34 years of gusto

Today is my birthday.  I am 34 years old.  Woohoo! My plans to celebrate today are simple, just the way I like it.

• A leisurely breakfast with my girl - hello homemade zucchini bread and french-press coffee!
• Morning walk with my friend, Sara
• Reading my current book (The Angel's Game) without interruptions and without a thought to chores/errands/phone calls on my to-dolist
• Chatting with friends, calling to wish me happy birthday
• A simple spaghetti dinner with the family
• Enjoying homemade chocolate chip mint ice cream while sitting on the couch with my husband after Little B goes to bed

I feel blessed and content on this birthday.  This past year brought both joys and challenges for which I am grateful.

For sure, no one can ever say that my 34 years on this earth have been boring or that I don't jump into life wholeheartedly with gusto.  Yep, when I live, I LIVE.  Sometimes it is awesome in that take-your-breath-away kind of way.  Sometimes it kicks the crap out of you.  But that is okay.  For I think George Carlin said it best when he said,

Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, 

but rather skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting 'Holy shit!  What a ride!'

I wonder what the next year will bring.  I am almost afraid to ask.

I am hoping it is filled with simple pleasures - new recipes to be discovered, lots of perfect weekends that you think about long after they are over, good books, good friends, and maybe a trip or two just to keep it interesting.

Okay, 35th year... let's see what you've got.