I know, I know. You haven’t heard from me since Friday. I’m a bad, bad blogger. If you can bring yourself to forgive me, there’s something important I’d like to talk to you about.
My birthday!!!!!!
Just kidding. Kind of. But seriously, it’s this Friday. How is it already March? How am I already almost 24? Time flies when you’re having fun.
Here I am, on my birthday last year, showcasing my new iPhone, diamond earrings, & hair color (which turned out to be an unfortunate shade of reddish pink, so I had to have it redone, but it was kind of fun to have for a couple of days). I was happy to be with my husband (who appears to have a mouthful of cake).
As I approach 24, I feel good about getting older. I’m stronger & healthier (mentally, physically, & emotionally). I’m learning a lot of things, about myself & others.
For example, I’m learning:
- That I look best as a blonde (enough with the experimentation, Lauren).
- To keep my eyebrows under control (bushy eyebrows might look good on some people, but I AM NOT THOSE PEOPLE).
- To quit shopping in the juniors, because let’s face it, there’s nothing “junior” about my body anymore, and I’m OK with that.
- To do things for my husband not out of obligation, but because I love him. It makes those little mundane tasks so much sweeter.
- To love people for who they are, without wishing I could change them.
- That IT WILL BE OK, even if all signs point to the world coming to an end & a major meltdown on my part.
- That not many things can’t be fixed by a hot bath, allergy/headache medicine, a good meal, a heating pad, a strong drink, or a cup of tea.
- That one of the best things I can do when I’m angry or anxious is jump in the car for a long drive, listen to Elton John’s Greatest Hits & let my mind wander freely.
- That if I’m doing too much, it will show in my mood, behavior, & health.
- That saying no is OK.
- Just because babies are cute & it seems like all my friends are pregnant/having babies, & because both sets of parents are dying for us to have them some grandchildren, I don’t need to feel inadequate because I’m not a mom/planning to become a mom anytime soon.
- “You are young. You are turning a very young age. Young.” -Chelsea, Blog Friend 4Ever. I think because I grew up so fast, graduated early(ish), & got married so young, I feel like 24 is old. It’s not. 24 is young. I am young. I’m going to live every day to its fullest because I can honestly say that, so far, these are the best days of my life.
- My skin doesn’t care that my birthday is in 2 days, as evidenced by the huge mass taking over half my face. Hormones, 1. Lauren, 0.
- That I am not that girl anymore.
- How to tie that girl up and lock her in a closet if she ever starts to creep back.
- To live in the moment & not always wish I was somewhere else. “If I don’t let myself be happy now, then when? If not now, when?” -Jimmy Eat World
- That I am a terrible listener & need to make a conscious effort to listen to people more closely and not always interject my “sage” advice.
- That I am selfish & need to remember I am not that special & to put others first.
- That I’m a little bit of a yuppie, minus the luxurious living part.
- That you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy a glass of champagne.
- That when you work from home, it’s scary how long you can go without having to wear actual pants.
- That working from home is a definite perk for which I am thankful.
- True friends (especially in the midst of an emotional wreck) are worth their weight in gold. Diamonds, even.
This year I’ll spend my birthday taking the day off from work, snuggled on the couch with my dogs in the morning. I’ll go to lunch with friends, and maybe a pedicure later in the afternoon. Cupcakes, dinner with my husband, and a long weekend.
I think 24 is going to suit me just fine.
Speaking of birthdays, today is my dad’s (I like to think that I was a late birthday present, 24 years ago). Tonight at dinner, I asked him what he’s learned this year. A few of the things he mentioned were: “To really drink in the moments when we’re all together. To enjoy life. To slow down. To appreciate my true friends. And that I love your mother more now than I did when I married her.”
Happy Birthday Dad. Thanks for being who you are, and for all the memories we’ve created & will continue to create. I’m proud to call you my father. I love you.
Comments on Twenty Three.
From prettyandwitty:
Forgiven! because this post is completely relatable to my 25 year OLD self! I feel like 25 is over the hill when really, like you said we’re YOUNG. I, like you, got married early, bought a house and all that jazz all before my 23rd birthday and my 25th birthday was definitely not an easy one for me this year (especially since I couldn’t consume a DROP of champagne :tear:)
I think 24 will be an awesome year for you too! Happy early Birthday lady!
