My birthday: The Jesus Year and the year of the brat

Today I turned 34.

Me on the morning of my 34th birthday.

Last night, on my last night of being 33, a friend asked me if the past year was, indeed, a “Jesus year” for me.

My favorite definition of the term “Jesus year” comes (of course) from Urban Dictionary:

“The 33rd year of your life where you are reborn in some sense. Perhaps a mid-life crisis, perhaps an ego death, perhaps the year where you abandon old ways and start new …. or perhaps you were affixed to a cross and came out the other side a spiritual figure that historians, theologians, worshipers and dissenters make the subject of many a conversation.”

My response: Well, let’s see… this last year only my WHOLE ENTIRE LIFE changed.

By the time my 33rd year would end, most of the things I had used to define myself were stripped away: My 10 year relationship with that guy I married would be over, I would no longer be a doggy mommy, I’d be eating foods I swore off or swore I’d never eat, I’d be making dental appointments!!! Oh, and I’d also be in a new relationship (more on that later).

I had in a way definitely been reborn on my 33rd year. Some of this change was forced upon me, some of it was by choice, but all of it was exactly what I needed, and I couldn’t be happier heading into my next year of living on this planet.

Now I’m starting my 34th year with nothing but optimism and excitement. It’s no wonder that today has already been one of the best birthdays I’ve had in years, and it isn’t even over yet.

So far I’ve…

Gotten a flood of amazing text messages and Instagram message from friends

Including my two favorites with a recurring theme of lovingly calling me a “brat”…

Happy birthday, my lil’ friend darlin’. I can’t believe you’re old now. It seems like just yesterday I was crushing on this young brat from USC as she sat me at a window seat. Now I’m talking poop with this old bitch from The Internet. Time flies, but but your attitude doesn’t. And we wouldn’t want you any other way. I’m sure tonight you’ll have some big, fancy dinner where you will look like Julia Roberts trying to fork some escargot, but you’ll always be my birthday coffee buddy who nearly kills the Mother’s of my ex-girlfriends. -Ken

Had a champagne lunch with my parents who are in town

“Birthday cake” and bubbles for lunch! #chocolatebundtcake #prosecco #republique #happybirthdaytome

A photo posted by megan finley (@meggyfin) on Aug 4, 2015 at 2:21pm PDT

Got sweet gifts

My mom got me a new Helen Ficalora charm (to replace the ones that were in honor of my marital and doggy mommy identities). My friend and trainer Robin got me a lovely bottle of champagne (to celebrate my fresh start). My friends are throwing me a special dinner tonight. And I got these adorable guys…

Look what @horowitm got me for my birthday: my two favorite #direwolf pups! Nymeria, Ghost, to me!!!#motherofdirewolves #gameofthrones #happybirthdaytome #dyingofcute A photo posted by megan finley (@meggyfin) on Aug 4, 2015 at 4:16pm PDT

But still getting shit done

I’m even managed to get in a little relaxing work time, before the evenings festivities, which will consist of a very special triple date Poodle dinner…

Chicken and waffles birthday dinner

We had a menu of chicken and waffles, which is one of my favorite things in the world (waffles!) with one of those aforementioned things I said I’d never eat again that I’m eating now (chicken!). It was de-fucking-licious. My best girl, Jessica and her boyfriend Kevin created a wonderful dinner for us complete with a charcuterie plate to start, and a special dessert — a Mexican chocolate sundae.

Then it was just wine and laughs and sweet sweet birthday cards and thoughtful gifts. I love these people. They all came together to give me an amazing day…

Thanks, Jesus year. You were a fucking doozy — I’m thankful you happened, but I’m happy you’re over.

Hello, 34th-no-cool-representative-name year, I’m pretty excited about you already…