A Day Older Only Matters if You're A Banana

Typically I’m the one that always plans my own birthday party – get the invites out early, plan a big extravagant night on the town with friends, the whole bit. This year was different. I was at odds with what I wanted to do, if anything, and waited until the last minute to decide. Plus, 27 isn’t that fun of a number, and to be honest I was a little freaked out that I was going to “officially” be in my late twenties! Shouldn’t I have my long-term future kind of planned out by now? Financial independence, a set career path, raising a family? I had a slight quarter-life-crisis moment, even though I would never admit it face to face with anyone.

It just so happened that the Tampa Bay Rays had a game on Saturday night, and it also happened to be that Darius Rucker was doing a post-game concert! It was the perfect solution to a birthday celebration. I love Darius, with his unique baritone voice and easy cool attitude, from Hootie and the Blowfish all the way to his current country career. Plus, Cracked Rear View was the first CD I ever owned, so Darius and his songs will always have a special place in my heart. 

We told a few people what we were up to, just in case they were in the area, but I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it since it was so last minute. 
As it all turns out, it was one of the most fun birthdays to date!The game was fun, the concert was awesome, and dinner and drinks afterwards was the perfect mix of chill and celebration.

It’s amazing what a great time you can have on an impromptu night with good friends, and this weekend made me realize that I don’t have to plan a lavish event in order to have an awesome birthday. It also helped me focus less on what I haven’t experienced yet at this point in my life, and turn it into an appreciation of what wonderful experiences I have had so far, and acknowledge the abundant life I already live!

My birthday wish this year -- that nothing will let me forget that :)