The Birthday Boy

My husband turns thirty next week.

In the grand scheme of birthday's, its a biggie, a milestone. For some our age, turning thirty is a terrifying prospect. Its time to buckle down, become a homeowner, a parent, a useful member of society... I feel that pressure too, but somehow, it's not driving me nuts. My husband and I have talked about this quit a bit actually. Somehow, by having each other, thirty doesn't feel like some major event. Instead, it simply feels like another year together - another birthday we get to share.

Without him I know I'd be stressed - I'd be a bundle of nerves.

"What am I doing with my life?"
"Will I ever find someone to love me?"
"I'm not getting any younger!"

I did find someone to love me, thank you, Honey.

Of course I'm still not sure what I'm doing with life yet, and no, I'm not getting any younger, but I have someone with me now to help figure it all out and someone to age with. Some might laugh at me thinking of aging at the tender age of thirty, but I can't help it. My parents have been married for over thirty years, my husband's parents even longer. I've seen them age and change and fight and laugh together for twenty-nine of those years, and through it all, the very fact that they have each other has, I think, made things less scary and more possible. Although we haven't been married long, that's how I feel too. I feel the possibilities. Together we can figure "it" out, and we'll do it bravely.

I like to think about how much we've already grown as a couple. I know for a fact that I've calmed down. Not that I was a jittery mess before, but certainly it was harder to let things go. I would let things fester inside - not unlike cucumbers slowly pickling in jar. I don't let that happen anymore. As for him, I'd like to think that besides introducing him to a world of food he was unaware before, I've made him a happier soul. There's a lightness about him now that wasn't there when we met. He laughs more.

You're probably wondering what meal I have planned for his big 3-0. What manner of beast I'll be roasting, what kind of chocolate I'll be melting... I could tell you, but then the surprise would be ruined. Instead I'll promise you that our tummies and hearts will be full. We'll laugh and kiss and eat something yummy. As the night winds down, we'll talk about my coming thirtieth in July and once again reiterate together that thirty is in fact, just another number.

*We found this print of the couple under the Brooklyn Bridge on etsy.com. We loved it so much we had it framed.

It hangs in our hallway, right by the door. We see it every time we leave or enter the apartment.

The artist/store Art Shark Designs, has the red umbrella couple around the world and country. 

They're all beautifully done and make wonderful gifts.