My parents always made a big deal out of my birthday. I guess they didn't want me to feel slighted since it was so close to Christmas. That has definitely carried on into adulthood. Kevin knows, birthdays are very important to me! It probably sounds selfish and silly, but it's one day that I can not feel guilty about being completely spoiled. He does it well! I love being spoiled...it makes me happy!
Last year I turned 26. Some of my friends have had a heard time with turning 26, I guess because it is closer to 30 than to 20. I didn't even think about it. It was just another number. Most of the time I still feel like I am 20, in university, and just having fun. Lately, however, that has changed.I know those of you that are in your 60s, 70s, or even 80s are laughing right now. My dad did when I told him I was feeling old in turning 27. I don't know why, but for some reason I feel like I'm getting a solid slap of reality! I'm not the only one. I actually breathed a sigh of relief tonight when I read my friend Nicole's blog. Apparently she's going through the same thought process! I found it a relief to see that I'm not the only one at this weird stage and it caused me to want to put my own thoughts down on the topic as well.
I'm turning 27. My ten year high school reunion is next year. I can't really believe it. It has always seemed like this thing that was sort of just looming out there. When you are young you always sort of wonder where you will be in life when you get to that ten year reunion stage. I mean, I remember in grade 10 when our English teacher had us write a letter to our future self, to be opened at the reunion. I don't really remember what I said, the only thing I DO remember is that I told myself that I had to go sky-diving by age 25. That's why two spring breaks ago, at the age of 25, I found myself at 10,000 feet ready to leap out of an airplane. I had hit my deadline!I don't have many regrets in life. I try not to back away from things that I dream of doing. I try to take on every challenge, even if I think it will scare me because I never want to look back and say, "I wish..." I'm pretty happy with where I am at right now. I am comfortable. I have an amazing relationship with my husband.
I have a warm bed to sleep in every night. I have more than enough food to eat. I have a job that satisfies me completely. I have friends and family that love me and I love them in return. I have my faith. I'm a content girl. So why is this number, 27, causing me to pause?I guess because it's making me face the fact that I am NOT 20 anymore. In fact, I'm closer to 30. I've been out of high school for almost 8 years. Am I where I want to be in life? When I was in high school looking at being this age, it seemed so old. I thought I would have all the kids I was going to have by this age, but I actually have yet to start with one! I do have a career that I love. I am married. Those are two things that I pictured. Did I see myself living in Canada? No way! Is it a bad thing? Nope.
Is 27 old? No. Am I sad about turning 27? No. It's causing me to pause, but I think that can be a good thing. It is good to stop and look at life once in awhile. I have been blessed in this 27 years that I have been alive. I guess it's not so bad. If the next 27 years are as good as these have been then I say bring on 28!
The biggest surprise for me in getting older is the speed at which it happens! I often think, "how can this be so surprising when I've been in the process of reaching THIS age for the past 26 years?" but yet somehow it seems like it all came on yesterday...like a load of bricks. I think reflection is good in that it makes you assess your life and to appreciate and make the most of each day. I've got to hand it to my parents...they are certainly right when they told me that the years will seem like a speedy blur when you look back on them!
ReplyDeleteI keep losing track of the number these days....as if I'm already loosing my memory. I don't really care about the big 30 though, even though it seems to be fast approaching.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to feeling like birthdays are a big deal though. On my birthday, when Ryan and I were in Japan, he had a fever and was too sick to go out or do anything special, so I made myself a big chocolate cake, lit the candles, and forced him to sing me happy birthday while I stood laughing and crying at the same time. I was pretty lonely at the time, and although I knew the scene must have looked hilarious, it was really sad for me too. No one around to celebrate ME!!!
Happy birthday, Stacy!
Well Happy Thanksgiving cousin Stacy! Its Jayme! And my mother was telling me about yours and Adrienne's blogs. I have similar ones such as myspace and facebook, but they are set to private so you probaly cant read them unless your my friend on there since there are so many weirdos out these days!
ReplyDeleteAnyways I just found this story interesting because I am kind of saying the same things at age 17. I was blogging to Adrienne telling her that for me being a senior its like "mini-adult" stages. I kinda have a 10 year plan too and ive always wondered if i would go through with it, but whatever I am doing I know God will show me what he has planned at the right time! Anyways I just thought I would say I love your stories and I think reflecting back even on high school ive realized that change is good and going to a town where I didnt have those older cousins or family made me grow a lot, but Im so thankful for how all of us "little Brunners" were raised. Its so comforting to realize no matter where we are were all going to be there for eachother!
college is a big step, I feel a little older, a little dumber for not listening to my parents as much as I should have earlier, and a little more appreciative of where we grew up on that little farm in nisland.
Take care, miss you lots, HAPPY THANKSGIVING and I hope you can make it to my graduation: May 19, 2007 @ 2pm!!!
Jayme
Jayme12@hotmail.com