“They say it’s your birthday…

It’s my birthday too, yeah!” ~ The Beatles



As I spoke with my loony aunt yesterday, I realized that as nuts as I think she is, she sometimes is pretty insightful.

My mother’s younger sister is certifiably nuts. She’s got the heaviest Michigan accent one has ever come upon and she hops onto every new health kick that you can read about in the latest Reader’s Digest. Then she forces you onto her kicks by making you eat bark and twigs and strange combinations while we're visiting.

I hear her squeaky voice crackling though my cell phone, using that same condescending way of speaking she has used since I was 5 years old:

“Sweetie, we are SO. Prowd of youuuuuuu.”
“Thanks auntie.”
“You’ve grown up into such a wuvly young lady.”
“Yeah, that happens, um sometimes.”
“How old are you again?”
“28.”
“Wow! Did you ever dream of being 28?”

I had to stop and think for a bit before responding.

I remember sort of looking forward to 18 and 20 and 21 but probably most Americans do that. The next monumental birthday is 22 or 25 because that’s when your car insurance rates reduce significantly, but really, who dreams of that?

Everyone seems to dread 30, so why not dream of 28? Here is my list of things this 28-year-old is dreaming of:

A year that does not suck more than it rocks

Good times with family and friends

Bob Schneider- yum!

The Detroit Tigers in the World Series (winning it would only be better!)

Vacation

Winning the Lottery

Home ownership

Gelato

Steak Jalisco- Have you tasted a steak that makes your mouth want to dance and sing? I have!

Strong margaritas, garnished with orchids

Bring it, 28! I’m ready for ya!