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| Sophomore year of high school. |
The top retainer came out - for meals at first, then later, during the day, requiring attention only at night. The bottom retainer, however, was cemented behind my bottom teeth. When I left the orthodontist after my last appointment, I was told that the glue holding the bottom retainer on wouldn't budge. This would be key, seeing as how I "needed to keep the bottom retainer at least until I turned 30."
To my high school self, that day seemed an eternity away. Eons. High school graduation stood between me and 30. College loomed between me and that decade. Major life experiences to be had, people to meet, retainers to curse.
Over the years, that retainer has mocked me: "At least until you're 30! At least until you're 30!" Over and over, I silenced it - 30 was still so, so far away.
Alas, today is my birthday. I am 30. The elusive day that seemed to be so far off has arrived. The retainer will not magically fall out, but now if it were to loosen or pop loose, I wouldn't be struck down by the orthodontic gods.
I was doing fine with this big milestone until the last few days. Then, as my birthday week neared and my coworker decorated my desk with streamers and little confetti "30s," I realized my 20s were all but over. But then I realized that a) there's nothing I could do to change that and b) maybe that isn't so bad after all.
The first 30 years of my life have been amazing, full of people, memories, learning experiences and opportunities that I wouldn't trade for the world. The disappointments, successes, heartaches, loves, sorrows and joys of the past three decades have sculpted me in to who I am today.
In my "dreams of life at age 30," I don't think I ever pictured this life - but I couldn't have imagined anything better. I have an awesome family, some pretty spectacular friends, a solid career and my health.
Last year on this day, things were a bit different. But by far, the event of the last 365 days that was the coolest and most life-altering:
I kid, I kid (although trust me, I'll never forget their anniversary!)
No, the best part of the past year is one that makes the first 28.5 seem like a blip on the radar of life - the thing that changed who I'll be for all of my future birthdays:
I can't wait to see what the next 30 years has in store.
P.S. Did you know Alfred Hitchcock died 31 years ago today? Seriously. And if you see Jerry Seinfeld, Uma Thurman or Michelle Pfeiffer today, wish them a happy birthday, too :)
