30

I turn 30 tomorrow.

It’s supposed to be this major milestone, but I’ve barely given it a second thought—that is until I looked at my calendar and realized the day (THE day) is tomorrow and holy shit I’ll be 30. I swear it should be at least another month away.

30 always seemed so old when I was 18 or 22 or even 25, looking into the future thinking about it. And yet old is the last thing I feel.

Does my life look the way I thought it’d look at 30, back when I was 18 or 22 or 25? That’s a tough question.

I didn’t think I’d have the kind of job I have, where my monthly income ranges anywhere from ‘ramen noodles’ to ‘steak dinner,’ and I still struggle to explain to people exactly what it is I do for a living. If I’m being honest, sometimes I feel like I’ve picked the wrong career entirely, but I also can’t say with any degree of certainty what other line of work I’d have picked instead.

I definitely didn’t think I’d be living in New York City, though my angsty 14-year-old self would think it’s pretty cool. She had no clue about the travesties of income tax or paying $16 for a margarita, but that’s neither here nor there.

I think I probably expected to have it a little more ‘together’ by now, like having Tupperware that matches and doesn’t rain down in an avalanche on every unsuspecting person who opens the cabinet too quickly. The biggest reality check, I suppose, is accepting the fact that Tupperware-raining cabinets are my life. This is me, and if it hasn’t happened by now it’s probably not going to get much more ‘together’ than this. The best part about turning 30 is being perfectly content with that.

My 20’s were a wild ride. The thrill of pushing boundaries. Taking big risks with only a question mark ahead. Meeting amazing people and cementing relationships I know will last for life.

But I’m excited for a new chapter. One with more stability and less uncertainty. Making new adventures and putting down roots. Maybe wearing a little more sunscreen and spending a few more nights on the couch.

Johnny and Bo and I spent the weekend in the mountains, hiking and wine tasting and watching the Gators win (!) at my favorite hole-in-the-wall bar. It was the best, the perfect way to cap off my 20’s with the person and pooch I love most.

I feel like I should have some deep piece of wisdom to impart about what I’ve learned from three decades on this planet, but all I can really think about at the moment is the pot of coffee I just started in the kitchen. It’s Monday and I need it to brew faster,

Bring it on, 30. I can’t wait to see what you have in store.