As of 10:59am this morning, I reach my 33rd year of life. I, once again, complete a year of existence and begin yet another in the continuing journey of my personal evolution. Other than today, I have had 32 other birthdays. Some came with elaborate parties, some were surprises – and some were simply mere markers in the road of life. I must confess, however, that this birthday is unlike any other – because for the first time in my life – I actually realize the age I have reached.

Lately, as I do around every birthday, I review the life I have lived, as if I was on the show This Is Your Life. I recall the good times, bad times, accomplishments, disappointments, milestones, dark days, triumphs, failures and atrocities that have filled the last years of my life. I give myself a “report card” of my time on this Earth – and I draft a blueprint to use going forward on my journey. As I did that this year, what intrigued me was not what I have done in my life – but how long ago I did it.

For example, imagine my surprise when I realized that my first article was published in The Brooklyn Skyline 11 years ago; or that ten years ago this past Friday – I got married; or that I still remember my six-year-old birthday party as if it happened yesterday – even though it took place in the year 1978. Yes, I confess – I feel “grown-up.”

In no way am I saying that I am an “old geezer,” or that there are fewer days ahead than there are behind – I am just saying that, as with any birthday, I celebrate the years to come – but this is the first birthday where I finally realize how much time there is behind me despite the amount ahead. In fact, as I write this, my 762nd column since I began writing A Penny For My Thoughts in 1997 – the reality is that it has been nearly a decade since the first time I put my thoughts to paper.

When I was an young boy, I never took my parent’s duties and responsibilities into account, but today – I am amazed by it. I cannot believe that when my father was 33 – he had a four-year-old boy. I can’t fathom the fact that when my mom was 33, she had a teenage girl to contend with – not knowing that in a year’s time – she would be pregnant with me. And as I see parents today, I wonder how they do it. Like my friend Lonnie who has two children – ages two and one; or my ex-girlfriend Sandy, who has a two-year-old son named Ryan; or my boss John Reinhardt – whose wife is pregnant with twins. In fact, now that I think about it, the only thing about this birthday that has remained consistent with every other is the fact that I still do not want to have children of my own.

Regardless of what is similar or different this birthday, what is important is the fact that starting today, I am 33 years of age until 365 days from now. And as of right now, I have close to three and a half decades of living under my belt. I have accumulated a lifetime of experiences that have each done their part in shaping me into the person I am today. I have garnered an education that has been taught in the classroom, the office, the street – and the home. I have traveled a long, bumpy yet interesting path down the road of life – and God willing – I have many more January 24ths ahead of me.

Happy Birthday.