From prettyandwitty:
oh and I feel the need to add, that I also need to stop experimenting with my hair colour. I need to continuously remind myself that “you look better as a blonde”, it has become my mantra! :)
From DebbieQ:
Happy Birthday to you! And Happy Birthday to your dad.
From Emily Jane:
Happy birthday to you and to your dad! I am totally with you on everything being okay (despite current evidence to the contrary), things being fixed by a cup of tea, and the whole baby thing. There are so many people that are settling down, having babies etc. and though I know my parents had me well before the age I am now, I know I just don’t want to have them for a little while. I’m going to spend the first few years of marriage just the way things are now, maybe with a little more saving lol – but just because everybody else seems to be approaching that stage it’s perfectly okay to be a couple of years away :)
What day is your actual bday? And those photos are too lovely :)
From Our Happy Married Life:
Happy Birthday to you and your dad. What an awesome picture of you two at your wedding. So pretty! Have a great day!!!!
From RootsAndRings:
Happy b-day Papa From Texas!!
You are a good listener. That’s one of my favorite things about you!
YOUNG!
Happy birthday. I’m glad I don’t have to celebrate your b-day the way you celebrated mine.
From Kyla Roma:
Happy birthday miss! I’m glad you had an amazing one =)
From sarah:
Happy birthday to your Dad!
Happy almost, but not quite your birthday to you.
24 was my worst birthday ever. Then came 25 and I had a panic attack, but I just celebrated 27 in December and it feels pretty good. I just had to make it over the rough parts.
From Clare:
oh my goodness, that picture of you and your father is BEAUTIFUL! I lost my dad to cancer so seeing moments like that captured makes me a little sad/envious but also SO HAPPY for those of you who are still lucky enough to have yours. As he said, drink in those moments when you are all together. They are the best moments.
From Clare:
Oh, and HAPPY (early) BIRTHDAY!
From Corlene:
Lauren,
Yes this is my very first comment on your blog (shame on me.) But I love reading them and they keep getting better and better. I don’t want to turn 24. But after reading this maybe it won’t be so bad =)
Happy Birthday…tomorrow.
Love you much!
COR
From Corlene:
and I like your pink hair ;)
From E.P.:
Happy birthday to your dad and a happy early birthday to you! I LOVE that photo of y’all together.
And the list of things you have learned? Fantastic. I found myself nodding my head as I read through them because I’ve learned similar things about myself.
From Tabaitha:
Happy Birthday to your Dad! I love the picture of ya’ll at your wedding. Precious.
From Holly:
Happy birthday tomorrow :D Hope you have a great one!
From Samantha:
Happy Birthday to your Dad, and a very Happy Birthday to you! I hope that this new year is the best yet for you. :)
From Jenna Hargett:
Happy almost birthday! You are young and beautiful! <3
From Exgf:
Lauren – love the post! You continue to learn and expand on all the things on your list…. each and every year :) – no matter the age! I turn 29 this year and have realized more about myself than I feel any other year or all of them combined…but I think I feel this way every year!
Happy bday and you share the birthday with a very special friend of mine….
Thanks for the post – and you and your Dad are PRECIOUS!!!!!
xoxo
Exgf
http://www.confessionsofanexgirlfriend.wordpress.com
From samdotcom:
Happy birthday Lauren! (And happy birthday to your dad. And your sister.) I adore this post, your blog & you. Have the loveliest day tomorrow!
From Amber from Girl with the Red Hair:
Awww I love this post.
Happy Birthday! I think the way you’re spending it sounds absolutely perfect!
Oh, and I love that picture of you and your dad. Gorgeous!
From bgirl875:
Adorable post. Happy almost Bday!
From Kristina:
#13 and #17. I can relate to so much that it’s almost painful.
Happy Birthday! Have fun at the rodeo — I live like down the street from it :) i’m going this saturday, and next saturday the 13th to meet a handbag designer at their booth.
