30 going on 13

...otherwise known as (Sweet Sixteen)2 - 2, or my Double Quinceañera

Other than the tragic realization that I am probably now lactose-intolerant and will require a personal trainer to fit back into my old jeans and aspirational drawer-full of cute swimwear, I feel quite happy at the ripe old age of 30. Some of the reasons include (in no particular order):

• I can get away with fun clothes, because thanks to Asian genes, dimples, occasional acne, and stubborn baby fat, I look more like I'm in my 20s or teens.



• I can shamelessly enjoy really bad music, movies, and tv, because I don't care about being cooler than the other kids.



• Having a stable job and no dependents, I can afford to indulge in an extravagant designer bag if I think it's cute. Or a shopping spree at Target. Or stock options. Or a spontaneous trip to Las Vegas to see Destiny's Child.



• I know better than to fall for horrible trends like Ugg boots, Boho-chic, Croc shoes, and the horrific return of pegged jeans.



• I am finally starting to like little kids. But I don't feel like I need to have any right now.



• I am rather content sitting around at home by myself in my undies in my own apartment.



• I rather enjoy the company of my delightfully strange and funny friends, including one who giddily exclaimed to me, "You're 30 and Dirty!" I think she meant it as a compliment...



• Despite being a fairly small Asian person, I can still chug 3 sake bombs, two cocktails, and a glass of wine and still walk around in heels and sing karaoke. And even in a drunken stupor, I can tell my friends I don't need another drink, because I know when to avoid the vomit level of drunkeness.



• I have friends who still get excited about s'mores, miniature candy apples (highly recommended from Luna Park), karaoke, video games, and the little plastic animals that come with fancy cocktails.



• I am not as freaked out about what will happen to me, as I was in my 20s. And I feel better about knowing what I need and want to be happy.



• I'm getting closer in age to men who seem slightly more dateable, having figured out what they want and need to be happy. Can we say, "30 and Flirty"?



• I have a super-fun convertible bug and live in nearly perpetually sunny weather.



• My friends think it's perfectly fine to get me presents suited for a 13-year old, such as:

A miniature suitcase of happy-faced sushi rubber stamps


The Muppet Show DVD Set


A banana phone. Or rather, a banana case for my phone.

Happy Birthday to me, indeed! Now pass me the Lactase pills before I start to get cranky.