Laugh Lines, Uggs, and Another Year

In one of favorite movies, P.S. I Love You the character, Danny played by the beloved Harry Connick, Jr. talks about how growing old is a privilege. I don’t remember the exact conversation but it struck a chord with me. As a society we spend so much time worrying about getting older, preventing the wear and tear the years put our bodies through. What happened to celebrating our age? We should be grateful for every day we have on earth. Every year marks an accomplishment.

Don’t get me wrong. I miss my “youth.” I long for the days when I sat in la piazza while studying in Italia, drinking a beer at 3 o’clock in the afternoon. But, I am also overall a much happier person than I was back then. During high school and college I worked at an open-air bar on the river where I live. I worked with about 10 friends, and we had a blast every summer. Those were some of the best times of my life as a young person. Now there are different good times and things to make me smile.

For example, having my son sing happy birthday to me this morning. My heart swelled. Thing is, I still feel so young. I could dwell on the fact that I am creeping into “middle age.” All these terms that we have for stages in our life. What does it mean, really?

Age is a frame of mind. I aim to focus on all that is good with maturing and living another day. There are so many people who don’t get the chance to live a full life, passing away into their eighties and nineties. I think of those in my life who died way too young and those who face severe health issues. They would love to grow old and celebrate another year.

To mark my 32nd birthday I want to list 32 things that are special to me. I want to thank my family and friends for loving and supporting me (and that includes all my I-friends (Internet friends- p.s. article coming up about making lifelong friendships through the Internet).
Thanks to DH for my long-awaited U.ggs. I got them this morning bright and early because we got another 4 inches of snow! My toes are cozy.

Here we go. 32 things that make me happy, define who I am, goals, dreams- all that life is made up of:

1. photographs
2. driving
3. writing
4. my husband and son
5. my family
6. my friends
7. being an aunt
8. shoes
9. blogging
10. decorating
11. poetry
12. music
13. traveling
14. speaking different languages and learning about different cultures
15. Lu, my puppy dog
16. having my Pop’s eyes
17. Having many traits of both my mom and dad
18. Working with my father
19. Having parents that have supported me every step of the way
20. being empathetic
21. my struggles
22. my triumphs
23. champagne
24. pasta
25. singing
26. the 1000 Islands
27. surprises
28. receiving letters and cards in the mail
29. my health
30. my values
31. strawberry pie
32. knowing how lucky I really am

23 thoughts on “Laugh Lines, Uggs, and Another Year”

  5. I posted about you on my blog yesterday and then never came over to your site to wish you a happy birthday! I’m sooo sorry!!!!

    I hope you had a fantastic 32nd birthday!!!!! Great idea about the list btw, why didn’t I think of that??? 🙂

  10. Atta Girl! I couldn’t agree more about it being a frame of mind! AND you know what? Another year means another year of adventures and surprises to anticipate!

    Happy birthday ~ I thoroughly enjoyed your list!!

    Many blessings in the new year!

  11. Happy blessed birthday! People born in February are the best. 😉

    I truly appreciated this post because I constantly struggle with getting older. I always have. Even when I was a kid. I try to remind myself of the exact things you talked about in this post. Not cherishing age is wasting the days we have here.

    I hope you had a fantastic birthday!

    *hugs*

  15. Stopping by from SITS…

    Happy Birthday!
    I am one of the those people who totally look forward to getting older…that’s because I get better every year! =]

    And I LOVE P.S. I Love You! One of my favorites.

  16. Happy SITS Sharefest. Happy Birthday! What a great way to keep things in perspective. I may try my own list, as my b’day is approaching.

    Holly
    hipweddings.blogspot.com
    504main.blogspot.com

  18. Happy Birthday!!! You are such an amazing, compassionate person & I’m so thankful there are people like you in the world who give back & make a difference for those couples faced with IF! Hope you enjoy every minute of your special day!

  20. BAH! Don’t you dare say 32 is “creeping into middle age!” I’ll be 33 next year and that is NO WHERE near middle age!

    Happy Birthday!

    ~ICLW

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