Oh no! Not again!

Yes, it's birthday time! Ugh. It's that time of year I like to take stock of all my shortcomings, mistakes, and wrinkles (I created a nice one between my eyes where I squint a lot) and offer it up to myself as a twisted birthday gift. Gee, no wonder I'm depressed!

I also love to look back and tally up the years of things. For example, I was in Kindergarten 27 years ago! I still remember my classmates (Hi Winfred, Jessica, Chris, Joe, Stephanie...). I've been driving 16 years. And the movie "Clueless"- almost 20 years ago!!! Where did the time go?

In the intervening years I have developed a rather lengthy Bucket List (which just keeps growing). Some items I gleefully crossed off like skydiving, seeing Ireland, and taking Pole Fitness classes (that's a whole story unto itself)! Yet, I always compare the length of the list to my age and feel as though time is running out for everything. How can I possibly accomplish it all?

Thankfully, the last few years have given me perspective. In the end, who cares if I learned to play the guitar or visited Morocco? What REALLY matters is letting the people in my life know how wonderful they are. Because they are truly magnificent! And the love and gratitude I have for them runs soo deep, it's difficult to find words adequate for description. I am not a very warm or fuzzy person... I tend to keep my emotional cards close to my chest. So I added a new item to my Bucket List-

I will endeavor to share my love for others. And the form in which I do this will be special and unique to each person. I stand amazed at how anyone can love a fractured, hairy mess such as myself- and honestly, I find it impossible- but I am blessed with such people in my life and they deserve to be loved on. So, this birthday, I will (try) to ignore that wrinkle, I will NOT beat up on myself, and I will begin my newest mission. And this item on my Bucket List will never be crossed out because this goal will last until my dying breath.

Here's to you my special, beautiful, important people! I'm sorry I don't tell you more often I LOVE YOU!!! And you are the best birthday gift a girl could ever ask for.