Last chance to celebrate my 20-something birthday?
A co-worker asked me what I am doing this weekend. I said that I would be celebrating my birthday along with my mom’s (our birthdays are one day apart). No big deal, just dinner and a night out at a relaxed rock n’ roll bar in downtown Raleigh with my family and close friends. “No big deal?” He asked…and then proceeded to remind me of the significance behind this particular birthday. I was reminded, “It’s the last birthday in your 20’s!” For once, I was speechless. I hadn’t stopped to think of this particular birthday this way. Besides, where had my 20’s gone anyway? Is this really it?
After years of thinking I was the younger one at work, in leadership positions within Boards and civic service organizations, or in some social settings, I realize that will no longer be true, soon enough.I’m still single, never engaged, no kids, i’m still learning something new about myself every single day, and my family thinks that i’m on my way to become a bonafide “cat lady,” (Which will never happen because I am not a fan of felines), but i’m content with where I am at almost-30.
A few year’s ago Kiplinger released a report on the “8 things to do before turning 30″ at that time I was 25 and was proud to have already knocked over half of the those tasks off of my list. I am proud of my professional accomplishments. I have a great network of friends and a loving family. I have the coolest dog around. I still get ID’d on a night out at the bar. And most importantly, I can eat ice cream every night without feeling guilty.It saddens me when people don’t want to celebrate their birthday. Why the heck not? I always say that birthdays are about celebrating life with others who are just as happy as you that you were born to enrich their lives in some way.
There is a saying that life is too short to eat bad food or drink bad wine. Now that I have been reminded of the apparent milestone that is my 29th birthday. I will be sure to raise a glass — and a fork — to that this weekend and celebrate milestones accomplished, great memories, wonderful friends and family.
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Comments
Happy Birthday! I’m right there with ya on always being the youngest one in the room, most of the time by 20 years or more…
What was the 8 things to do before you are 30? I’m working on a list of 101 Things to Do Before You Die and so far have only done about a quarter of the items.
The weekend was made even more special by the company that I was with my close friends and family. My mother and I celebrate b-days one day apart! You can find Kiplinger’s “Before 30″ list at: http://www.kiplinger.com/columns/starting/archive/2005/st0811.htm
The odds of finding those tasks on that list of 101 Things to Do During Your Lifetime pretty good 
Happy Birthday, Jess! I read somewhere, years ago, that each decade gets better - less horrific ups and downs. More self-realization.Actually, I found that to be true.
Sorry you don’t like cats. BUT, educated women do tend to marry later. I was 34 when I married. And, yes, I am a “cat lady”. But, actually, I am happier than when I was in all those bad relationships. If love comes, great! Meanwhile, I can decorate as I wish - go see any movie I want to see - and go when and where I want.
If I am bored, I only have myself to blame. The world is still open to me.
This in particular touched me deeply. Yes, it brought a tear to my eye. Life is so very fragile, and gone before you know it. So enjoy it, savor every moment as if it were your last. And thank God for who you are and all that you have…
I got so wrapped up in my own daily duties that though you told us of your “win of the week” this week, it didn’t even REGISTER how this is a TRUE win until I read your post. DUH! Jess…you have a fantabulous Birthday celebration. I’ll raise a toast to you this weekend as well.
HUGS!