9.11.2007

This is What 39 Looks Like

Today is my birthday. 39.

Real 39 though, not that "39" that people say when they're really 40.

Overall I have no problem being 39, except maybe when Nate, who's eight years younger and thinks he's 16 (see also: Guitar Hero) says things like "um...maybe you shouldn't be wearing that skirt that's one inch above your knees."

Like I'm 70.

Like I'm dead.

So far I must say that 39 is not so bad, you young'ns out there who fear the bigger numbers. I'm liking it so much, I might just try it again next year. We'll see.

As you can imagine, this is a tough birthday to have, especially in New York City. I elaborated on this last year and I don't want to rehash it too much again. But for the last six years, it's been hard to celebrate unabashedly when your birthday is at best a silver lining. I don't want my birthday to be the silver lining. I want it to be the big fluffy white cloud with the rainbow behind it and the unicorn prancing overhead. Okay, so maybe I stole that image off a satin pillow I owned in 7th grade. Better that than the glittery t-shirt I owned at the same time that said tender sweet young thing. I don't care for my birthday to be about tender sweet young thing, unless it's describing a rack of lamb that I am eating over herbed risotto, with a bottomless bottle of Montrachet.

While there's a lot of stuff to mourn today, in ways it helps to shed light on a lot of stuff I have to be grateful for as I round out my fourth decade on this planet.

High on the list:

This is what 39 looks like, with one arm wrapped around what 89 1/2 looks like.

I'll take it.


98 Comments:

Blogger Mary said...

Happy Birthday Liz! You claimed this day about 33 years before 2001. I think you can have the fluffy cloud.

9/10/07, 8:57 PM  
Blogger Lara said...

it's all fun and games until the unicorn puts someone's eye out.

hope your birthday is free of sharp objects in your eyes.

9/10/07, 9:17 PM  
Blogger dawn224 said...

Happy Birthday and day-um, celebrate the AWESOME genetics in your family!

9/10/07, 9:25 PM  
Blogger S said...

Happy 39th! We're the same age for, hmm, 7 weeks.

And do you ever have awesome genes!

9/10/07, 9:29 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I turn 39 on 9/30. I've always been fine with my age. Then, this past weekend, I went to NYC with my sister for a little vacation. Some kind New Yorker decided to guess the difference in our ages and guessed two years. My sister loved that...loved it because she is FOURTEEN years older than me. 39 feels a little different now.

9/10/07, 9:30 PM  
Blogger Jill Urbane, The Mentor Mom said...

Happy birthday! I wouldn't have guessed either one of you were over 29 ;)

9/10/07, 9:34 PM  
Blogger Renée said...

We're just gettin' started! The 30's are rocking my world for more reasons than I thought possible.

9/10/07, 9:35 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm seven months behind you. Happy birthday!

9/10/07, 9:46 PM  
Blogger Amy said...

You are beautiful at any age, inside and out. Happy day.

9/10/07, 9:58 PM  
Blogger tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Hope it was rockin.

9/10/07, 10:12 PM  
Blogger Zellmer said...

You so do not look 39. And your Grandma is hot!

9/10/07, 10:19 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday!
Mine's next week - a whole 31.

9/10/07, 10:26 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dude, I'm right behind you. I'll be 39 in one month. Oy.

9/10/07, 10:36 PM  
Blogger b*babbler said...

Happy birthday... The day is totally yours for the taking.

9/10/07, 10:54 PM  
Blogger Cynthia said...

Happy birthday...I am 39 as well, it's working for me so far....congrats!

9/10/07, 11:08 PM  
Blogger NG said...

Happy birthday from the tail end of 39.

9/10/07, 11:30 PM  
Blogger kirida said...

Happy Birthday! I'm expecting wild kegger pictures in the next post.

9/10/07, 11:33 PM  
Blogger Jaelithe said...

Aww, come on. Nate is just policing your skirts because you're hot and he doesn't want some other younger man stealing you.

Well, and it seems to me men have this weird "mother of my child" issue sometimes, too . . .

Imagine I am singing some sort of obnoxious restaurant-style Happy Birthday song involving balloons, clapping, and possibly a sombrero in your honor.

9/10/07, 11:58 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Day, Liz. You are one rockin' hot momma.

