As I sit typing this, there’s a black arrow pointing at my head that says “Under This Arrow is Over the Hill”. I’m not talking metaphorically, there really is an arrow fastened to the ceiling. I will explain later.
Yep, I’m another year older today. Yay! Much better than the alternative. Anyhow, the only reason I mention this is because it’s a “milestone” birthday. So, how old am I? 70, 80, 90? Or, judging by my sense of humor, you are probably guessing lower, 10, 16? No, today I turn a whopping 30 years old.
You may be wondering how I feel now that I’m officially at an age where college students shake their heads at you wondering why the old man is at the bar rather than at home watching Matlock re-runs while telling those kids to get off his dam lawn. A lot of people have told me how rough it was to turn 30, and how depressed they got. Honestly, it feels the same as any other day. I guess with the baby and everything I really don’t have time to sit around and think about things and get depressed. Age is just a number after all, and I think what really matters is how you feel, and I still feel pretty good. Have I accomplished everything I thought I would by age 30? I don’t know, I really don’t think that far ahead.
Today at work they have a ton of pictures of me up from throughout my life. My wife and my parents were involved, those sneaky people. That was the only part I was a little nervous about. There are some pretty funny pictures up (several of my Halloween costumes, my semi-mullet), some embarrassing ones (9th grade dance anyone?), and some I would like to keep (my late Grandmother and I from a long time ago). They also put up the black arrow and about ten thousand little “30s” all over my desk. My mouse was even taped to the desk!
Well, I hope you all have a nice day. It you hear any creaking or snapping, don’t worry, that’s just my old man joints grinding into oblivion.
The Struggling Writer 
1. Happy birthday!!
2. It’s not bad to be in 30 land.
3. Why is it so depressing to others to turn 30?
But that’ts just me. π
Paperback Writer – Thanks! As far as #3 goes, I don’t know. Maybe they take stock of their lives and realize they aren’t so young. Me, I already knew I wasn’t so young. π
Happy Birthday! I’d refrain from going out to the bars, though, because…you know…you should be at home watching Matlock. π
Have a good one!
Happy Birthday, Struggling Writer! You’re a mere youngster, just wait until you’re an old-timer like me. Turning 33 this year felt like much more of a milestone for me than 30 and as if I was suddenly waaaaaaaay older! I don’t know why. I think 40 will be the scary one, actually.
The 30 confetti sounds funny. I should have sent an envelope of that to my brother when he turned 30. I hope you have a great day and have lots of nice presents and cake.
It’s been many years since I was 30, or since I was even in my 30’s, so to me you’re nothing but a baby… π
Thanks everyone. I did have a pretty good day. I received some new books to read, so I’m happy.
True fact: medical technology is increasing life expectancy rates more and more every year. For people of your age, living to 90 won’t be out of the question.
For each generation, the year that officially marks the “point of no return” (aka “over the hill”) gets older and older. That’s why they say 40 is the new 30. By that rationale, 30 isn’t very old at all.
So no need to worry.
Congrats, btw.
D. Peace – thanks for the pep talk π