I was brainstorming recipes and Google-imaging cakes earlier this week, trying to decide what my birthday cake should be and I just couldn’t get into it. I’m caked out. I don’t want to make one and I don’t want to eat one. I actually attempted to make a couple of cakes this past weekend and I gave up 2/3 of the way through. They were baked, crumb-coated, one of them was even fondant-ed, and what did I do? On Sunday afternoon at approximately 3:00, I placed the cakes into a shoe box (yep) and placed them down the chute. I was just done.
And then I made fish sticks and macaroni and cheese.
I’m 31 today and it is the FIRST birthday I am not making a big celebratory deal of it. I guess because of all the excitement of the summer months (moving, getting married, honeymooning), and because 31 is underwhelming compared to last year’s 30 – I mean, a hurricane even came to town to help me celebrate it! Although it is my “golden birthday” (31 on the 31st – it only happens once!), all I want today is to get off work before 8pm and eat a tuna fish sandwich with a handful of kettle chips smashed inside. Maybe with a candle in it:)
When I think about where I was last summer, mentally and emotionally, it astounds me. Last February I was breaking up with Brad, last April I sought out counseling and last June I was going on a yoga retreat in Mexico to find myself. If anyone is in a place in their lives at this moment where they are confused, unhappy, lost, I promise, so much can change in the course of a year. Keep making the tough decisions to change the things you’re not finding contentment in. Seek wisdom above all else. You won’t be here forever.
Have a wonderful Labor Day, and if your pool is closing after this weekend like mine is, enjoy it!
images via Fashionising
23 Comments
This is such an encouraging read! Now that im getting closer to the big 3-0, I have really taken time out to evaluate my life and the direction it’s going. I’ve been working hard to change the things that I am not happy with, and it’s so refreshing to read about what a positive direction that life can take with time. Cheers to your birthday and weekend! I really enjoy your blog (I just discovered it, and i’m definitely a fan)
I love your post, pictures and encouraging words!!! Have a beautiful birthday lovie! XO
hey lady! I love that you also know about the concept of Golden Birthdays, so I’m wishing you a very happy one. Congratulations on an amazing summer, thanks for the words of wisdom, and I’m loving those photos! especially that last one…
Hi Lari and thank you! That 30th birthday really forces you into self evaluation mode doesn’t it?? Congratulations on getting there; the fact that you are taking the time to think about where you want your life to go and making the effort to get there leaves me no doubt you’ll be where you want to. Time is a funny thing, it inevitably passes but we never want to wait for it. This time in your life is just as valuable as your life 5 years in the future; try not to be too hard on yourself (advice I was always given but could never apply), you’re great already and you’re gonna be greater!
Happy Birthday super stylish lady.
Why thank you Michelle! I love your new site layout btw. How have you been?? Are you relating to that last pic?
Thank you so much Sankalpa, it takes one to know one;)
Such wise words. The last few years have been a bit of mixer for me. Meaning I felt at times like I was the cake batter being beaten around. But things change, life can get better and we grow and change, if we just hang in there.
Happy Birthday, friend and pretty lady! You are an inspiration.
haha I actually have an August birthday as well which just passed and I felt the same as you – no desire to make myself a cake but luckily I have awesome friends who were up to the challenge. I did several cakes for friends over the summer but will be getting back to my Cake Remix’es in a few weeks because I have a bunch of ideas I want to try out.
Congratulations again and enjoy the married life!
It’s your Golden Birthday- you can do whatever you want! Whatever it is…enjoy it to the fullest. Many more blessings on the 31st!
happy birthday pretty lady! i hope its a relaxing one
was wondering where the cake pics were
,,,cheers to a birthday without cake but perhaps some bubbly in lieu of? hope your celebration is nothing short of wonderful with the best tuna sandwich and kettle chips to enjoy!,,,
Happy Birthday, Apollina! I just started reading your blog and it’s such a delight.
I hope your birthday was just the way you wanted it and I hope this golden day will extend into the year, filled with happiness and wonder.
Happy Birthday Lovely Lady!
Happy Birthday! I hope it turned out wonderful!
Happy Belated, and next time you wanna throw out cakes, call me first!
Haha, you got it:)
Happy birthday!! I’m turning 30 next year and was thinking about doing a yoga retreat by myself. I’m not really good with having so much alone time but a retreat should surely help me conquer it. Which one did you go to?
Hi Helen and thanks! I went Amansala (www.AmansalaResort.com) in Tulum, Mexico. I highly recommend it – especially if you aren’t good with alone time – you need to get good with it! They have a retreat called Bikini Bootcamp (www.bikinibootcamp.com) and it was great, rigorous workouts all day, delicious and healthy food, plenty of time to reflect, think and get to know yourself a bit more. You gotta spend time with someone to know who they are – including yourself;)
I hope you still managed to find some fun and joy in celebrating your birthday, but I was exactly like you when I turned 31, not really wanting to do much of anything. But I wouldn’t have dared thrown out good cake!!!
I had to respond to this especially because of your last paragraph. I feel like I’m going through a second quarterlife crisis right now because I feel kind of stuck in place. There are things I need to change, but I’m lacking direction and answers. I have to work through it and make bold moves to get to that better place. It just feels like it might never happen, but I too keep that thought in my head that things do change and where you are now could be totally different than where you are in the future.
Great words of wisdom!!
Love you girl!!! and I am loving all the inspirational words… I agree that one must live their joie of living and as you said: ” If anyone is in a place in their lives at this moment where they are confused, unhappy, lost, I promise, so much can change in the course of a year. Keep making the tough decisions to change the things you’re not finding contentment in. Seek wisdom above all else. You won’t be here forever.” LA JOIE DE VIVRE. XOXOXOXOXO <3
Girl, I know exactly how you feel. When you know something needs to change but don’t know what exactly that is or how to go about it, it’s a helpless feeling. As long as you don’t throw up your hands and settle into complacency and become content with discontentment, you are on the right track. Keep your mind sharp and your heart hopeful. You have exciting things to look forward to, whether you know it or not!
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