Dengler

I turn thirty on Sunday. The big 3-0, my golden birthday. A celebration I was always jealous of other kids in grade school. A lot of kids could celebrate it, but I have had to wait well past grade school to enjoy it. Thirty is a big day. While not a big achievement compared to others, it always stuck with me from high school when a substitute teacher talked about their youngest turning thirty, and how it made them feel old. On that day, thirty seemed far away, but it is now time.

By reaching this age, much has changed in the world in the last thirty years. The biggest change is how technology plays a role in American society. Coming out of the womb, the thought of an iPhone was more than a decade away. The advancement of technology allows families to connect with each other over vast swathes of land giving the opportunity to see younger relatives grow up rather than see them around the standard holidays. Unfortunately, this technology led to social media’s proliferation which has led to more polarization in the country. Like most parts of life, taking a moderate approach to social media is the best idea.

On the lighter side of life, clothing trends from the nineties and early aughts are coming back around such chokers, ripped jeans, scrunchies, and overalls. The old man on the sidewalk preaching about trends coming back again was correct. What goes around, comes around. The youth will always bring back an old trend. Look no further than the basketball court. Gone are the baggy shorts inspired by Allen Iverson, and back are the how much leg can one show short shorts of John Stockton. Who knew John Stockton would be a trendsetter?

Like clothing, certain food and drinks had their time back in the day such as All Sport. The brief competitor to Gatorade yet whose logo lived on in infamy in the North Tama MPR for years. After one tasted All Sport, there was an obvious reason why Gatorade won out. On the food side, Kid Cuisine was the best option. This beefed-up frozen dinner version of Lunchables was amazing. These dinners have lived rent free in my head for a long time.

Much has changed in the last thirty years, but it has been a fun ride so far. With this ride came lessons, and one is to be grateful. Grateful for my good health and getting to this age because unfortunately, not everyone does. Another reason to be grateful is to still have a living grandparent in Mildred who experienced thirty many moons ago, a phenomenal family and friends, the opportunity to farm, and the opportunity to enjoy life. While there are certainly a lot of people who are “ahead” of you and me in life, plenty wish they were in our shoes. Be grateful and thankful. Who cares about golden birthdays? This is how to celebrate a birthday and life in general.