Taking Stock on the Birthday

Today I turn the little three four. One of the few days of the year that I know my age because some family members take fun in pointing it out. Most of the rest of the year I would have to do the math before answering that 'how old are you?' question. Age isn't something that I typically devote much thought. Or perhaps it is just numbers in general that don't terribly interest me because I can never remember my salary when filling out a credit app. Numbers don't define a person very well. My age or how much I pull in doesn't tell you much about me.

So today, I am not celebrating the numbers. I'm celebrating the experiences. What makes me proud. The goodness in my life. And what I have to look forward to in the coming year(s).

I celebrate my honeys and the fact that we're happily married and still enjoy each others' company after a decade of being in each others' space. We have an awesome relationship and give support and encouragement to help the other achieve personal goals. Todd is my rock. Without him and his encouragement, I probably would have never bought all of the equipment to pursue lampworking and find out how much I can be consumed and consoled through creativity.

I celebrate my two goofy kids and the fact that they're part of me. I love seeing them grow into kinder and more caring beings. There are days where they challenge me, when I walk away to take more than 10 deep breaths to remind myself that I'm the adult. They have helped teach me more patience and how important it is to be a role model in showing my love in everything I do. Even in frustration or disappointment, kind words can be found and used. In love.

I celebrate my job at the phone company and the friendships that have formed through common bonds. When I was growing up, I wanted to be a veterinarian or an artist. The Designated Whipping Girl gig doesn't really fit into either aspiration. But through it, I have found a rewarding career where I feel like I make a difference (for the positive) in building stronger customer relationships. And that feels good. The desire to be a veterinarian dissipated 9.21.91 (ha! one of the few dates I remember. I have to think about my kids birthdays/years) when my Mom and I took our golden retriever in to the vet's office to be put down. I realized I could never do that for other people, no matter how much it would be for the good of everyone. Instead, I have three cats and a hound. For a time, we had ferrets. And that, is enough.

I am not where I thought I would be in life. I never thought I would be a mother. I wasn't ever truly certain I would find such a wonderful life partner. I didn't think I would hold a job in corporate America or be as successful at it as I have in attaining my position. I never imagined I would play with fire. That I would own a two-story home or drive a minivan. That I would worry as much as I do about my children. That I would stop reading/watching the news. That I would cry at the drop of the hat, whether it is watching a friend get married or thanking someone for serving our country. That I would send my designs to other continents or have people in India, Khazakistan, Australia, Poland, Germany, Korea, Finland, Algeria and so many other foreign countries reading my blog. (It's ok to leave a comment and say hi when you stop in. I would love to know your names!)

I wouldn't change any of it. I love where I am in life. There were experiences that I hated at the time, but now I wouldn't change those either. They made me who I am. They brought me to where I am. And that is what I am celebrating today.

I am at peace. And I am having fun. I wish the same for you.