Today is my birthday, and I turn 30. I am now in my third decade.

I knew this day was coming, which is why this year I’ve been focusing more on making sure my life is the way I want it. I’ve felt like I’ve been reacting far more than I’ve been acting for several years. At the dawn of a new decade, I figured it was time to start acting again.

On that note, I spent the last few moments of my 20s editing a horror short story about murderous geese, which sounds about right for me. Very on brand. (I submitted that story, too. Story 2 of the year. I’m only one behind, so I’m still doing well on my monthly story goal.)

Tonight I’ll get to hang out with a bunch of friends and celebrate and play games. I’m very excited.

One last thing before I close this very quick impromptu post: I thought I was fine with turning thirty? Like, age is just a number and it’s not like being 29 is any different than being thirty? But then my wife said, “Happy birthday! You’re thirty now! You are no longer in your 20s.” And hearing it presented like that was actually pretty affecting. I’ve obviously spent most of my adult life in my 20s, so it’s unexpectedly affecting.

Let’s see what we can make of this old life in the next year, and in the next 10. Onward!