34

I just had a birthday.  I'm 34!

Comparing now to other years, when let's face it, no birthday will ever compare to the year I had a Pony Pizza Party in my own backyard, wearing my bright pink snow suit. Cake with frosting. I think I even got to ride the pony first and last up and down the street. I don't even really know how old I was.....5?  Best.  Day.  Ever.  The only problem I had was sharing pony rides with friends...it's not their birthday, now is it?  (Nothing has changed really, I'm still not good at sharing things I love.)

This whole year has been one of self reflection, realization and growth. Baby steps one at a time of course. Ups and downs and unexpected in betweens with a full new awareness of how idiotic/infantile/selfish/cowardly I can be amongst the beautiful moments of strength/bravery and newness. It's hard to be alive, but it's worth it and sure beats the alternative!

It's finally getting cold in New York City!

I miss the days of bundling up for school and waiting for the bus at the front door while blaring the radio listening to oldies or classics or WCCO. stuffing my hands into a bright white Pom Pom that hung around my neck because I refused to wear mittens or gloves...or socks...or boots...or hats...what is it with the ends of me that don't want to be covered ever?

For all the things I haven't accomplished yet, for some reason I've stopped feeling concerned about missing out.   I'm more so grateful for the experiences (both good and bad), the people, friends, family, places, foods and moments of life that have formed me into the blob that I am.

There's plenty I'll never get to do.  What a ride this life has been! Who needs to do it all?  If I tried, I'd probably self combust!

Thanks all for being there for me thru the thick and the thin.

Hoping to write more here more often.  Til then, here's what I'm really into...fluffy puppies.  Enjoy!