I’m on spring break officially tomorrow – so if you want to meet up over coffee or brunch or something, i’m freeeeeeeeee at last!
From Taryn M. Peine:
Happy Happy Birthday! Umm, I hope your skin starts to care when you’re nearly 28. Because mine still doesn’t. Hormones 1,276. Taryn 0.
Good good list for your new year sister. Enjoy 24! I hope it doesn’t bring on the, “WHO AM I AND WHY AM I HERE!I’M NEARLY 25 AND I HAVEN’T ACCOMPLISHED ANYTHING!” crisis that it did for me. I think you’re a little cooler than I am, so I think you’ll be fine ;-)
From Kathleen:
Elton John? You just got even cooler in my book, and you were already pretty cool. :)
Twenty-four better be young, because if it’s not then I’m ancient.
From Stephanie~LittleInsights.com:
Happy Early Birthday, Lauren! Twenty four is young (but so is 34, 44, 54, 64…. as long as you keep your mind, body, heart active). I don’t quite understand the whole it’s my birthday..gasp…I am a year older bit that some people project about themselves on their birthday! Embrace everyday for what it is…and enjoy a glass of champagne tonight…to celebrate your day off tomorrow! :-)
From Nora:
awww, lovely post and happy birthday to your dad!
I sent you a teeny, tiny something in honor of the 2-4 so hopefully it gets there ASAP!
I have Elton John’s love songs (which is a lot like the greatest hits minus Benny & the Jets) and it’s such an awesome CD set!!! Proof once again we are meant to be friends.
Enjoy your birthday; coming from a 26 1/2 half year olds perspective, 24 is young. But also wise :)
From HoustonGurly:
Happy Birthday!
From fallingfromprams:
I love your list! It’s so hopeful and full of life.
From Her:
Happy birthday from a new reader and a (very) recent ex-Texan! That’s a lot to learn in one year, but all of your points are so very worthwhile and wonderful.
From steph anne:
Happy Birthday!!!! You’re beaming with lots of joy & happiness! I love your dad’s response to your question – they’re a great example of what we all should have in a marriage.
From hannahkaty:
Happy birthday! Love love love the birthday itinerary, enjoyy! And what a beautiful picture that is with your father.
Best,
Hannah Katy
From Sara:
Happy early birthday! I just turned 24 a few months ago myself. I remember like yesterday when I thought 18 was old. Now I think it’s ridiculously young. 24 is a nice age. Either we go in a quarter-life crisis or we accept things as they are and grow.
From Jill:
Happy early birthday to you, and happy birthday to your daddy!! :) Drink in 24 girl…I’m 3 months shy of 27! And I remember when I thought turning 24 was old. It’s not! BUT–I am in total agreement with you on #12. I think getting married young contributed to my feeling that way. I hope you have a great birthday and enjoy yourself to the fullest! :)
From Amanda:
Happy Birthday to both you and your dad! Your daddy-daughter picture of you at your wedding is absolutely precious…kudos to whoever snapped it. I love your optimism about life; it’s very refreshing and it’s made me take a moment and take a look at how I’ll take a moment to enjoy things in life while they’re around. Thanks for a great post and enjoy the rest of your birthday weekend!! :-)
From Meghan:
Happy Birthday!!!!!
From Bethany:
Happy Birthday! I just turned 25 a week ago :) The 20s seem to be fun!
From Kari Anne:
Happy Birthday to you and your dad. I hope both of you enjoy it. This post did make me cry though. You and your dad remind me of me and my dad…I’ve always been a “daddy’s girl”…and since he has passed away…that part of me is gone… It’s been almost 15 months (he passed away 12/24/08), but some days, it still feels like it was just yesterday that I was holding his hand when he finally let go… Thank you for the memory…I remember my dad on my wedding day 11 years ago…and telling me “You know Peanut (his nickname for me), you don’t have to do this…you can still back out!” I just laughed and told him I loved him…and he said back at ya, but the get-away car is warmed up and ready to go…LOL! Thank you Lauren!! You brought back memories that I had forgotten about!
From Jennifer whetham:
You never, ever, EVER need a special reason for champagne. Or smoked salmon. :)
happy Birthday, Lauren!