Getting Older: The Top 5

Top 5 Reasons To Get Older:

Today is the day. 27. The odd numbers get me every time. To some, it is a reminder that 30 is around the corner. Others are ready to pounce and tell you to quit whining. Getting older—and on a Monday nevertheless—isn’t always an easy transition. But I’ve decided to look on the bright side (I guess Justin’s optimism and youth is rubbing off on me).

Here are some not-so-bad things about getting older:

5. You begin to form friendships with your siblings. Sitting around the living room laughing, it’s hard to imagine that it was this side of 15 years ago that these same individuals repeatedly tied you up, convinced you that you were a captured cowgirl, and left you to perish. Not to mention the duct-taped “Fat Sister” message cryptically written on your bedroom door.

4. Time is now more valuable. Want to know why 27-year-olds are less likely to date Neanderthals? We don’t have the energy for that mess. I used to have 2 a.m. text message conversations that consisted of “Sup, girl.” “NM. U?” And I was bored enough to think that was cute. Now I’m married to an efficient communicator who can use big words in the right context. Hot. Stuff.

3. Birthday presents are gifts from above. Mortgage, utilities; these are the sugar plums dancing around in your head most of the time. But when your Momma gives you a Vera Bradley overnight bag that you wouldn’t dish out the dough for yourself, you are on cloud nine. If I get a new tube of lip gloss, I’m as enthusiastic as Richard Simmons in those “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” videos.

2. You’re in a new league. It’s like when you sign up for the Intramural B team. You can’t quite hang with the “A’s” but you’re the star when you demote yourself. I can dribble—you’re looking at your team captain. I don’t have the body and energy of a college freshman, but no one expects me to. But I’ll be darned if that caffeinated mother of three is going to knock me out of the race.

1. You know who you are…and who you aren’t. I no longer feel the need to adapt to my surroundings. That’s great that you’re a wine connoisseur; I know the exact price of a happy hour Diet Dr. Pepper, add light vanilla. And you know what? I hate classical literature. I’m not going to sit here and act like Wuthering Heights changed my life.

So bring it on 27. I can take you. But can we be on the B team? Thanks.