Wrangler Dani

Not only are our friends all having real live flesh and blood CHILDREN, but now I’ve officially entered the “nearer-30-than-not” age bracket. I would like to say that I’m brimming with wisdom and such from my long and illustrious life, but really, I just now realized that the sides of my hair get frizzy when I try to do a “curly hair messy bun” (that only looks effortless, kids. When you actually put up a genuinely effortless bun, it looks genuinely effortless, as in, did you wash your face this morning and forget to take your hair back down afterwards?) So basically I’m telling you to keep your expectations low.

However, I’m going to attempt to relate anything at all that I may have learned this year. Behold, a list:

• DO YOUR HAIR. Judging from my endless earlier monologue, this is still a challenge for me. However, thanks to the wise words of my golden-haired roommate, I am at least making an effort. Do I get As for effort on bun/ponytail/frizztastic days?
• Take time out. I’ve been logging A LOT of working hours this year, and I’ve learned first-hand the value of a long lunchtime walk, a chat with a friend, a morning adventure with my hubby or an afternoon off to read a book or otherwise recharge. Sunshine and contemplation are good for the soul.
• Let people surprise you. Most people are nicer than I give them credit for, and a smile goes a long way.
• Write about something that matters/inspires/makes you happy. I haven’t lived up to this one like I should, but I’ve realized how badly I need to do this more. Work in progress.
• Have an opinion, and express it well. You wouldn’t think this would be hard for me, would you, with the mouthing off and the many strident views on far-reaching bits of culture – but because I tend toward aggressive opinionation (<—– not a real word) I also have Talker’s Remorse (why did I say that? I bet they hate me now!) and then subsequent fear of saying anything at all. The happy place that I’ve discovered is not one in which I’m muzzled, nor one in which I lose my filter, but a moderate, well-spoken, gracious, passionate and opinionated lady who I’ve never actually met but I’m sure lives inside me somewhere and is going to come out and teach my alternately rude and wimpily terrified alter ego a thing or two. I can’t wait. Watch for next year’s birthday list to see if she makes 28 her year to shine.
• Experiment with food. I had frozen puff pastry, cream cheese, maple syrup and jalapeno slices and lots of hungry people to feed. Insert one mini muffin tin and a bit of ingenuity and we had the best appetizers ever created. Take a chance!
• Step out of your comfort zone. Give someone a smile, go to an event “stag”, give up control.
• Learn how to use Excel. This is more of a realization than an accomplishment… let’s just say I’m working on it.

Here’s to 28!