9/11/07, 12:10 AM  
Blogger Laura said...

Happy Birthday!!! Careful going out - you may get carded!!! CELEBRATE and ENJOY!

9/11/07, 12:40 AM  
Blogger Girl con Queso said...

Happy Birthday, my friend. Eat 39 cupcakes. At least.

9/11/07, 12:51 AM  
Blogger Robin said...

Happy birthday Liz. I'll be right there with you next summer.

Have a wonderful day. Not in a silver lining sort of way, but in a defiant spit in their eye life is going on despite it all sort of way. In a dance like nobody's watching sort of way.

9/11/07, 1:06 AM  
Blogger Lady M said...

Happy Birthday!

Wishing you fluffy clouds with unicorns, rainbows, and happy octopi waving their little tentacles in celebration. :)

9/11/07, 1:19 AM  
Blogger josetteplank.com said...

Happy Birthday you sexy almost-40, you!!

ALL my favorite people are Virgos!

ALL of them!

We need to get together with our white gloves and organize our spice racks sometime.

Smooches!

9/11/07, 1:43 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy, happy day, Liz. Unicorns rule.

9/11/07, 1:49 AM  
Blogger Shannon said...

Happy Birthday!

9/11/07, 2:28 AM  
Blogger Mahlers On Safari said...

I think I gave you that unicorn satin pillow as your bat mitzvah gift. And if I remember correctly I had a major fight with my mother over how much it cost - but I argued successfully that for my best friend, it wasn't too much to pay. Now I get to tell her that you still use it for inspiration!

Score!

September 11 will always be about you, baby... and how fabulous you are and will continue to be - well into you later years...

See you at 40, soon!

9/11/07, 2:50 AM  
Blogger GIRL'S GONE CHILD said...

Happy Birthday, lovely lady. A wonderful year to you AND 39,000 hugs!

9/11/07, 4:17 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Liz....

9/11/07, 4:33 AM  
Blogger sarah doow said...

Happy Birthday! Celebrate however you want - Mary made a very good point.

9/11/07, 5:43 AM  
Blogger Motherhood Uncensored said...

I hope I look as fantastic as you do at 39.

You have set the bar ridiculously high :)

Happy Birthday!

9/11/07, 6:57 AM  
Blogger Fairly Odd Mother said...

89 1/2 looks like 60! Amazing!

Happy birthday my dear. And when you decide to join me in my decade next year, we'll have to celebrate , even if you'd rather wait until the 12th to do it.

Much love and keep hiking up your skirt.

9/11/07, 7:35 AM  
Blogger David said...

happy birthday!

9/11/07, 8:06 AM  
Blogger Karen Bodkin said...

Shit girl! I thought you were WAY younger than me (33)!!!!

I hope I look half as gorgeous as you do at 39. Happy Birthday Tigger.

9/11/07, 8:07 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You both put those ages to shame! You look wonderful!!

9/11/07, 9:28 AM  
Blogger BOSSY said...

You have good Genes. Your jeans are cute too. Happy birthday. Come on over to Bossy's place and help her celebrate her son's 18th birthday. Oyvey.

9/11/07, 9:30 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy birthday! It's still your day, no matter what else has happened. Celebrate YOU.

9/11/07, 9:35 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We need birthdays on days like this. Happy Birthday -- and you look great.

9/11/07, 9:37 AM  
Blogger Her Bad Mother said...

Happy Birthday, suweet-heart. You make 39 look SPECTACULAR.

And? Happy BIRTHday to your fabulous mom. The world really oughta thank her, big time, for you.

9/11/07, 9:53 AM  
Blogger PunditMom said...

Happy 39! You look fabulous and from that photo, it looks like you'll be fabulous for years to come!

9/11/07, 10:04 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday!

9/11/07, 10:08 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Liz - having celebrated the 4th anniversary of my 39th birthday, I get it - you look fabulous and your mother is absolutely gorgeous.

You are very blessed - physically and...well...basically, everything else - and have every rite to enjoy the day.

9/11/07, 10:19 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy birthday, Liz. Hope you have a great day!

9/11/07, 10:21 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Liz! Both 39 and 89 1/2 are absolutely Gorgeous!! Tell your husband to turn off football and take you OUT.

