So today I turn 35. There is something about 35 that suddenly sounds OLD. I know, I know, it is NOT old. But it just seems like a big turning point, for some reason.
Maybe it’s because on every form I’ve filled out for the past year, when they ask for my age, there is a box for 21-34 and a box for 35-50. And I have very intentionally filled in the 18-34 box each time, knowing it may be the last time I am allowed to lump myself in with the 20-somethings.
Or maybe it’s because, if I were to get pregnant again, which is not in the master plan (MY master plan, that is, not The Master’s plan — there is a difference, I realize), but if I did, I would be considered high risk based on my age alone. But I’m going on the assumption that my child-bearing years are behind me, and that is quite a sobering thought.
Or maybe it’s because when I was a young’un, an older friend told me that she had a great metabolism until she turned 35, and then managing her weight had been an uphill battle ever since. I’ve been dreading the big Three-Five ever since.
Or maybe it’s because the next stop on this train is menopause. Or because the gray hairs are starting to outnumber the brown ones.
I dunno.
But for whatever reason, 35 feels like a major crossroads. So I’ve been making the most of my birthday WEEK. Yes, WEEK. I’m all about stretching out the festivities for as long as possible. It all started last weekend when my parents were here.
Then on Friday night when we got back from the beach, my husband cleaned the bathrooms and the kitchen floor as part of his gift to me. Now, ladies, I ask you, do I know how to pick ’em or what!? And, no, you can’t have him!
And if that wasn’t enough, yesterday I got to get my nails done as the second part of my birthday gift.
For a split second of insanity, I considered taking C along with
me, thinking it would be a neat bonding activity for us girls. But I quickly came to my senses when I realized that it would
hardly be relaxing to have the Festival of Questions along with me, so I wisely left all chill’uns at home in the capable care of their daddy while I got some much-needed pampering.
After spending last week with 15 other family members in about 800 square feet of living space, some alone time was just what the doctor ordered.
Today I’ve been milking this birthday thang for all it’s worth. I figure, if I’ve gotta turn a year older, I might as well use it to my advantage. Like this morning when I told the kids that they are not allowed to fight on my birthday. And the same goes for whining. It worked, go figure. I wonder if I can use my birthday to coerce them to make their beds and water my flowers and… Well, I probably shouldn’t push it.
This afternoon, we had friends over for lunch, and I had my second birthday cake. Because a girl can’t have too many birthday cakes. And this week, my friend Sarah is taking me out for a pomegranate martini or three.
The way I figure it, I’m not officially 35 until the birthday festivities are over, so I’m gonna stretch it out as long as possible. So feel free to keep wishing me happy birthday for the rest of the month. Or year. Maybe I’ll just stay 34 forever. From now on, you can call me the Queen of Denial.
29 Responses
Happy birthday! I turned 35 in Feb. The highpoint for me was being able to kick down my target heart rate a few notches when doing cardio ;-).
Cheers for your husband and kids!
Happy Birthday! Stretch it out as long as you can, that’s my philosophy too! And you look great for 29, girl!
Happy Happy Birthday! Welcome to the next box, it’s not so bad really.:)
Definitely stretch the celebrations as long as possible, why not? July is YOUR month!
happy birthday!I am a new reader and love your blog!
Just wanted to de-lurk to wish you a very Happy Birthday! And wow! The kids actually didn’t fight or whine? I turned 35 yesterday, and that’s what I asked for…it didn’t work. Oh well!
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday!! I am a birthday stretcher too so you go girl. Stretch it out until next year and then celebrate being 34 again!!!
Mel
Happy Birthday! The “advanced maternal age” thing had me very down with my last pregnancy (and last of my childbearing years) but now I’m kind of getting used to it. It does feel good not to lumped in with the teenagers in the 18-34 bracket.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!
You look AMAZING, truly! You are a beautiful 35 year old!
I hope you continue to enjoy your birthday week!
My dad said he was celebrating all month when I called him to wish him a happy birthday… so we can lump you in there too … 🙂
Have a fantabulous one! 🙂
Happy Bday, dear friend! Wish I was there to help you celebrate!
S.
Happy Birthday from this recent 35 year old (May 29) who can completely relate to this post. I think I’ve said it before, but there is something about 35 that makes you feel like you ought to feel like a grown-up. 🙂
Happy Birthday! Sounds like you’ve had a great birthday “week”.
Happy Birthday!
My sister turns 35 on the 3rd! That’s pretty close, huh?
Happy Birthday! I’ll be right behind you!
Happy Birthday, girl. I know exactly what you mean. I’m 35 now and I felt the same way!! YOU LOOK WONDERFUL, though. I’m just going to start that ‘I’m turning 29 every year’ thing that people do. Screw it.
Happy Birthday dcrmom!!
I feel the same way about 35. And while I was reading your post i I very slowly remembered that this October I will be joining you. Like somehow I would always stay at 34. Whew! How did that happen?
I still love birthdays though. And I hope that you have a great one!
Kellie
Happy Birthday! And hee hee hee on the “Festival of Questions”… I’m am SO right there with you on that one! To be honest, beyond the metabolism slowing down thing, the latter thirties have been very much my favorite ones so far. Don’t be tooooooooo gloomy. I’ve read (somewhere) that a woman is at the peak of her beauty at the age of 38! Me, I plan to be a late bloomer, and hit my peak in my forties. 🙂
Happy Birthday! I love the idea of stretching it out. I try to do the same thing as often as possible.
Happy Birthday! Oh, and Pomegranate Martini’s are HEAVEN! The only thing I have found in my extensive research to be ’em is Mango-tini’s!!! Now go milk it birthday girl!
Well, you only look 25! 🙂 And happy birthday for as long as you can milk it! Bring on the cakes!!! YES!
I am thinking I will feel about the same when I turn 35. Which will be a year from this next December for me. 🙂
Happy Birthday!!
I turned 41 this year, I have to tell you, your fears are unfounded. I’m not any grayer, I’m not any fatter, I’m not any menopausal-ear…maybe I’m not any better of a house-cleaner but you know? My birthdays have just gotten better.
I hope your week is a good one!!
🙂
Oh, have a wonderful birthday. You are NOT old and you look fabulous!
Steph
“…break on through to the other side!…”
Happy B-day! I turned 35 this year also…sigh…it took me a week to embrace it. And have loved it since!
Happy Birthday!
Blessings,
Karla
Happy Birthday to you! I just turned 39 on the 29th of June. I milked it as well, but it seemed to come and go way too fast!
Blessings,
Georgia Mom
Happy Birthday week! You look great 🙂
Enjoy your birthday week! Sounds like you had a great day. Keep on stretching out the festivities as long as you can get away with it!
Happy (belated) Birthday!! So, what color (if any) did you have put on your nails? 🙂
Ok, I`ll be really late to wish you a happy birthday! I just wanted to let you know I love reading your blog and you sound like such a nice person! (and normal,like the rest of us :)) Also, since you responded to my comments a while back, on losing weight, I have been able to gather up all my willpower, and start another diet. So far I`ve lost 8 pounds and going strong. Thankyou for your encouragement!