birthday blatherings

Just a fast post to mark the end of my 20s and the beginning of what feels like a whole new life. Today's my 30th birthday. I was born at 12:40 AM at UCSF hospital right here in San Francisco on May 26, 1975. I weighed 9 pounds and 11 ounces. I had bright red hair and big fat cheeks.

I spent my birthday eve dancing at Qool, my favorite mid-week clubbing happy hour. I started hitting up Qool in 2000 when I worked for Scient a few blocks away. The place is always filled with familiar faces and warm hugs from friends I've known for years. Definitely a good start to birthday festivities.

When I was 16, I went camping in Big Sur with a group of friends, my mom and grandparents. We tumbled down sand dunes onto the beach and fell asleep watching "My Blue Heaven" on a battery-operated VCR/TV combo inside the tent. When I was 21, I had ten shots and drinks, all of which I jotted down on a cocktail napkin that I still have stashed away somewhere. I recall an Alabama Slammer, a Midori Sour and a Blowjob. I passed out and woke up in the middle of the night with my eyes swelled shut. At 26, I rented out a club, hired my favorite DJs and danced all night. My sister surprised me with a giant penis cake.

A year ago today, I turned 29 while drinking whiskey with newfound friends and Punjabi millionaires at a casino in Kathmandu. Two years ago today, my closest friends threw me a surprise party and dressed me in a cowgirl outfit.

This year I am forgoing a big party and simply planning to fill my day with as much happy loving connections as possible. I'll have dinner with a few close friends. I'll go dancing afterwards with a group of people who make me smile and who are all a part of my life in some way or another. To me, this birthday feels like it should be about appreciating the people who've supported me into this new thrilling phase of life. I have yet to meet anyone in their 30s who hasn't told me it's been the best part of life. I can't wait.

And now, some birthday dreaming...