It's My Birthday ...

Okay, so technically today isn't my birthday.  Tomorrow is.  At 1:28 a.m. on November 14, I'll turn 37. 

It has been a most interesting year.

I have traveled extensively.
I have enjoyed my life more.
I have made decisions about my future.
I have met someone who excites me, interests me and makes me laugh*
I am happy. 

It isn't as if I wasn't happy in my 35th year or "happier" in my 36th year, it is just the gradual observations that life is what you make of it and you should try to enjoy every moment.  I've embraced "me" this year in a number of new ways.  Moving to Florida during my 35th year was a test of my endurance -- could I endure being away from family and friends, in a fairly foreign location, to be pummelled by heat, to be attacked by ants, fake people and being alone? 

Being away from friends and family has brought me greater strength and greater longing -- I miss the change of seasons and the smell of burning leaves.  I miss seeing my sister for lunch.  I miss running up to my mom's house for the weekend.  I miss visiting favorite places with my dearest friends.  In turn, I've gained some incredible friends (Mary, Lee, Mary's parents, just to name a few), gained appreciation for a great place to retire (not live), had my blood thinned through excessive heat for months at a time and learned that the Midwest isn't just a destination or a flyover point on the map, it is home to me.

So here's to my 37th year -- to grad school applications, new beginnings and a renewed sense of hope for all things possible.  Cheers!  (clink!!)

*Hoosier Guy: thanks for being you.