Birthdays and a Bear

"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." AA Milne

Birthdays....some people love them. Some people hate them. Me....well I am indifferent to them. I try to make each of my children's birthdays special for them but me...well...I can take it or leave it. My family never makes a big deal of my birthday but this year seems to be different. They all want to make a big deal of the day of was born.

Today is another day on the calendar and one where I do what I always do...get up, go to work....do mom stuff. However, seeing that it is my birthday, I thought I should stop and take some time to reflect.

So here are some random thoughts about today...
1. Today is the day that A.A. Milne was born. He is the author of Winnie the Pooh. I adore Pooh Bear. We have a great deal in common...very little brain/enormous heart....the love of good company and a pot of honey (or bottle of wine in my case). Pooh is wiser than he ever thinks he is and a good friend.

2. I am proud of my age and don't care who knows that I am 46 today. I earned every year of that age. Up, down, good, bad...I like to think that I am 21 with 25 years experience! I would not be the person I am today without all that experience!

3. Age is just a number. It is so true. one can be 20 and look older. One can be 60 and look younger (with or without the help of a good surgeon). One can act younger or older than they are as well. We can all do things that help us look and feel younger (or older)....it is all in how you feel!

4. We spend our youth trying to grow up. We tell our kids to grow up. we dress and act older than we are. When we start to age, we try to dress and act younger. Why are we never really content right where we are?

5. Why are we so afraid of birthdays? Why are we afraid to get older? Are we afraid we are one step closer to the grave? Who cares? I could be gone tomorrow. I want to celebrate the fact that I am breathing right now.

6. I have been blessed with so many wonderful people in my life. Many who are gone now, some who passed at a young age, but all had so much to teach me. I am so grateful for all of them. I continue to be surrounded by so many fabulous people that I learn from each day.

7. Kids....If anyone would have told me when I was in college that I would eventually marry (a cop, no less!) and be the mother to 5 kids, I would have told them to sober up! Not Happening! But here I am....married almost 18 years and a mom to many! I could not be happier with where I am today. It is not easy but it is the best job I could ask for.

8. Running...I was always the one cursing the Marathon for blocking traffic on a Sunday because I could not get to my favorite breakfast joint...to ease my hangover. I was the one who was coming home from the bars as runners passed me on a morning jog. I was the one who thought those people were NUTS. Now I am one of 'those people'. Going to bed early so I can be up at dawn to get a long run in. Running marathons that block traffic. I have met some of the best people because of running. The gifts I get from running ....well...I wish I had found running as a younger person.

9. Another trip 'round the sun...what will happen on this trip? Ever wonder if you have packed correctly for your trip? I do....what will I need for this journey? Where will I be at this time next year?

I don't know where I will be at this time next year but I hope it is back here with more adventure stories to tell. I don't know what the year has in store for me but I can only hope it is more learning, growing and loving! Peace.

"If there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever."

Winnie the Pooh