This is 35.

When I was little, I thought that birthdays only got more and more fabulous as you get older because then you’re earning your own money and you have more control over your life. Obviously, I was very naive. Not only is the idea of control non-existent, when you’re an adult that money has to go to other things, like bills. 

And yet, I have been so lucky to have had some incredible birthdays. I’ve spent my big day in Quebec and Disney World several times. I’ve celebrated in Mexico. And then Alex took me to Paris to celebrate my 30th. A few years ago I started dreaming up huge plans for 35. But then Covid hit and even though the vaccine is helping, this Delta variant is no joke. And we have little Arielle who is not yet able to be vaccinated. 

So today we’re going to the zoo and spending our evening in watching The Jungle Cruise. And then in a few weeks we’ll be heading on our first official family vacation to celebrate both my birthday and our 7th wedding anniversary. I couldn’t be happier! And that makes me realize, birthdays do get more and more fabulous as you get older because you come to realize the most important things in life can’t be bought. 

For more reflections on past birthdays, check out “This is 33” and “This is 34.”