1. Today is my birthday.
2. It marks 42 years of living on God’s green earth.
3. Confession: I had to do the math to confirm I am indeed 42. I have officially reached an age where I can no longer remember how old I am!
4. But my age doesn’t really bother me. I don’t dye my grey or hide my wrinkles. I embrace them. I earned them.
5. While I could certainly stand to lose weight and use moisturizer with sunscreen more often, I’m pretty excited about 42.
6. So excited, in fact, that I thought I’d share 42 things about myself in celebration of my birthday.
7. Starting with this lovely bottle of Sancerre that I bought myself as a gift. #happybirthdaytome
8. I may drink it all myself. Cheers!
9. But my bounce-back factor isn’t what it once was so… I’d better share.
10. Even at 42, I’m the youngest in my family.
11. My sister is 5 years older than me and is also my best friend. We grew up close as little girls, but life led us in different directions as young adults. I am so thankful we now live in the same city and can share our lives again.
12. When I was about ten years old, my mom remarried and I got an awesome big brother, too. He embodies all the wonderful things about big brothers: he is fiercely protective, a trusted adviser, caring friend and a great wingman.
13. If I had my choice for a birthday cake, I’d pick this carrot cake. I prefer to accompany desserts (and life) with a steaming cup of coffee.
14. Especially at 42, my morning mantra is “Coffee first.”
15. True story: Back in my twenties, I tracked my spending at Starbucks for one year… it was well over $3,500! I figured I wasn’t the only one trading hard-earned dollars for extra hot triple venti lattes so I bought stock in the company. Now I don’t feel so bad about enabling my habit.
16. The only time I’ve been without coffee in my adult life was when I was pregnant with our first child. My husband kindly suggested I allow myself one cup a day during my second pregnancy. I shudder to imagine life without coffee. #elixiroflife
17. Another thing I consider a must in life is music.
18. Right now I’m playing Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You, Say You Won’t Let Go by James Arthur and Missy Higgins’ Where I Stood on repeat.
19. I’m not usually up on the latest and greatest, but I like to listen to a variety of music. If I can dance, sing or relax to it, then I’ll let it play. What are you listening to?
20. I’m also big into gardening. I planted over a dozen outdoor planters this spring.
21. And a few hanging baskets.
22. The inside of our house is filled with greenery and fresh florals from the garden as well. I think adding plants is one of the easiest and prettiest ways to refresh home decor.
23. This summer, I am in love with purple fountain grass, pentas, sweet potato vine and Persian shield. Do you have any favorites?
24. So last year, I challenged myself to make myself more of a priority.
25. I haven’t been so good about keeping up on that challenge this year, but I am proud to have finished the half marathon I set out for myself.
26. The Chief finished, too.
27. My sister ran an impromtu 5-miler to support me through the toughest part of the course. My dear friend, Ayumi, brought the kids and cheered us on. #trulyblessed
28. I missed my target finish time by 15 minutes, but I’m satisfied for making the distance. I remember two signs in particular from that race:
29. “Hurry, Mom, we’re hungry!” and
30. “Run, Stranger, Run! Do it while you still can!”
31. The latter was held by an elderly couple cheering folks on around Mile 10.
32. Which reminds me, especially as I am getting older, to not just run while I still can, but to also live more fully.
33. Live. Life. Fully. What does that mean?
34. Perhaps it’s a bucket list of sorts. Traveling to far off places. Learning how to do new things. Forgiving an enormous wrong.
35. Perhaps it’s simply a shift in the way you live.
36. A deeper appreciation for the blessings bestowed upon you brought to action.
37. After 40+ years on the planet, you’d think I would have already figured all this out. And that pimples were a thing of the past. Nope, on both accounts.
38. So in my 42nd year of life, I hope to be more present in the here and now. Disconnect from electronic devices. Celebrate my current season of motherhood. Stop putting off until the proverbial “later.”
39. While I’m not condoning reckless abandon — I want to be around a few decades more, after all — I am focusing on doing things that bring joy.
40. Spending time with family. Gardening. Drinking coffee with a friend. Writing. Dancing in the kitchen. Volunteering. Photographing my sweet dog.
41. While I still can.
42. Here’s to making each year we are given the best yet! — v.
This birthday list format was inspired by one of my favorite bloggers, Emily at Jones Design Company. Obviously, all content is original and 100% my own.
A very happy birthday!
Thank you, Kathleen!