Champagne, Anyone?

I was born in 1955. Today, I turned 55. So, for me this is a champagne birthday of sorts. I suppose my true champagne birthday would have been the year I turned 12, but I didn't know about those things, so I'm going with this one being the one. Double nickles. Yeah...how did I get to be 55? One decade at a time, one year at a time, one day at a time, one step at a time, one breath at a time...one thought at a time. And, here I am.

Unfortunately, Michael had to leave today for another road trip. It's what I need to get used to now that he took this new job. I hate the leaving part, but I'm all right in a few hours. I don't mind being on my own. It's good for me. And, we do so love seeing each other again after time away. But, still, it is my birthday...

Knowing he'd have to jet off on my special day, he took me out for a great meal over the weekend. I mean, a meal that I won't forget anytime soon. It was that good!

And, also he felt that 55 was deserving of a memorable gift so he bought me, are you ready? One of these!

I am so digging this iPad! Love it. I wanted an e-reader but this is so much more and it's a great deal of fun. And very generous of My Lion. I love it; thank you so much!!

I find that this year seems an important mile stone for me. Maybe it's the roundness of the number. Whatever, I decided that it's a good year to do something differently than I've done in the past. So here goes:

They tell you that you're never supposed to say your wish out loud because it won't come true. But, I'm starting to think that you have to name to claim it...own it to have it. So, I'm going to list my wishes right out loud. After all, it is my birthday and a girl should do what she wants on her birthday.

So, very carefully crafted, in no particular order, here are my birthday wishes for my year ahead-

I wish: That we sell our house soon for what we need out of it in order to start our lives again in our new location.

I wish: That we find the perfect home for us close to friends and family back east and that our move goes smoothly.

I wish: That all this happens in time for the fall and holiday season.

I wish: That I find a job where I can add value and feel like it's unbelievably lucky of me to have found such a great job with an outstanding organization working with really wonderful people.

I wish: That I continue to work toward my goal of being healthier and thinner...with more energy and pep.

I wish: That I have many happy years with My Lion and that we laugh, love, and grow more deeply in love with each other. That I never take for granted that he is my best friend and makes me so very happy.

I wish: For happy times and more of them with my friends who mean so much to me and my family who I couldn't do without. Times with Livy and watching her grow and discover. Yeah, I want so much more of that.

I wish: For Fiona and Rory to have many healthy and happy years with me. I adore those two dogs.

I wish: For the courage to continue to grow and learn. To discover more about myself and realize that no matter how many years I may live, there will always be more to me than meets the eye.

I wish: For the strength and courage to manage any challenges, hardships, sadness that may come with grace and dignity.

I wish: To remember that I create my reality one thought, one breath, one wish at a time and proceed accordingly. And, always always remember how much I am truly loved.

So Holly, many happy and healthy returns of your special day. And, may the year ahead show you that if you can wish it, for certain you can have it. After all, it is your champagne birthday.

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly aka The Birthday Girl