Time marches on and there is nothing we can do to turn back the hands of time.

But, if you’re a fan of websites like BuzzFeed or Mental Floss, you can see plenty of time has been devoted to preserving the memories of yesteryear.

Scroll through your Facebook feed and chances are more than a few of your friends have shared the lists. You know the ones: “15 Vintage Board Games that Will Make You Nostalgic,” “21 Childhood Hairstyles We Are All Trying to Forget,” and various quizzes that aim to determine in which decade you’re really meant to live.

Many of these lists seem to be targeted to people who grew up during the 1980s or 90s, like myself. I admit it’s kind of fun to scroll through and see if I can remember if I had that toy or ate at that now defunct restaurant or if I can remember the theme song to my favorite childhood TV show.

But one of my favorite lists this year was posted on Mental Floss and called “30 things turning 30 in 2014.”

Those of you who were already grown 30 years ago probably remember many of them.

Apple unveiled the Mac computer. Doug Flutie tossed up his miracle Hail Mary. Alex Trebek became the host of Jeopardy. Transformers were introduced to children. Bruce Springsteen released “Born in the U.S.A.”

Many now iconic films also turned 30 this year — “The Karate Kid,” “Footloose,” Revenge of the Nerds,” and “Ghostbusters” (R.I.P. Harold Ramis).

One particular event my father must remember was the day I was born.

I turned the Big 3-0 Tuesday, a milestone to say the least.

People have asked me if I feel any different.

I don’t feel different per se, it just sounds strange to say it aloud. I’m no longer a twenty-something.

“I’m 30.”

Some wonderful people have told me that 30 is just the beginning, and if I’m to believe the candle on my birthday cake, I’m “just getting started.”

Turning 30 during an era where people are constantly posting every aspect of their lives on the Internet makes it difficult not to compare myself with others my age.

Five or six years ago my Facebook feed was blowing up with engagement announcements and wedding pictures. Now, it’s babies, babies, babies.

I’m not engaged nor am I close to it. And I’m certainly not ready for a baby, and I may never want one.

I know 30 is not the precipice of life, but when I see how far long others already are, I sometimes have to remind myself, “It’s OK. You’re normal.”

Everyone approaches these milestones with different items marked off their bucket lists. And although I haven’t walked down the aisle or started a family, I’m proud to say I’ve done some pretty great things before turning 30.

I’ve graduated college and gotten a career. I’ve been skydiving. I’ve taken a long road trip. I’ve seen some amazing concerts. I’ve loved. I’ve lost.

The list could go on and on and I’m glad my list isn’t like anyone else’s.

What will the next 10 year have in store for me? I have no idea. The only thing I can hope is that my candle was right. I’m just getting started.

 

Michelle Goodman is the news editor at The Tribune. To reach her, call 740-532-1441 ext. 12 or by email at michelle.goodman@irontontribune.com.