I’m about two and a half months shy of that horrible, wretched age hurdle known as 30.

I’ve been watching friends and family members hit the digits for a few years now and I won’t lie, seeing how they reacted, freaked me out. Now, here I am, 29, very quickly nearing 30 and I feel…….. nothing. No panic. No fear. No worry. I don’t even really feel like I’m almost 30, my brain and body are still telling me I’m younger.

Why? I’m not quite sure. Maybe I’ll just be one of the ones that coasts along and turns 30 with very little, if any, fan fare. Actually, I stand corrected. New England Revolution has their last home match of the season on my birthday this year, so if they win, there will be lots and lots of fanfare.

Sure I’ve reflected a lot on what my life has been like, its ups and downs, the whole 9. But I have to look at it this way: For a chick who is almost 30, I’m in amazing shape. Not just that, but I have a really, really great life too.

I may not have that posh magazine job that I wanted when I was 18. I may not be following musicians all over the world, photographing them and writing about them for a living. BUT, I am the editor of a monthly publication which is expanding to have its own, state-wide site. I take thousands of photos a month of something else I’m passionate about — sports. I have my own column. I’ve got a blog, and I still have time to pick away at one of four novels I’m writing.

My job gives me the flexibility to focus on my other passion, being fit. I never have to worry about not having time to squeeze in that quick run, or hit the gym and throw around some weights.

I’ve done triathlons, I’ve run in marathons, half-marathons and probably a few dozen 10K and 5K races (it’s Friday and my brain has already checked out for the weekend, so I don’t have an exact tally).

I have a beautiful house, on an amazing piece of land with a quarry. I’m only a five minute walk to the harbor and a quiet little beach. I’m so close to the harbor, I can smell the Atlantic when the wind blows. There are lakes and rivers all around for me to put that little blue kayak in and just take a day to paddle. Mountains surround me to climb and hike. I’m within throwing distance of some pretty great snowboarding/skiing trails. I’m an hour away from some pretty great shopping (and what girl doesn’t love shopping?). And I’m just a few hours away from what I think is the best city ever, Boston.

I’ve done a lot of the things I’ve always wanted to do in my life so far. Traveled, concerts, sporting events, etc… Unforgettable road trips with unforgettable people. My bucket list has quite a few things crossed off of it.

So, does turning 30 scare me? No, to be honest, not in the least. I’m stepping forward and approaching it with open arms. Because all it is, is another year to set more goals, to accomplish more great things, and most importantly, to just live.