That’s how I was greeted into a new decade on the eve of my big 3-0 birthday. While getting beer at a basketball game. Not too long ago, I would have gladly handed over my license for a chance to prove my legality. Now, I don’t even qualify for ID checking anymore. Is this what turning 30 has come to?
I’ve been struggling to find the words to record this memory of a major milestone in my life, but everything I want to write just sounds so cliche. Just like all the cards my friends and family got me telling me what a good shopper I’ve become. (Am I that shallow!? Really?)
Every time I’ve gone to write about turning 30, I’ve found that there really are no adequate words to describe how it feels to pretty much have everything you had hoped for at such a young age – happy marriage, healthy child, somewhat financial security, decent job. I mean, if you had told me ten years ago that my life would be like this today, I would have looked at you with that same quizzical expression I gave my friend who told me that leg warmers are back in style. It just wouldn’t seem possible.
So I’m not going to kvetch about entering this new decade. I’m not going to woefully look back at my twentysomething years. Because I don’t really care that Mr. Beer-pourer at the United Center didn’t need to check my ID anymore.
There are other, more meaningful measures that I’ve realized I need to live my life by.
Happy birthday to me.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Happy Birthday and welcome to the thirties. Being 31 doesn’t seem quite right to me. It sounds so ADULT and I still feel like an impostor to adulthood sometimes. That said, I don’t think I’ll really flip out about age until I’m 33. That’s the age I remember my mother being when I first knew how old she was (I was five).
I mean “Being 31 doesn’t seem quite REAL..”
Happy Birthday!! Don’t stress too much — there’s plenty of good stuff on the “other side!”
Happy birthday! As of tomorrow, I have exactly 2 months left of my 20s … and thank God! Your twenties are such a rollercoaster. At 20 I was a dumb college student who didn’t have a clue about anything. To get to having a husband, child, house, and career, all within in 10 years, meant a lot of ups and downs. I’m hoping things settle down a little in my 30s.
Happy birthday Sara!
I liked turning 30… and truth be told I like being 35.
But having my older daughter turn ten… THAT rocked my world. I was a basket case the whole month leading up to it. It’s such an emotional bookmark as far as remembering where or who you were ten years ago.
Happy birthday! I’m loving my 30′s. I’m 31.
I turned 32 just a few days ago. It really doesn’t feel any different. Now when I get to the BIG 40.. Watch out!
Hope your bday was a good’n. Even if it does suck when you suddenly feel old.
I went to a college jazz concert last night, and all the kids in the jazz band looked soooo young to me. I never thought college kids would look like kids to me, but now they do. Oh well. As my dad says, getting old may be hell, but “it beats the alternative” (which is death). He’s cheery that way.
Susan at Working Moms Against Guilt
http://www.workingmomsagainstguilt.com
Happy Birthday. I’ve got a few months left in 29-land.
But I’ve already started telling people I’m thirty. I like the way
it sounds better than 29. Talk about shallow…
Happy B-day…
I really enjoy being in my early 30′s. I feel like life is richer – and I’m not just sayin’ that because I’m in my 30′s.. lol
Happy Birthday (a couple days late). I turn 40 on Nov 13th and I would tackle and kiss anyone who ID’d me.
Happy belated birthday. I’ll turn 37 tomorrow. I’m SO much older than you.
Happy belated birthday!!