I've always loved birthdays. For the most part, I'm not someone who loves a lot of attention, but this is the one day I welcome it. And I love celebrating birthdays for the people in my life,too.
Normally, I love to celebrate for as long and make a big event to commemorate such occasion. Some years, I’ve taken myself on a trip to Santa Barbara or gone with friends somewhere for the day. Sometimes there’s a concert around that time. Or I have multiple get togethers with friends and family based on the timing of it all.
But, 33 is a strange year.
You’re getting closer to your mid-30s. Life is more exhausting than it used to be. Planning another celebration is too much work, HA! I did still manage to have some fun and kept it simple this time around.
So, it was a low-key day. I went to work (which I haven’t done in years. I usually take the day off). I drove through Starbucks to get my birthday drink, but the app wasn't working for me, so I just paid for it. But, they still wrote me a nice little message that made my day.
Once in the office, it was mostly business as usual (with a few birthday wishes from coworkers). I exchanged Christmas presents with a couple of my coworkers/close friends (we were on the Christmas break or have been working from home on opposite days, missing each other).
One of my best friends brought me back goodies from her trip in Hawaii, a “Friends” book on adulting and a “Wicked” beanie she crocheted for me. Obsessed!
I had a meeting, worked on a few projects, ate lunch…Nothing all that riveting. Then, another coworker surprised me with a little cake from Sugar Twist Bakery and a book that looks like the coziest of reads, “The Booklover's Library."
I went to dinner with my parents at Tahoe Joe's later in the evening! I had the pulled pork sandwich, which was actually one of the best things I've ever eaten. And even got a free slice of cheesecake that I took to go. My parents got me Cher's Memoir: Part One, a candle from Courtney Cox's home line, Homecourt, and pj's with my dog, Rory's, face on them. We put candles on the cupcakes from Sweet Surrender (and they sang Happy Birthday) and devoured said cupcakes while watching Gilmore Girls. A perfect evening, if you ask me.
I felt so much love from all my family and friends - the text messages, the Facebook posts on my wall, Instagram stories. I'm a words of affirmation person, so it really gave me life.
I had dinner with another one of my best friends later in the week - Her daughters made me the cutest cards, and she got me a journal and Luke's coffee mug. But, my favorite part was catching up with her on all the things. It's been awhile since we've been able to do that.
In the end, it isn't about what you do for your birthday. It's about being present, doing the things that make you feel happiest and celebrating another year ahead.
notes to self over 33 years
I thought I'd do a little recap of lessons I've learned, random thoughts and notes to self from what I've learned in life so far. Of course, this isn't everything and a lot of it is just for fun. You get the idea…
Ask your grandparents more about their upbringings and what made them who they are. Same with your parents...It seems there’s never enough time with them.
You will not marry Justin Timberlake, no matter how many entries you write in your Password journal.
Switching schools in 7th grade might feel like the end of the world but it will be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made. It will also set you up for many friendships you’ll still have in your 30’s.
Saying “friends forever,” wearing friendship bracelets and pinky swears doesn’t actually mean a person will be in your life forever. There are seasons for people, just like there are seasons for jobs, circumstances, etc.
People will probably be roll their eyes or get annoyed with your “Taylor Swift obsession” in high school but you’ll be the one laughing when they suddenly love Taylor and want tickets to the Eras Tour — The biggest one of her career.
