The Big One Was The Best One!

As I woke up this morning, I greeted God, the day and myself with happy birthday to me! I did not think I would feel any different today then I did yesterday when I was 39 but I also thought maybe that would change when I actually was staring 40 in the face. I stepped out of bed before the sunrise, worked my way down the stairs, grabbed my favorite green blanket off the couch and snuggled up in my big blue chair. I was preparing myself for one of my favorite events of the day, facing my large living room window; I have the perfect view of the sunrise. I sat in anticipation, as I was ready to witness the dawning of a new day for the first time as a 40 year old. I love how the sky slowly changes as if God was up there using a dimmer switch to start the day. Imagine how horrible it would be if it just suddenly went from dark to light without any time for transition. I am convinced I can actually hear the sunrise and the day take form. From where I sit the shadows, slowing turn into images of large beautiful green trees that have just produced leafs over the last few weeks. The sky takes on an almost pink tint as the clouds hang as pictures in the sky. I was praying that I would get a chance to start my day in such away, since my kids have been home on Easter break I have been spending the mornings cuddling up with them and have missed this time.

After bringing in the day, with the kids still in bed, I quickly changed into my running clothes and went out for a three-mile run. My goal this year is to run six races before 2010 and placing in a certain time. Today I actually dropped my 3-mile time by two minutes, not bad for someone who has hit the big one. There is something so refreshing about starting the day out with an early morning run, the peace and quiet of the day is so inviting.

One of the best parts about the big one was that my husband came home around 10AM from work with fresh tulips and a balloon, not any kind of balloon but a princess one with Disney Characters, it made me feel so young and loved. We gathered the kids and headed out of the area for the afternoon. I decided I wanted to take a drive up into the foothills and share with him my Auburn, the little town I visit on Friday afternoons. My husband is not one for doing such things he would much rather spend his day of just relaxing at home but not this day. With a smile on his face, he agreed to take us up there so off we went. I love sharing this part of my life with people and now I had a chance to share it with my husband. It was a clear day and we could see the foothills all around us as well as the snow on the mountains in the background, another reason I like to go up there, the few is amazing. Twenty minutes into the drive and we arrived. We walked the streets of the little old town, visited a few shops and I was able to introduce my family to one of my favorite shop owners. We bought a few things to take home with us and then we were off to lunch. I had a choice of any place I wanted to go, I thought I would surprise them all and I picked In and Out, something I usually stir clear of but I knew it would be fun and a great treat. The smile on the kid’s faces when I told them what I picked for lunch was worth every calorie I took in.

From lunch, we headed back down the hill and towards home. We quickly ran by the bookstore to exchange a gift and then came home for a short little rest and a quick bike ride. I am sorry to say there was a little accident, Tony took a turn to slow and down he went. His beard covered up the scratches on his chin but his knees and legs looked like a little boys but I am happy to say he did survive the crash and he will be able to continue to ride. We ordered my favorite pizza for dinner and then gathered around the front porch to watch the evening come to an end. Though I do not feel any older, the response to my gifts was a sure sign I have matured. Cement and a Food Processor, yes I scored! It was truly the best birthday I have ever had. The Big One, Was The Best One… Thank you all for the birthday wishes.