So, I'm officially 30. TEN. TWENTY. THIRTY. I immediately think of Deana Carter's
Strawberry Wine.
I still remember when thirty was old.
You and me both girlfran.
I'm not upset about being 30. I'm not over here having some quarter-life crisis or anything but I admit that it's weird. That's the word that describes it best. I don't feel thirty. But then again how is thirty supposed to feel? If I had to pick an age, I think I'd be 27 forever. It's young but old enough to still be taken seriously. But we don't get the privilege of picking our age. We all just have to keep moving forward. Or we hope to keep moving forward.
Turning 30 was different in the fact that it was kind of a slap in the face, a gentle kick in the gut, a cruel reminder that time goes really quickly. So I've been making a list in my head of some things I've been wanting to do but for whatever reason have been dragging my feet on actually doing them. I'm not going to share my list just yet but maybe I'll write about it as I check things off. I know a lot of newly 30 people get depressed about what they haven't done yet and it usually pertains to being married, having kids, or having a dream job. I'm happily married, perfectly content with my choice not to have kids, and love my job. So none of that applies to me. For me, 30 is a big push to keep checking little things off. I'm really excited to be where I am in my life but I also think it's always good to set new goals or finish old ones. I've accomplished a lot in my twenties. I've failed a ton too of course, but I've accomplished way more.
I ended up taking Friday off even though my birthday wasn't until Sunday. Why not have a 3-day weekend? There is always this pressure to do something big for your birthday. This is especially true for milestone birthdays like the one I just had. And you know what, I thought about it all. I thought about going out of town but finally came to the conclusion that it would be too expensive. I contemplated having a party but then I decided it would be too much of a hassle. Then I bounced around the idea of a dinner which I squashed pretty quickly. It's too hard trying to get everyone together. So I decided on a nothing birthday.
I started my long weekend with my girl Nicole. We met up for dinner and of course talked for hours about everything and nothing. We always have those conversations that leave me feeling refreshed. It was absolutely the best!
Dustin and I went out to breakfast at FirstWatch (best banana granola pancakes in town!) on Friday morning. We ate slowly and talked about everything. We just soaked up the time together. And speaking of time, we had some to kill, so we headed over to Target for a bit before the movie. We got to the theater about 30 minutes before Jurassic World was set to play. We seriously got there just in time because there was not an empty seat by the time the previews started. I found this insane since we opted to go to the 10:15 AM showing. But then I read that they broke all kinds of records (including a Deathly Hallow record - WAH!) so it kind of made sense.
Ok Jurassic World. (NO SPOILERS BUT IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW DETAILS THEN SKIP TO THE NEXT PARAGRAPH) Where do I even start? Um, I guess I'll start by saying it exceeded my expectations. I went into this movie knowing it would be decent, good even, but never did I think I would enjoy it as much as I did. And Dustin felt the same way. We were both like little kids with our wide eyes staring at the screen for two hours. The park itself is incredible. It's like a smaller Universal/Disney type place with rides, exhibits, a hotel, and food (Starbucks and Margaritaville make several appearances). Here's the
park map. The
gentle giants petting zoo is the absolute cutest! The gyrosphere is also pretty damn cool. But I can't believe they aren't on a track. From the looks of things you have the power to drive that little hamster ball wherever you please. Who thought that was a good idea? The dinosaurs themselves were of course wonderful. I was most excited to see the
Mosasaurus because holy shit that thing is terrifyingly awesome. The
Dimorphodon's scared the shit out of me. Indominous Rex was no fucking joke. And the damn raptor squad (Blue especially) was the shit. Now I was really hoping for a cameo of sorts. Dr. Ian Malcolm? But sadly it didn't happen. The thing is that the cast is really strong without any of the original. Of course Chris Pratt was as charmingly bad ass as ever. Bryce Dallas Howard started prissy and distracted but by the mid-way point you were totally rooting for her. The kids were needed and did a great job but they just can't compare to Lex and Tim. The movie does such a good job paying homage to the original (wait for it...) while still giving the audience a new entertaining story. So can you tell we loved it?
