Turning 50

Today is the day that I choose to celebrate my birthday. Technically, I turned 50 back in January, but when I was 19 that was the day that my father decided to leave home. I remember the most stilted and painful of parties--a party my mom had planned weeks in advance. I remember his suitcase was literally by the door. I decided after that not to celebrate my birthday then but chose September 9th, which is also my grandfather's birthday. Usually around the time the kids are 12 or so, I explain it all to them so they aren't confused if they see me fill out official paperwork with a different date!

Anyway, so today was my birthday and it was a truly wonderful day. The kids and K worked so hard while I was at work, decorating, making a cake, creating a fabulous dinner and gifting me with lovely gifts from the heart. Bulbs for our garden were in abundance. I love that at a couple of levels. They will remind me that there will be a beautiful spring when I am shivering during the winter. AND, my kids remembered on their own that this was what I told them I wanted and made sure to remind K (who had ironically forgotten)! I received some very pretty and very unique jewelry pieces. I don't wear a lot of jewelry but what i do wear I like to be distinctive and to feel special to me. These pieces do. Chet gave a donation to Heifer International in my honor and some hand made certificates for help around the house. I love the fact that he chose giving to others to honor my day. And my in-laws, Kirsty's sister, brother, his girl friend and their dad (whom I always refer to as Dad) sent me the most gigantic delicious arrangement of edible fruit. I adore it and have all ready been noshing on it. I was surprised that they sent a gift; we don't usually gift among the adults. But then Lynne reminded me via phone, that this was a "big" birthday.

LOL Big? I suppose thinking about it that it is. Coming right down to it, I have embarked on my second 1/2 century of living. The thing is, I don't think I can actually wrap my mind around that. I don't feel 50, whatever 50 is supposed to feel like. Virtually no one who meets me knows that i am 50. Having young kids I suspect is part of it, but I am also just a fairly high energy person who physically hasn't changed a heck of a lot. My clothes get worn till they fall apart because my size hasn't changed since I was in school. Good for the budget, can make it hard to have an interesting wardrobe! LOL

What I think the most, is that I am just really lucky. I have a wonderful family. Filled with quirks, challenges, and love, I still wouldn't change any of it. Kirsty and I have been together since May of 1978 and married since the year it was legal in our state. I think being happy keeps you young. Well, that and reading "Goodnight Moon" and "Panda Whispers" and sharing Harry Potter with my 13 year old.

And the picture at the top of the post has truly nothing to do with my birthday. It is from our visit to Portland Head Light this past weekend. KC, me, Lissa and my mom. And, yup, that IS a Yankees hat! LOL I am the only true Yankees fan in the family though various young children at time try to be Yankee fans so I don't "feel lonely." K took some amazing photos while we were on vacation and I want to share some more later.