Thirty. The number we couldn’t count to until we were three. The depression era in American history. The amount of tracks on the Elvis number one hits collection. Rhymes with birdies. Oh the incredible power of the number 30. As the oldest of the Gen-Xers begin to enter into them we get a little misty. Why? Truthfully there are many reasons. Maybe it’s because we remember OUR parents when they were in their thirties. It could be that thirty just seems like a BIG number! Either way, turning thirty seems to be an important birthday.
This month my beautiful wife turned thirty (as do I in a couple of weeks). Her gracefulness, kindness, love, commitment, and joy grows with each passing year, yet there is much trepidation for the big 3-0. So to ease her tenseness I’ve devised a plan of action. I present to you, my lovely wife, great moments involving the number thirty. Here goes. Wish me luck!
Rachel Turns 30
Remember when Rachel Green turned 30? Surely if you are turning 30 this year you remember the episode of ‘Friends’ where Rachel turns 30? The big blowout finished with a strange moment in which Rachel realizes that her life is not quite where it needs to be. But her “friends” are quick to point out that life is meant to be enjoyed and not planned. One of my favorite episodes from the later years. Check it out!
30 Rocks
Leave it to the Sesame Street folks to poke fun at one of the funniest shows on television, talking lemon included. Even if you’re not a fan of the show ’30 Rock’ you’ll appreciate the love for the number 30 and those rocks. Apparently I’m not the only one that thinks 30 ROCKS! Check it out!
My Next Thirty Years
Tim McGraw had his musical moment in the 90′s, stumbled through the early and mid 00′s, and may not reclaim his swagger into the next decade, but he sure reminded us to think long and hard about the next thirty years. In the song with the same title, McGraw vows to eat more salads, go to bed early, and always love a little more. Who doesn’t love the sound of that forward thinking?! Check it out!
The Quotes
The only time you really live fully is from thirty to sixty. The young are slaves to dreams; the old servants of regrets. Only the middle-aged have all their five senses in the keeping of their wits. – Hervey Allen (American author)
At twenty years of age, the will reigns; at thirty, the wit; and at forty, the judgement. – Benjamin Franklin (Founding Father)
Everything I know I learned after I was thirty. – Georges Clemenceau (French journalist, physician, and Prime Minister)
Late Bloomers
Martha Stewart, the beloved home-stylist and prison alumni, was actually a stockbroker until the age 30 when she and her husband purchased a home, gave it a face-lift, and began a home decorating business that blossomed into the Martha Stewart empire we’ve come to love (hate). Even old Harrison Ford who was a successful carpenter left the nails and glue world to participate in a little movie called American Graffiti. However, even after his 30th birthday he wasn’t convinced that acting was his gig. So he gave up and went back to carpentry. It wasn’t until he read for Han Solo that he began acting again. That was nearly 4 years after the Graffiti role.
Game Face
Pitcher Nolan Ryan, running back Terrell Davis, and goaltender Martin Brodeur sported #30 for their teams. The NBA, NHL, and MLB all consist of 30 teams (sorry NFL, we’ll get to you in a few years). Michael Jordon holds the record in the NBA for the most 30 point games. Elgin Baylor logged 11 straight 30 point games. Over 40 guys in Major League Baseball have had a hit streak over 30 games. And last but certainly not least, Jaromir Jagr has the most consecutive 30 or more goal seasons. Why is this “not least”? Just ask my wife (wink, wink). As you can see even the sports world can’t shy away from 30.
Get A Job
In 2009, US NEWS put out a list of the 30 best careers. Making the list were politician, school psychologist, landscape architect, firefighter, librarian, and urban planner just to name a few. Absent from the list were elephant trainer, parachute testing, shark tank custodian, and Britney Spears publicist.
In the end, 30 is a great number. Much like a bean bag chair, you wiggle around long enough and it feels just right. So for all those turning 30 this year (my wife and I included), let’s make it the new 20!