9/11/07, 10:24 AM  
Blogger Chicky Chicky Baby said...

Happy Birthday, Liz! Those are some amazing genes you've got there.

Now go eat some cake while you wear a short skirt.

9/11/07, 10:25 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well happy birthday to you - it's mine also!

9/11/07, 10:38 AM  
Blogger Fraulein said...

I'm right there with you -- my 39th is coming up in January. Hope you have an awesome birthday!!

9/11/07, 10:43 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday! I was pregnant when I was 39. In fact, I had a baby shower on my 40th birthday, so that "big one" went by pretty much unnoticed.

9/11/07, 11:09 AM  
Blogger Mayberry said...

Your family ages DAMN WELL. Happy day.

9/11/07, 11:24 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy birthday, dear! I'll be 32 this month....and you look younger than I do.

Did I mention I hate you for that?

Just making sure.

9/11/07, 11:34 AM  
Blogger Chris said...

Happy Birthday!

9/11/07, 1:17 PM  
Blogger Phoenix said...

Enjoy your day. You should celebrate. It's just as important, if not more so, to celebrate the living as well as remembering the dead.

Happy 39th.

9/11/07, 1:19 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy 39th! You are one awesome person, no matter what age. And 40? The best is yet to come, my dear!

9/11/07, 1:30 PM  
Blogger Lumpyheadsmom said...

Happy happy!

9/11/07, 1:51 PM  
Blogger Marshamlow said...

Happy B-day, I am about six months behind you.

9/11/07, 2:02 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Happy Birthday... I just turned 38 and so far I haven't needed to ask the kids to open the Geritol for me...

9/11/07, 2:52 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

39 over there is looking better than 26 over here today. It was a rough night for the Mom over here!

Happy Birthday!

9/11/07, 3:20 PM  
Blogger A. Nonny Mouse said...

I'd say 39 is looking pretty damn good. I hope that my 31 (today is my birthday, too) looks as good. Considering that my 2 month old had me up 4 times last night (someone really needs to teach that kid about birthdays being special days) I'm fearful that 31 is looking a little tired and baggy today.

Happy, happy birthday!

9/11/07, 4:08 PM  
Blogger ollka said...

OMG the loveliness! No, really? 39 and 89? AND A HALF? Gawd. I wish I looked half as gorgeous as the two of you.

With best wishes on your birthday from faraway Lithuania,
21

9/11/07, 4:23 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you were born.

Happy Birthday, mamacita!

9/11/07, 4:50 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Two of the Most Beautiful women at any age!!! Thank god I have some of those genes!!!
xoxo - Love to you

9/11/07, 5:12 PM  
Blogger Lori at Spinning Yellow said...

Happy Birthday, Mom101! Hope you like 39 as much as I do!

9/11/07, 5:26 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy birthday!

9/11/07, 5:36 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday!
Maybe this will help....I have found, as have almost all of my female friends, that after 40, there is a sense of freedom that a woman never has before. Freedom to be who you want to be, to say whatever you want to say, to make choices that you never made before. Each year after forty gives more freedom!

I have enjoyed the years since 40 more than any other period in my life. I worry less and enjoy more!

So CELEBRATE!

9/11/07, 5:57 PM  
Blogger mommyneedsacocktail said...

you are looking FAB!!

good enough to spring for that extra glass (or three) of wine at dinner tonight.

Hope it's a great one.

9/11/07, 6:09 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I only hope that, 4 years from now, I will look that good! Happy (mutual) Birthday!

9/11/07, 8:48 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Honey, from someone who's met you in real life... you don't look 39! At all! (go ahead, wear that skirt)

Happy Birthday!

9/11/07, 9:41 PM  
Blogger yoo hoo said...

ok, so I thought of you today as I was flying across the country. First because it is 9/11, secondly because the lady sitting next to me it was her birthday as well. I didn't even bother to state what a sucky day to have a b-day on. And I recalled your post from last year about your birthday being on Sept 11. May you have many more 39s to pick from and that I have to say is just a perfect age.

9/11/07, 9:46 PM  
Blogger Everydaytreats said...

Just as I suspected...39 is freaking hot! Happy Birthday!

