big, beautiful life.

Here’s to the mom who still packs lunches in the dark and the teacher who can spot a fake bathroom pass from across the room.
Here’s to doing the best we can — and finally realizing that’s more than enough.

Happy birthday to me.