Tomorrow, I turn 28.

That’s right, it is what some refer to as a “golden birthday,” which is when your age and day of birth match [defined here on Urban Dictionary]. I only learned about this recently, and was happy I hadn’t missed the golden opportunity to pretend my birthday this year was a momentous occasion (see what I did there?! golden birthday… golden opportunity…). While I don’t think I’m “old” (I joke about being old but don’t truly think you can say you’re old and believe it until you’re, well, old), I’ve realized that I’ve completed a good portion of this thing called life, and took a little time to reflect on it. I suppose as you do get older, you start to think about where you’ve been, where you’re going, and everything in-between. Reflections seem to happen during those milestone moments – a birthday, a wedding, the start of a new year. So rather than try to ignore it, I decided I’d do something productive!

I’ve seen plenty of people make lists for things they’d like to accomplish within a set period of time, and I find myself thinking, “that would be cool to do!” but never actually doing it myself. But as I enter what is decidedly my “late twenties,” I realized there is no time like the present to do what I want. Within reason, of course. So yes, I created a short list of things I would like to do during my 28th year. They don’t really have a theme, and are random things I started to jot down when this idea first popped into my head. I’m sure I’ll add to the list as the year goes on, but the idea is to embrace doing the things I love; especially those that make me a little uncomfortable. And yes, this little graphic took me a lot longer than I’d like to admit.

I’m starting the celebration a little early today by going for a run and having lunch with Ashley and cutie-pie Jennie. I’ll officially kick off  my 28th year tomorrow morning with a 14 mile long run, followed by a much-earned free Starbucks drink (I’m thinking a Trenta will be in order). Beer, ice cream, and general relaxing will also be involved, and Sunday will include a trip to my hometown municipal pool, and a delicious dinner (to be determined where) with my mom and dad. Here’s to my golden year!

Tell me…
Have you had your “golden” birthday yet?
Any fun birthday traditions?