Today is my 43rd birthday... that's it. Not too much to say about it, other than, frankly, I LOVE my birthday. I don't need a lot of fanfare or presents or even attention; I just love knowing that it is May 22nd again and that I am here, celebrating another year. It makes me really happy when people just say, "Happy Birthday." I don't need surprise parties or expensive dinners. I just need for one day to feel as though I matter, that in this whole crazy spectrum of time, that one 24 hour period is carved out for me and the day that I entered this universe. Maybe that does sound like I'm asking for more than I should. Then again... Birthdays are a time of reflection, to think about the past year and to consider what has happened between then and now, but I don't really like that idea too much. I like to look forward to what is to come this year. Last year was celebrated in the moments in which they happened, one by one - some monumental, some tiny, but all important. Another year lived means that my children are another year alive and healthy, that my marriage continues to grow and that I get to teach yet a little longer. Another year means that I have just as many moments to look forward to as I did in the previous one. And, in my forties, I look forward to enjoying all the benefits that come with "knowing more" and maybe even "knowing better." I've learned the importance of real friendships and the significance of letting go of all of the bullshit that weighs you down. I've learned that time is only a piece of the puzzle, as much of it is wasted on ridiculous and pointless things that don't matter. I've learned that you are never too old to try anything new, even if it means facing a fear that has haunted you for your entire life. And, I've learned that not everything is what it seems to be, even when staring you, blank, in the face. For these lessons, I am so grateful for another year. We are moving soon, staring again so to speak, in a smaller home, owned by someone else. We are embarking on a new journey, but, I'm not sad, not like I imagined I would be. Instead, I am thankful for the time and the opportunity that I've been given these past few years, in this place, making memories with my family. And, maybe strangely to some, I am thankful that the new owners are people who will continue to make lovely and lasting memories in this place that was built with so much care and love. I wish them much joy in their new life in this home. Change is a good thing; sometimes frightening and sometimes exciting, but overall, a good thing, because if we are afraid of change, then we really are admitting that we are afraid to move forward and, I'm not. I'm looking forward to celebrating as many birthdays as God or the universe will allow and I look forward to each year with the promise of new adventures, new places to explore and new people to meet and welcome into my life. I am so blessed to have had another year and to those who have made it so, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for making my life matter more, in ways that I couldn't have done on my own. Here's to Year 44...