9/11/07, 10:02 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

39 and 89 1/2 look pretty damn awesome to me. Peace.

9/11/07, 10:54 PM  
Blogger j.sterling said...

happy birthday you sexy biotch you!

9/11/07, 11:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday you ever so hot mama! You are a young'n at 39.... You are still the fastest walker I know!

9/11/07, 11:11 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy birthday!!

9/11/07, 11:35 PM  
Blogger Marcia Francois said...

And may I add, you look FABULOUS for 39!

9/12/07, 9:08 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Belated!

And if you're the face of 39, I can't wait to get there. :-)

9/12/07, 9:26 AM  
Blogger Christina said...

Happy belated birthday!

If I look even half that good at 39 I'll be happy. You've got some amazing genetics.

9/12/07, 9:39 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy (late) birthday!

You look phenomenal.

9/12/07, 9:51 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday! (And I'm sorry I'm late!)

9/12/07, 10:18 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

THAT IS A GREAT PHOTO! LOVE IT!
I'm telling you... if 89 looks like that, I'll have what she's having - NOW!
Love you blog... and Happy Birthday!
- Audrey
Pinks & Blues

9/12/07, 11:29 AM  
Blogger carrie said...

Love that photo! You and your Grandma are so cute!

Happy belated birthday to you!

9/12/07, 12:22 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

God, I miss you.

(Sorry. Hormones at play.)

Happy birthday, my friend. Thought of you often yesterday.

9/12/07, 12:38 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You look fabulous!

9/12/07, 1:46 PM  
Blogger Lawyer Mama said...

It's a tough day to have a birthday, but it was yours first!

Now that I've met you in person I am soooo not believing you are 39 until I see the birth certificate. No way. Not buying it!

9/12/07, 2:34 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've heard forty is the new eighteen and you're not even there yet which would mean you're about 12 by today's standards. Congrats on being 12 and I hope to God I look that good at 89!

9/12/07, 3:09 PM  
Blogger Villagepig said...

Oh My God I am late in the good wishing thing. Thankfully you have a full 364 more days of it so HAPPY B-DAY Buddee ;-)

So glad to have found you and the day is made all the more special because it is yours!

Amy

9/12/07, 3:44 PM  
Blogger S.T. said...

Happy belated 39th birthday from a fellow 39 year old. (But, sadly, I'll be hitting the big 4-0 in a couple of months. I'm grasping and clawing to hold on to my rapidly fleeting 30's. Sigh.)

9/12/07, 4:24 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy belated birthday. You look terrific at 39!

Work that skirt! Hope Nate got a good evil eye from that comment.

9/12/07, 4:44 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

39??? You look more like 29! Ole nate best be careful (chuckle). Oh ya.. miniskirts? Me. 41.. gramma (4 times over yet) and miniskirts a whoppin 2 inches above the knee.. just cuz I can :D

9/12/07, 5:09 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy birthday, Liz!

9/12/07, 6:15 PM  
Blogger Victoria said...

Dayum! It looks Goooooood on ya!

Happy (belated) Birthday!

9/12/07, 6:28 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

On the day you were born the skies opened and the godess said, "This child is your gift from the unicorns and the rainbows. This child will grow up to shed light on everyone she sees. This child...."

9/12/07, 7:15 PM  
Blogger Victoria said...

I also meant to say, you are so super duper awesome for having a younger hubby.
Mine's older than yours, but I'm thinking their maturity level is prolly somewhat equal. Just substitute Guitar Hero for Halo, Burnout, and Tiger Woods Golf. Oy.

9/12/07, 9:17 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy 39th!

I had that same pillow. I got it at Eggemoggin. Remember them? Right near Dark Star Records.

9/13/07, 11:13 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

i think you look fantabulous!

9/14/07, 1:18 PM  
Blogger Damselfly said...

Try it again next year, hee hee! Many birthday blessings....

9/14/07, 2:41 PM  
Blogger Damselfly said...

...And bonus points for nabbing a younger guy!

9/14/07, 2:43 PM  
Blogger the mystic said...

Happy Birthday! I'm not too excited to be 37 either if you want to know the truth. But as the old folks say, getting older is better than the alternative.

9/16/07, 11:25 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Aw, where have I been? HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

9/25/07, 9:08 PM  

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