Wednesday, February 13, 2008

my birthday. . . .

I just turned 29. My dad asked me if I felt old and I said, “no, not yet.” Many of my friends turned 30-something recently, so I’ll reserve the “feeling-old” bug for next year when my age begins with 3 rather than 2.

That being said, I’d like to reminisce about the years when my age began with a 1—my youth, so to speak. The first thing that comes to mind regarding teenager-hood is “I am glad that is over!”

On second-thought, there were some really good things I would take back, given the chance:
1) Driving the car with my own license for the first time. I’ve never felt quite so grown up as I did after hopping into the van on my way home from the DMV with mom in the passenger seat. That feeling quickly changed to embarrassment when I drove over a railroad track on my way home and popped the tire of the van (I am not kidding, this happened). I remember walking to the gas station with mom (this was before the age of cell phones) and calling dad to come rescue us (on a side note—why didn’t my mother know how to change a flat?). I remember dad asking me how in the world I managed to pop the tire on a train track. To this day I don’t know how that happened, but will always remember it as a huge ego-buster!
2) Having a female best friend. Maren, I love, love, love you! Not that being married isn’t great, but there is something special about having a female friend you can shop with, eat lunch with, study with, and hang out with. I admired her so much and still do—even though we don’t talk near as much as we should.
3) First crush, first kiss. Need I say more?
4) Getting my first job. I was a food demonstrator in a grocery store—I was so proud to tell my dad that I had landed a job myself. Looking back, this was probably one of the best jobs I had—I got to give out FREE samples to people. They liked me, and it’s not like I could do it wrong!! The downside was standing in the same spot for many hours.
5) Getting an acceptance letter to college. Even though I knew my stats were good enough to get in, there was a great relief opening that letter and realizing I had accomplished something really great
6) Gaining a testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I will be forever grateful to seminary teachers, Young Women leaders, my parents, and my friend’s parents for giving me experiences where I felt the Holy Ghost. Thank you for your service!

9 comments:

Mindy Burns said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY my little petri dish friend!!!! I love you and hope you have a wonderful birthday. I wish I were there to take you out and get a massage or go shopping together!!!!

Unknown said...

I have to say, that tire-popping story was pretty hilarious. I woulda laughed out loud had I not read it at 5:30 AM (the rest of the family was asleep...). I think I'll avoid railroad tracks when I come home now. :P When you say "first crush, first kiss," do you mean you got your first on your first crush? Sorry to pry, but that's how it came across. ;)

Momma H. said...

and a HAPPY BIRTHDAY (a day late) to you! I will try to remember to call tonight. Luv - Aunt Beth

Sarah Palfreyman said...

Happy happy birthday! I know Roger's 1st birthday is coming up as well--congratulations to both of you! Hope all is well.

Angela said...

happy b-day! What a great post. I didn't know the tire story. Does my sister read this? She should. Have a great day Camilla!

Melissa said...

Thanks a lot! I'm almost at the 3's.

Unknown said...

Oh happy 29 Camilla! An age many women have enjoyed for decades. I felt fine to move on but 33 was the hard one for me--this year 35 means i'm really over the hill. I hope you do wild & crazy things every last weekend of your 20s! And i love your blog it just makes me laugh every time!: ) Lisa

Sarah said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Belated! I love the insights into your life and how great they explain the great Camilla!

Carrie said...

Happy Birthday, Camilla! (Sorry so late!) We miss you guys and are grateful for blogs, so we can peek in and see how you're doing. It looks like you're doing great and holding down the fort while D slaves away. I wish I were there to have scrapbook nights while our men are on call. Love, Carrie