I turned 30 about 3 months ago, and I had the most amazing birthday party - birthday weekend - ever. It was epic! Magical! There was paragliding, cycling, fine dining, Rothko, LA Philharmonic with Dudamel, red velvet cake, family and friends from out of town, a movie about my life with home video highlights created by Dad, and a book of tributes gathered and artistically assembled by Mom. (Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who contributed! Your kind and generous and creative words meant so much to me.)
I was overcome by the amount of love bestowed upon me throughout the weekend. The amount of planning and work from my parents, the thoughtful gifts and the personal tributes moved me deeply. Because this new decade was ushered in with so much love and ritual and celebration, it has been impossible for me to feel any regret or fear about being in my thirties. I feel only gratitude for the family and friends who blessed my first three decades and who have lovingly launched me into the next.
Turning thirty was unforgettable, and being 30 has been wonderful too - mostly because I can use it as an excuse to justify just about anything. For example:
I am going to run my first half marathon because I am 30! (Saturday, June 25 - still nursing some shin splints. Wish me luck!)
I am going to stop wearing old T-shirts to bed and get some matching pajamas because I am 30!
I don't have to watch cartoons for an institute activity on a Friday night because I am 30!
I am going to frame some original art to hang on my wall because I am 30!
I am going to go wild at the Fremont Solstice Parade because I am 30!
In reality, I would probably be doing these things regardless of my age, but it is fun to have a ready for excuse for things that I do or do not want to do.
So overall, consider this a hearty endorsement for both turning and being 30.
