I’m Older Now and Making Things Happen

So I had a birthday yesterday. I know.

I’m firmly in my mid-thirties now. This is kind of cool, I think.  I’m the smartest I’ve ever been and I like that. I also like this owl. Thereby, I have included him in my blog post.

(But I digress).

As I take stock, I realize that I understand the world more than I ever have. (Listen, I’m no sage of life, but I’m wiser than that ridiculous twenty five year old version of myself by far). What was she thinking? I get the concept of caloric intake and know when it’s time to change my oil. I pay bills on time and own a house. I feed my dogs on schedule, and treasure and look forward to time spent with family and friends a great deal. I have two jobs that each offer me a creative outlet and I find value in both of them.

Oh, my goodness, I’m a grown up. And it feels really, really great.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m still a whimsical girl and probably always will be. I like to rap in the car when I drive, and put the top down for effect. I assign feelings to inanimate objects and name things that simply don’t require names. I refuse to eat popcorn before the movie starts on principle. I own several colors of Chuck Taylor’s (Converse) and wear them whenever possible (now). I could go on. In fact, the whimsical list probably out numbers the grown up list, but I’m actually okay with that too.

About ten months ago, I wrote a blog about the things I wish I had more time for. Hobbies I would take up. Yesterday, I got to experience one of those past times. I was nervous but if there aren’t nerves involved, than you probably don’t care that much, am I right?

So yesterday, I was a volunteer wine pourer in the tasting room at Grape Creek Vineyard in Fredericksburg, Texas. That’s right.  I was the person behind the counter who pours the tastings and talks to you about the different varietals. I even had the Grape Creek shirt to shout to the world how very official I was.  It took me a customer or two to get fully into the swing of things, but after that, I felt like a pro. I made small talk with my customers, offered insight into sugar contents, barrel aging, tasting notes, and pairing suggestions. I guided my customers on their tasting journey and helped them narrow down their favorites for possible purchase.  The tasting room manager, Doug, said I was fantastic. He even told me to email him if I wanted to be added to the schedule! (cartwheel) As a bonus, lots of my family and friends made the drive to help celebrate the day with me. There was a fantastic picnic afterwards. I promise.

Working the tasting room. The guy in the middle photo is my dad!

This is what I’m finding: New experiences keep life interesting.  I had a great time at Grape Creek and will use the day as a reminder to get out there and live. Do the things I want to do. It’s easy to stay in and watch a TV show on a given Saturday, because I really like TV. But how much will I remember an afternoon like that when I’m seventy-five? I won’t. Those kinds of days will blend.

So that’s my new extra grown up motto: Keep it memorable.  So the next time I feel the urge to turn down an opportunity because it’s tiring or pushes me outside of my comfort zone, I’ll remember this blog, my day of wine pouring, and make a more informed decision.

It’s what grown ups do.