Happy Birthday, Almost Ann.

I'm turning 29 in about three hours, and I wish I had more to say about it. I mean, 29 is kind of that age that you don't really fear, and you probably don't really remember when you look back. It's kind of that miserable nothing. One more step to 30, but you're kind of where you were before you turned 29, probably where you were, or close enough (still in line at the same bus stop, so to speak) when you were 28. Still trying to figure it out, and still with that huge list in front of you of what you want and need to do to make it through the next decade.

I remember when my parents used to say, and even the older people that I knew surrounding me in my younger ages, that the older you get, the less you pay attention to your age, and your birthday, and generally the fact that you're just every day, step by step, getting older. I never believed them. But now as I sit on the verge of 29, all I can really think to say is, "So what?"

Probably the most eventful part of turning 29 is the deal I made with myself last year: if you can't do it yourself, then who is going to do it for you? Last year, I went ahead and bought myself an iPhone for my birthday, since I knew it was time to upgrade to some new technology. And I'm happy to report that I kept the promise to myself when I knew I was going to move and save a ton of money: I'm currently writing my blog on my new shiny HP laptop I bought with the security deposit from the house I formerly rented.

Life is good.

Usually I spend these kind of times reminiscing. I'm a sucker for that kind of stuff. I cry if I watch Dancing with the Stars and American Idol when they show scenes of a contestant's Long Road to Stardom. I like looking back, I dwell in it usually. But today, right now, tomorrow, there really is no place for that. I don't want to look back anymore. That's behind me, literally. I'm spending my next year looking forward. And I have a few goals I'd like to write down, kind of as a Happy New Year to Almost Ann's Year of Growth:

• Get into the Goucher Creative Nonfiction Program
• Lose the weight I've wanted to for years
• Reminding myself it's ok to say no and not feel compelled to do something because someone else wants you to
• Foster the friendships that have tested the past year, but still exist
• Spend more time with myself, by myself, fostering my talent.
• Write and read.

Really, I can't think of anything else right now. I mean, come on. I'm old. I like to spend time with my pug, drinking wine. I like grammar. I get home from work and can't be bothered to go back out. I wake up early for work and go to bed early. I start looking at kids with piercings in their face and hair the color of KoolAid and wonder why they would do that to myself. (Now that's ironic).

My years behind me have tired me out. But I'm older and wiser enough to listen to my body; and give it what it needs.

Happy Birthday, Almost Ann. Get your ass in gear.