Dustin and I were on such Dino high after leaving the theater when we were suddenly brought crashing down to Earth thanks to one phone call. I had dropped my car off to get 3 new tires (nothing screams 30 like some new tread! I took the nerdy thirty theme to a whole new level!) fully aware that it would be $300. What I was not expecting is to get a call saying that I need an alignment that will cost me another $100. What. The. Fuck. I started Joker laughing at the poor woman on the other end of the phone. I mean, what kind of sick joke is this? So I told her go for it. What's the point in getting new tires if they aren't aligned? I tried to not let it ruin my good dino mood but it was too devastating a blow. $400 gone. And not on anything fun. I spent $400 on straight up boring adult shit. I will say that I'm thankful I could afford it. I'm proud of Dustin and I for always paying our own way. No mommy/daddy hand-outs for us. And honestly, what kind of adult are you if someone else keeps paying for all the things you are supposed to be responsible for? So yeah it sucked. And yeah, I was pissed off for a good hour or two. But life could be so much worse. So I forced myself to get over it.
Saturday morning I went to have breakfast with my mom at Shakers. I hadn't been there in almost 2 years - not since before Erin left for Texas. It's one of my favorite little spots in Orlando. I totally forgot to order the grilled blueberry muffin so now I'm going to have to go back real soon. My mom took a photo of me with her disposable camera. Is there anything more embarrassing?! I didn't feel 30. I was more like 15 again and scared my friends from school would witness the whole ordeal. Time might dictate how old we really are but feelings hold a lot more weight.
Once I got home I noticed a couple bouquet of flowers, peanut M&Ms, tic tacs, and the best card in the world on the kitchen counter. Dustin had been a little sneaker while I was out with my mom. What a lucky duck I am. Cody and Kaelin stopped by to wish me a Happy Birthday and give me a present. It was kind of perfect because we still had Cody's birthday present from May. So we just traded. Ha! It was good seeing those two and discussing scooters. I guess you had to of been there.
I spent the rest of the day (and kind of the rest of the weekend) watching Orange Is The New Black (by myself) and Boy Meets World (with Dustin). My actual birthday was nothing special. It was actually quite forgettable. It felt just like any other Sunday. I napped. I TV'd. I ate ice cream. There's just something about birthdays when you're older. I can't quite put my finger on it. They just aren't the same. Or maybe they were never really that great but nostalgia is such a tricky bastard that you never truly can tell. I'm probably coming off super bitter but I'm really not. I just hate the pressure and build-up to a birthday because it's never as good as you expect it to be. But at the same time, it's usually never as bad either. My birthday was like life; it was routine as hell with bits and pieces of really lovely meaningful moments. Thank you to the few that sent me a card, called, texted, wrote on my Facebook wall, and went out of their way to even buy me a present (you really didn't have to!). But thank you so much for thinking of me. It truly means the world to me that you all care. And not just on my stupid birthday but on random days that don't matter (but actually do). You all are like my own little Raptor Squad.
Just when I thought it was over, everyone at work surprised me Monday with a decorated office, flowers, a fun square balloon, a card, and cupcakes. I seriously felt so special which is really the whole point of birthdays. Who cares what you do or don't do - it's about how you feel. And I feel lucky.
* * * *
Dustin gave me my presents as they came in the mail and I've been using them all so much these past few weeks. He did a great job as per usual.
1. Selfie Stick - I've been getting my selfie-stick on like Donkey Kong. That makes absolutely no sense but rhymes so I'll leave it. I feel like I need to take a class to learn all the different ways to use this thing. As I've said before, I'm still an amateur. But just watch out because I'll be a pro by this time next year.
2. The Bell Jar - I've been wanting to read this for years and now I finally am. I'm about halfway done.
3. Boy Meets World (entire series) - I love this show so damn much. I look forward to cuddling in bed with Dustin every night and watching 3 episodes back to back. It's my favorite part of my day recently.
4. Leather Bag - Dustin knows I don't do name brand, "fancy" but actually tacky handbags. I love satchel purses. I love leather. So what did he give me?! A brand new, handmade in England, leather purse with optional satchel strap. Mic drop! It smells like a damn dream. It took a week or so to really wear it in but now it's perfect. I love how simple yet sturdy it is. Also, this photo doesn't quite show the size. It's not some giant purse but it's got ample room for books, selfie sticks, and whatever else I want to put in there.
