It really is a Happy Birthday

So, today is my birthday.  I am 39.  I am officially starting the last year in my 30's, and while some people may lament this fact, I am actually fine with it.  Unlike when I turned 30 and had a crying meltdown on my bedroom floor, I am looking forward to my 40th birthday.  I know it's still a year away, but the fear of that dreaded number is no longer part of my psyche.

However, I'm not going to talk about birthdays, aging, or how I feel about those things today.  Instead, I'm going to talk about being happy.  After the chaos of summer ending, getting the kids back into a routine, etc...... sometimes it's just nice to take a breath and remember the things that make you happy.  So in honor of my birthday and being 39 today, I'm going to write a list of 39 things that make me happy (in no particular order)

1.  My family (both immediate and extended)
2.  Being blessed with a great singing voice that I can share with people
3.  The rain
3.  Sweet baby belly laughs
4.  Time alone in a book store
5.  Compliments from strangers
6.  Inside jokes
7.  Autumn....everything about it from the crisp weather, to decor, to smells, and glorious colors
8.  Clean sheets
9.  Black Forest cake
10. Starbucks frappucino's, and lattes, and London Fog with biscotti....so, yeah, just Starbucks!
11. Getting packages in the mail
12. Memories of my grandma
13. Stargazing.....the lunar eclipse last night was awesome!
14. Bubble baths
15. Blogging.....well, writing in general
16. Travelling
17. Knowing that even as teenagers and young adults, my boys are still free with their hugs
18. Sweet and Salty kettle corn
19. Phone calls with mom
20. Taking off my bra at the end of the day (true story)
21. Fun nights with good friends
22. The smell of fresh baked bread or dinner buns
23. The feeling after a good run (yes, treadmill still counts)
24. Finding money (in jackets, or jeans, or in the bottom of my purse)
25. Fuzzy socks in cold weather
26. Eggnog
27. Musicals
28. Finding that your once fitting pants are now too big (YAY)
29. Date nights with hubby
30. Movie or game nights with the boys
31. Photography
32. Finding, cool new music
33. Impromptu dance or karaoke parties in my living room
34. Getting a good cut and color
35. March Madness
36. Cheering on my kids accomplishments
37. The color purple (not the movie.....the actual color :p )
38. Holidays
39. Sunrises

That was a lot easier than I thought, and I probably could have added a LOT more.  I guess I live a pretty charmed life, and have much to be happy and grateful for.  What a lucky girl I am.

Random Wednesday

What is your road trip essential snack? Pre Atkins diet, it was kettle corn and Nibs, but now it's cucumber slices and pork rinds (shockingly pork rinds have almost NO carbs).

You've been handed two free round-trip tickets... who are you taking and where are you going? Husband and I would be heading off on an England/Ireland/Scotland adventure

What was your High School Jam? Everything from Boys II Men to Britney Spears.  Me and music have no limits

Would you rather have a perfect bum, or flawless face? Flawless face. You can always work towards a perfect booty, but a flawless face means less money and time spent on makeup.

What shows are you ashamed to admit are on your DVR? I have no time for TV as of late, but I have no shame in the things I watch.  I've kind of given up on my  "reality tv" phase

What's your ringtone? Generic iPhone ringtone
Do you have any siblings, and if so, where are you in the birth order? Technically I'm the oldest of 8, but I only grew up with 3 of my siblings
What was your first car, and did you name it? I don't remember what year it was, but it was a tan K-Car and I named him Lurch.
How tall are you? Do you wish you were taller, shorter...or are you just right? I'm 5'5", and I'm perfectly fine with it
Will you leave the house without makeup? I very seldom wear make up, but I never leave the house without mascara on.


How old were you when you had your first kiss? Was it meh or toe-curling? I was 15 I think? It was funny because my mom drove up our driveway and spotted us.


What physical quirk were you born with? My thumbs are double jointed, and I can blow bubbles with my saliva


What would you request for your last supper? Oh man, I don't think I can answer this because my last supper would be about fifteen courses long, haha. I'd start cream cheese stuffed french toast, eggs Benedict, grandma Court's potato salad, wonton soup, and then follow up with a medium rare steak and lobster tail, with lemon quinoa and asparagus with creamy sauce, and top it off with black forest cake.

Have you ever been hospitalized, and if so, what for? I've had my appendix removed, surgery on my sinuses, three babies, one miscarriage, a hysterectomy, and a long stint in hospital as a little one with a paralyzing brain contusion....plus a few more times I'm sure I can't think of right now.


Do you prefer to DIY or hire it out? I wish I had the patience to DIY everything, but I don't so I'm definitely a hire out girl.

What do you eat for breakfast? Some variation of eggs and bacon or sausages usually

What would you do for a living if you didn't need money? If I didn't need money I would work in as many places as I could that needed help; women's shelter, soup kitchen, children's hospital......it would be awesome!

Finish this sentence: Every room needs... a fresh vase of flowers and pretty coasters to set down your drink.

How frequently do you wash your hair? Do you have any hair secrets or tricks? Every two to three days and no real hair tricks. I subscribe to the don't wash your hair everyday philosophy though, my hair is a LOT healthier than when I used to wash and dry it every day.


You just unloaded your Halloween haul...what candy do you go for first?  Kit Kats