Turning 30: A Low-Key Celebration with Family, Rhinos, and Bikes

Today I turned 30. It was a quiet, joyful day—exactly how I like to mark a milestone. My parents hosted a surprise brunch that Sherry helped plan. I knew family was coming in from DC, so I expected a casual get-together, but I didn’t realize they’d be celebrating my thirtieth until a candle-topped plate of muffins appeared. It was a sweet, understated way to mark the day.

My mom made a playful “flower” gift instead of slipping cash into an envelope: a happy-face spatula tucked into paper leaf pockets that held gift cards to some of my favorite spots. The makeshift planter was filled with new running socks—likely my dad’s contribution—which was perfectly practical and warmly thoughtful.

My sisters gave me a print by Christine Berrie, a bicycle illustration I’ve admired for a long time. It fits right into my growing bike-themed art collection. I also finally secured a set of Gap bicycle prints after pestering a manager enough that they sent them instead of tossing them out—a small lesson in persistence and recycling humor. We haven’t decided on exact placements for the new prints yet, so photos of them in situ will come later.

Sherry’s gift was unexpected and delightfully on theme: a large white rhino trophy—“Robbie”—from Cardboard Safari. Rhinos have become a bit of a motif for us; we even worked one into our blog header. We already have a smaller, full-bodied Robbie that shows up around the house, and this bigger version felt like a playful escalation. Gifts between us often echo each other: I once surprised Sherry with a ceramic rhino on Valentine’s Day, which turned into an elaborate scavenger hunt. Apparently, the horned mammals are here to stay, and they keep getting larger.

A practical note for anyone considering a large wall trophy: check how far it projects from the wall. Big Robbie sticks out about 18 inches, so think about traffic patterns and furniture placement. We found a corner where he won’t be bumped by passersby or someone standing up from a chair, so he’s safely installed and already feels right at home.

The rest of the celebrations were relaxed. My family took me out to dinner the night before, and tonight my mom is watching Clara so Sherry and I can have a date night. Sherry has been teasing me about a new streak of silver hair up front and calls me her “silver fox,” insisting it’s a compliment—comparing me to Anderson Cooper is her proof.

Funny enough, I discovered an old “to do before I’m 30” list I made in high school as part of a senior English assignment. I had even checked off a few items back in 2005, but many goals remain unticked: more countries to visit, bungee jumping, acting roles. I did visit Hollywood with Sherry in 2005 and had a brief run-in with Kelly Clarkson at an event that almost counts toward one of the items. I also worked for the National Geographic Channel one summer, which felt more meaningful than some of my adolescent ambitions.

Some items I did complete include trips to Hawaii and Alaska—Alaska was a honeymoon bonus—and we’re planning a return to Hawaii next year to celebrate both my continued thirties and our fifth wedding anniversary. It feels fitting to turn milestone celebrations into shared adventures.

Turning 30 honestly feels a lot like 29. Life has the same comforting, familiar rhythm, though little Clara adds new delight this year as she’s now walking, talking, and singing unexpectedly funny lyrics. This morning she sang a variation of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” that made everyone smile: “Twinkle twinkle little star, how I wonder what you said.”

Thanks to my family for a memorable 30th and to everyone who made my twenties so vibrant. I’m looking forward to the thirties being just as full of surprises, quiet joys, and more rhino-sized adventures.