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.

The Weekend is Wide Open

Not real sure what I'll be doing this weekend. 

I *need* to get my taxes together (but that sucks), get the house ready for Mom's arrival on Friday (but that sucks) and generally do a trash run around here (but that sucks).

Oh, and the ever-present, never-ending, always-growing pile o'laundry.  I truly need a houseboy/cabana boy.

How useful would it be to have someone do my laundry, pick up my house, do my shitwork for me while I'm at work, so I can come home and just take a moment to relax.  Wow.  Now I'm thinking like a 1950s suburban dad.  Dear Lord.  This blog has come off the rails.

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In family news, it appears that my cousin's wife has yet again gone off her meds for bipolar disorder.  This is not good news, friends, as they have two very young children.  Oy. 

In other family news, my great-uncle Glenn passed away this past Sunday night.  He and my Aunt Vera were married for 65 years.  He's suffered from alzheimers for a few years now, so it is nice to think he is at peace.  Godspeed, Uncle Glenn. 

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Not much else to report, I'm just living as me. 

Dear Body

an open letter to me from me (style courtesy of Maestro)

Hi body.

Hi Athena.

Body: Thanks for taking those ibuprofen this morning.

Athena: You are welcome. I noticed my head was hurting and thought I'd do some preventative medicine.

Body: Oh yes, speaking of preventative medicine, thanks for the grease-filled breakfast and diet pepsi this morning too.

Athena: Sure. I noticed a slight upset stomach this morning and thought I'd quell that with some biscuits and gravy from the cafeteria. The diet pepsi was an extra helper to the ibuprofen.

Body: Now about last night ...

Athena: Yes?

Body: Do you really think you can party like you are in college anymore?

Athena: No, but occasionally I like to pretend I am young and stupid.

Body: Well nice job on that last night. Wasn't going out with one set of friends enough last night? Why go out for the second time?

Athena: Well, I must admit, I wasn't quite ready to go home when I did the first time.

Body: Well, obviously.

Athena: And, well, when you receive an invitation to go out again with a friend you know is a *fun time*, well, you go.

Body: And you did.

Athena: Sure did. Sorry for getting you to bed so late and up so early.

Body: It is okay, but don't make a habit of it. You know you can't survive on 5.5 hours of sleep.

Athena: Yes, I know. ;)

Body: So are you feeling okay now?

Athena: Sure am. A little tired though. Lots of beer + little sleep = tired me.

Body: Anything you have to say for yourself?

Athena: Biscuits and gravy + diet pepsi + ibuprofen are this girl's best friends today. That and I'll probably be out with the second friend again sometime in the very near future.

Body: So should I get some sleep in the meantime?

Athena: Oh yes, you should.

Body: Anything else?

Athena: Damn I had fun!