Every year my family has a Spring Birthday Bash. We have so many people with birthdays in April and May, myself included, that it just makes sense to get together and celebrate as a group. There’s presents, and laughter, and poker, and cake. Oh yes, there is cake.

These days, with everyone watching calories and carb counts, it’s hard to remember when eating cake was pure joy. Remember when just the thought of birthday cake filled you with excitement? When you ran into the kitchen and soaked in the colorful icing? When you buried your face in the silky goodness? No?

Meet Bailey. She knows exactly how to enjoy a birthday cake.

Is this the cutest cake face ever? I think so!

 I’m not thrilled with my upcoming doomsday birthday. No matter how many times I tell myself it’s just a number, that it’s better than the alternative, and that I’m only as old as I think I am…all those cliche’s just aren’t making me happier. As a matter of fact, I’d love to hunt down the person who first said them and give them a sharp kick in the groin.

In my heart I’m about 25. I’ve just finished college and I’m ready to take over the world. Shhh, nobody tell me any different!

Sure this birthday is just a number. It’s a number that seemed ancient when I was 14. And no, I’m not going to tell you what that number is. It’s different for everyone. I just know that this is my year to freak out over it. I’ve decided to accept that and roll with it. Dammit, there’s so much left for me to get done! I can’t believe I wasted so many years doing something I didn’t love. And now that I love what I’m doing, I can’t believe there are so few years left to do it. At least, that’s how it feels. There are so many stories struggling to get out that I can’t type fast enough. There aren’t enough hours in a day and there certainly aren’t enough years left. But I have the solution.

Next year I’ll start counting backwards.

When I get to 25, I’ll stop. Every birthday after that will be my 25th.

As for cake? Screw the carb counting, it’s my birthday and I’m having cake! In case you’ve forgotten that simple joy, go find a 2 year old and give them a piece. If you’re adventurous, join in. I mean really join in. Get your fingers in there and squish! Be sure to have a hose handy.

By the way, beware orange icing. It stains!