I really love every part of my birthday. I love cake. I love being the center of attention for an entire day. I love using my birthday as an excuse to get out of things:
“Sorry, I can’t do laundry. It’s my birthday”
“Sorry, I can’t cook today. It’s my birthday.”
“Sorry, I can only eat cake All. Day. Long. It’s my birthday”
While I’ve never been one to get hung up on age, this particular birthday has given me reason to take pause and all because of a little box.
The other day I was filling out an application for something– I cannot remember what the application was for because momnesia, it’s real and it’s wicked– and when I went to “check the box for your age,” I paused because I realized, I was moving up a box! Normally I fall into 30-34 or the 27-34 box, but now I’m moving on up to the 35-40 box. Yikes! How did that happen?Really, at what point did my box officially become “mid-thirties” and closer to 40 than 25? 35, huh?
Really, I usually have no hangups about getting older, mainly because I’m too busy, frazzled, and exhausted to really contemplate age, but I was definitely taken aback. And to be honest, I don’t really know why.
So instead of feeling down in the dumps and being an emotional eater all day today, I’m going to think of all the awesome shit people did when they were 35. Like this:
- Julia Child started cooking at age 35
- Evelyn Ashford won her final Olympic gold medal at age 35
- Frederic William Herschel, an English astronomer, invented contact lens.
- Mozart stopped composing because he died (Wait, that’s a horrible example!)
Maybe all of these accomplishments will inspire me to simply eat all the cake out of joy and anticipation of what this year of life has in store for me– I already have a few fabulous things brewing personally and professionally, and did I mention I’m eating cake all day?
So this new box, it ain’t no thing because much like a fine wine, I get better with age. Which is ridiculous because I only drink cheap wine, but I digress.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
My friend, you are doing it wrong. You don’t just get a whole day on your birthday, you get a birthday MONTH, so the celebrations should carry on…..
Happy Birthday!
WhenCrazyMeetsExhaustion says
HAPPY NEW BOX DAY!!!!!!
That sounds…bad.
I hope your day is as wonderfully spunky, hilarious, sweet, and full of love as you are! You deserve the best and I love you hard. Can’t wait to see what’s brewing for you 😉 xoxoxoxox
Stephanie says
I moved up that box 3 years ago and I remember filling out a survey and thinking the same thing! It’s not as bad as 30 though – I didn’t get out of bed on that day. I refused to hear “Happy Birthday” because in my mind there was nothing happy about it! The next day I was fine. Hope you have a great birthday and it’s true what they say – everything gets better with age!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Getting older is totally scary, but when you think about all of the things that people have accomplished when they were older, it puts in a totally new perspective. I read an article the other day about a 70-something year old body builder. That guy was totally ripped, and he was in his 70s!
Sara P. (@SensiblySara) says
Moving up a box just means your are wiser, right?! Happy birthday!!
Catherine S says
Hope you have a great birthday and enjoy all the cake. I think age is just a number you are as young as you act and feel.
Melissa Pezza says
Ugh. Aging. It’s one of those things that we have to do, but it’s never fun. I think the biggest problem with aging is that we never feel any different! I still feel like I did when I was 18.
Jeanine says
Ah how fun! I’m moving up to 30 this year and I’m terrified. Not sure why, birthdays are so much fun! Happy moving up a box! Woot
Pam says
I had no idea that Julia Child started cooking at 35. Happy birthday to you!
Shop with Me Mama (Kim) says
haha! 35, pfft! I am 40! Wait until you are 40.. LOL. No, but it really is just a number! Happy birthday to you!
Jen-Eighty MPH Mom says
It is a weird feeling, isn’t it? Wait until you are 49, like me, and check a different box! By the way, Happy Birthday! February 19th was my mom’s birthday too. A special day indeed 🙂
Mary O'Malley says
I really enjoyed this post. I’m on my way to the big 30. I didn’t know that about all those people doing so well at the age 35 either. Just think the older we are the wiser we are. So everything will be great as long as you keep the spirit up. 🙂
Melissa says
Ah, I felt like this when I turned 30 last year and had to start checking a new box. But there are so many people accomplishing and starting things in their 30’s!
Chrysa says
Happy birthday!! It’s always tough when you move up to that next age bracket, but I think life has gotten better with every bracket change I have made.
Veronica says
wait till you get to 42 like me. that’s a whole ‘nother box
Kiwi says
Happy Birthday Feb sister!! My birthday was a couple weeks ago, I think for us women age is a scary thing because each year the media tells you that you are losing your youth. For the first time this year I am embracing my age to the fullest because just like WINE I am aging gracefully and getting better with each year. I love your idea of looking up the accomplishments of successful people at your age…Motzart was not a good example lol!
Rosey says
Happy Birthday to you! Welcome to the new box. 🙂 I’m about to hit a new box too…this summer. But mine’s an eek number box, hahaha.
Ora Lee Gurr says
Celebrate a birthday any day you like and enjoy every minute of it. I love our examples and cheerful look at life!
Kay Adeola says
Happy Birthday.I hate birthdays now because it just means I am getting older lol.
valerie g says
I know what you mean. i turned 30 last year and hated checking the new box. lucky some still have it that i can stay in the 25-35 range. not looking forawrd to the next box. oh well. it’s just a number right? :/
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
I had a friend that really struggled when she hit 35. I just don’t look forward to when I hit that box that marketers no longer are interested in your opinion.
Rachelle J says
This made me giggle for sure. I must remember to celebrate my “New Box Day” when it comes up…I think I have a *few* more years though. Happy Birthday!
Theresa says
Moving up a box kind of freaked me out for a minute when I turned 35 in December. But like you said, I think 35 is pretty great! Happy Birthday!
Debbie Denny says
Great attitude for your birthday. Hope it was fantastic.
Chrystal @ YUM eating says
I love this. I am going to be 40 this year and I have a lot of emotions surrounding it. Julia Child is my idol. I really need to find a 40s list. Thank you for the smiles.
Christie says
I felt that way when I turned 30! Yikes, hard to believe there’s a new box soon
ann b says
I hate those boxes. They should say “women don’t worry, it’s just a box”
Tracey says
Awesome post! I loved reading it. Definitely made me smile and I could totally relate.
Latoicha says
As mentor says, it is never too late to accomplish your dreams! Keep dreaming!
Marina @ Mommy Snippets says
Lol, the dreaded boxes. Funny how those work out. I’m like you though, I milk my birthday for ALL it’s worth! LOL!
Camesha says
Mozart aside, 35 rocks! I don’t remember much of year 35 but I’m sure it was awesome. What can I say, “momnesia”. lol
Happy Birthday!