My 33rd Birthday.
Today, the last day of April, is my thirty-third birthday. The picture you see below this post is of my parents and I dining at one of my very favorite restaurants—California Pizza Kitchen. Additionally, every April 30th I look forward to checking my Facebook page to see who has posted on my wall, wishing me a Happy Birthday. Finally, tomorrow, my Grandma Melinda plans to treat me to some delicious Vietnamese food. Then, in May, comes my birthday trip to San Francisco with my mom and dad, which I am very eagerly anticipating.
What does it mean to be thirty-three? Can I still, with confidence, call myself a true young adult, or am I simply just too old for this now?
My ultimate opinion and honest answer to this question is that having children is one of several ultimate ascensions into true adulthood, and because I am at this point in time not a parent, I am therefore still a young adult.
At the same time, as of today I am definitely vastly more mature and worldly than I was back when I was an undergraduate at Occidental in the mid 2010s. For those who do not know, this December will mark nine years since my college graduation. To me, this intervening time has simply flown by. I remember going to lunch at P.F. Chang’s with my parents, sister, and aunt after my college graduation ceremony as if it were yesterday. At that time, my Grandma Marguerite was still with us, and as I think about her today, I like to believe that she is looking down from heaven at me, full of love and pride.
On this special day—my birthday—I am reminded that the future is full of hope and opportunity. I am looking forward to our previously mentioned vacation in San Francisco, as well as my Alumni Reunion Weekend at Occidental in June. I am also excited to be continuing to work on my thirty-chapter science fiction novel, Parapenda.
I truly and honestly believe that thirty-three will be a very good year for me—one of the best. Additionally, I still have so many years ahead of me, which I intend to make the most of. My ultimate birthday gift continues to be the love and support of those close to me, whether these are family members or close friends.
This year, like every year on my birthday, I am reminded of the all-important themes of renewal, change, and growth, as well as how fortunate I am to have the life that I do. I enjoy my life, above all, because I choose to.
My parents & I at CPK.