The Birthday Post

You’re just a kid, doc, you won’t understand. But one day, you’re gonna wake up, and all the big stuff, all the milestones you’ve been looking forward to – graduation, wedding, having kids, your grandkids – it’s all behind you. It’s all over. All you got is a bunch of yesterdays, and very few tomorrows.

I have a picture of myself, taken on my 20th birthday. I’m in an ice rink, sitting on beat up wooden bleachers, wearing my best friend’s hoodie, my favourite sweatpants, rings on the important fingers, and I’m beaming. I had been at the rink all day, briefly escaped for a burger and a milkshake, and immediately returned to the rink to watch a friend’s team play. I love this picture, not because I look fantastic, in fact, I kind of look like a caricature. I love it simply because it so perfectly represents who I am.

For quite a few years I’ve been sharing my birthday with a very important tournament my team hosts. Early morning games mean no celebratory tequila shots, no party dresses, and no dancing on tables at 3am. And honestly? I enjoy it. I get to spend my birthday playing the sport I love, surrounded by teammates I love. There’s no pressure to wear a tiara and have the time of my life. The games are intense, but the time in between is mellow, a lovely contrast, perfectly complementing my personality.

This year is a little bit different as my birthday is a couple days before the tournament starts, but because the games will decide whether or not my team has a chance of making Nationals, tequila shots are still a no-go. Instead, I’ll be celebrating tonight by learning some new choreography at Street Jazz with my best friends, and will be with them again for a drink or two and bundles of laughter tomorrow. Early Saturday morning I’ll be packing my bag, and heading off to the rink. I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Here’s to being 23, appreciating everything the year brings, and and cherishing each milestone along the way.