I’m not going to get all deep or philosophical about what it means to turn 30. Instead, I’m just going to tell you that turning 30 was really, really great. As one friend wrote in her card to me, “Welcome to an even better decade that’s bound to treat you to the joys of giving fewer shits and doing more of what you want.” I’m really into that.
In some ways, that totally reflected the way I celebrated this year. I’m sure that’s why it was my best birthday yet. Here’s exactly why.
Waking Up to 30
Truthfully, I went to bed the day before feeling kind of down. Obviously, 29 is not the end of my youthful and interesting life, but I was treating it that way because I’m a drama queen and also the worst.
But all those feelings were gone when I woke up around 1:30AM. Sitting on the dresser was this wonderful and silly marquee sign that Michael lit up. It was a really special way to greet a new decade. I took this as a sign of things to come and went back to bed ready to celebrate come morning.
(Also, it didn’t say “Happy birthday” because the box was missing all the Ps. I think this message is better anyway.)
Indulgent Things
I decided to stack my birthday with all kinds of indulgent activities that I love, but rarely treat myself two. Chief among them: Visiting La Reve in the Wauwatosa Village for breakfast.
This place is a treasure. Go on a weekday for breakfast and you will find a fancy yet super chill atmosphere. It’s quiet, the mimosas are great and the pastries are even better. Swinging by for a fruit tart was a serious treat. And snaps for the Aries bartender who chatted rising and moon signs with me!
More indulgent things: a manicure at Neroli, a key lime pie from Honeypie and a great dinner by my mom. ☺️
The Real Kicker
As wonderful and relaxing as the day-of celebrations were, the highlight of turning 30 was hitting up Don’s Diner for a real night out.
First, of course, the fam and I did some dinner. There’s a new menu and it’s fabulous. But as soon as we were done, we made our way back to the Naughty Angel (the lounge there) and knocked back a few old fashioneds.
Hanging out in the lounge – which so many people said reminded them of their grandparents’ houses – was a real blast. The bartender queued up some Bob’s Burgers without me even asking and we listened to some 90s jams (I did request those).
In such a delightfully quirky place, it could be tempting to start living for the ‘Gram, but I decided to put my phone away for the night (here’s where the giving fewer shits come into play). My party didn’t need to be a photo shoot. Instead, I put out my Instax camera and let people do their thing.
And that was really great. I just got to hang with my friends and catch up with folks new and old. Honestly, I was really touched that so many people came to say hey. To all of you that made it, I can’t thank you enough. You made 30 super special.
Also, a special shoutout to Michael for helping to tee this whole thing up, my friends Matt and Amanda for coming a long way to see me, and my gal Eva who made a Tosi-inspired cake (and managed to transport it across the stat in one piece!) for the gods. It was fantastic.
