Comments on: They say it’s your birthday

By: Accept no substitutions « Raising My Boychick

Accept no substitutions « Raising My Boychick — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 07:48:39 +0000

[...] They say it's your birthday [...]

By: Lucy

Lucy — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:28:38 +0000

I came back and re-read this and decided to comment on the part about not having a degree. Because I felt the same way you did. So, speaking as an undergraduate university student who’s quite a bit older than you are, I would encourage you to not let your age stop you from pursuing a degree if you want one (Of course I also encourage you to not let not having one become a problem). I actually like being an older student. I find that coursework seems easier and more enjoyable than it did when I first attended university. So don’t let your age get in the way; it can actually be an asset.

I’m also very glad I came back since I see your mother has commented. How cool is that?

By: JohannaMM

JohannaMM — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 06:45:23 +0000

So, I’m a little late reading and responding, but…
you’re entirely welcome. I enjoyed it, too. Unmedicated, with a chance to walk around as I felt the desire, a window to look out of, the ability to eat and drink as I wanted (I don’t remembering wanting to, much, until after you were born, when I gulped down one quart of juice and asked for another (and got it, and gulped it down too). We were so happy to get a daughter, and took such delight in getting to know you. One of my first memories is of the delivering attendant saying there was no need for Pitocin, because my baby was suckling so well. OK, I gave birth in a hospital, but it *was* an alternative birthing center and we went home after a nice nap.

On the age thing: turning 29 bothered me. I became completely obsessed with the idea that I was the oldest woman in our social group. As soon as I found one woman older, I completely relaxed, and no birthday has bothered me since. I thought 30 might bother me, so being bothered at 29 surprised me, and I was again surprised that none since has phased me at all.

Love and big hugs,
–Mom

By: Susannah

Susannah — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 04:48:42 +0000

Happy happy happy birthday, friend. I am so glad to know you. <3

By: Rachel

Rachel — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 03:20:30 +0000

Happy birthday!

About the age thing:

My husband has declared himself old since he turned 29. I think that’s when he realized he wasn’t 18, which is what he was really saying.

Turning 29 was really hard for me. Something about saying good-bye to the youth and freedom of my 20s (no babies until 30s–somehow I knew babies would tether me).

I shall stay 35 for awhile. I can never remember my exact age because it changes so often, so staying an age for several years will help. Plus, 35 is not old yet but still rather young.

And I have convinced myself of this truth, but don’t know how to deal with it: Youth is coveted but not respected.

Enjoy your 20s!

By: Arwyn

Arwyn — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 03:05:50 +0000

I’ve been teasing The Man about being old since he turned 20. The litany went something like: “You’re now in your 20s, which is almost your 30s, which is practically middle-aged, which is ALMOST DEAD!” The only thing that’s changed over the years is the recitation has gotten shorter. ;)

Me? I’m always at least two years away from almost dead. The perennial spring chicken!

Thanks for the well-wishes. It means a lot.

By: Amber

Amber — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:49:26 +0000

Happy birthday!

Although, as a 33-year-old, I don’t particularly appreciate referring to someone 3 years my junior as ‘old’. Maybe seasoned would be better? ;)

And I don’t think you ever do stop thinking you’re much younger than you actually are. In my head I’m 24. I liked being 24.

By: Turtle

Turtle — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:37:00 +0000

Happy birthday!
I turned 28 a few months ago and barely noticed (I really had to think about that before confirming we are the same age). My own birthdays seem to have disappeared since becoming a mother.
I hope yours gets the celebration it deserves.
All of your birthday wishes seem perfectly reasonable to me.
Enjoy!

By: Jenn

Jenn — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 14:35:12 +0000

Happy birthday!

You’ll get to grad school someday, and kick my ass with your women’s studies thesis. I know it.

P.S. I’m 31 and still think I’m a teenager. :P

By: AutumnBreeze

AutumnBreeze — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 13:35:10 +0000

Happy Birthday Arwyn!!! I’m a little more than a year behind you, and I wanted to let you know, don’t feel too bad!! I don’t have a college degree either.

My favorite part is the short story of your beginning Earth-side. Very touching, and I could completely picture it.