23 vs. 33

posted by Tabitha

I remember somebody telling me, “once you reach 21 the years fly!”  If I could find this person again I’m not sure if I’d punch them for the glaring reality of that statement or kiss them for the wisdom.

I feel like I blinked and here I am-33.  33 graced my life a few days ago and I certainly welcomed her with gracious arms. Yay!

One of two things usually happens at this time of year for me. I either get the “birthday blues” or go into a complete frenzy and feel the need to empty the necessary contents of my Cosmic Backpack.

Let’s define here:

Birthday Blues-a pensive state of mind that usually is expressed by mopping around, not knowing what to do for your birthday celebration and by responding with “meh” when someone eagerly says, “someone’s birthday is coming up!” This all stems from being an overachiever and realizing that you didn’t solve America’s economic situation or didn’t watch enough of the Discovery channel throughout the year. Point is, it is somewhat irrational. 

Cosmic Backpack- An invisible backpack that one carries around with things such as;  anger, frustration, resentment, debt, unresolved arguments, regret, etc. Basically, nasty stuff. It’s a backpack that weighs one down. Depending on how heavy one’s backpack is one might find it difficult to walk through life and do the simplest things.

This year, it was somewhat of a combination; however nothing too dramatic. I got the birthday blues because I realized that I don’t like planning birthday parties for myself anymore. SHOCKING, I know! I’ve planned a birthday celebration for myself since my 21^st birthday, so I think I reached my threshold on this one. Hold on though! Let me make two things exceptionally clear here:


1-I fully encourage any and all of my friends to plan a future birthday party for me. 
2-I am 100% committed on planning any and all events for my friends and family

My Cosmic Backpack only had one item weighing it down, which I threw out of my backpack before my actual birthday. Go, team!

Yesterday, I found myself laughing to myself as the memories of a 23^rd birthday compared to a 33^rd birthday ran through my mind. 

Indulge me if you will:


23


Dinner-Get a group of 15 or more of your friends go to Bucca Di Beppo. The bill is split however many ways and drinks are “cash and carry.”
Cake-Who needs a cake? Cocktails!
Drinks-Everything and anything. The stronger the drink the better!
Dancing-Check out the local hotspot and dance until your feet hurt and its 5am. Yes, you work the next day, but come on….You are 23 only ONCE!
Hangover-What hangover? Whatever tired you might have is gone the moment you meet your next group of friends the next day to celebrate again. They couldn’t make your actual birthday celebration, so play last night all over again times two!


33


Dinner-Dinners are intimate now and consist of only your parental units and perhaps a couple of close friends who happen to free that night. You might even have a few dinners planned throughout the month; however they are all one-on-one and there is no “cash and carry” bill.
Cake-If you are lucky, you get two. One at the actual birthday celebration and another at the birthday party. Both times you imagine, “how many calories is this and long will it take to burn it off?”
Drinks-Wine at your birthday dinner and a signature drink at your party. No plastic cups. Especially not red ones!
Dancing-You dance at home and perhaps create your own video taped rendition of Madonna’s “Vogue” video. You then enthusiastically show this video tape to your younger cousins to assure them you still “got it.”
Hangover-HELP! The walls are coming in on you, the room is spinning and the AC in your meeting feels more like an explosion of heat coming out of the vents. You have a 10am presentation, but get through it with coffee, water and Tylenol. 5pm, your pajamas,the couch and remote control cannot come any faster. Looks like you’ll be missing your workout for the evening and you’ve already planed what the rest of the weeks workout sessions must look like.


It’s all a matter of opinion; however when asked the question, “Which was better? 23 or 33?”


My answer is pretty simple-I’ve never been happier than I am today.

This is the HAPPY pose.

Sweet fully yours,
Tabitha