That Time Of Year Again

Time where I get all reflective and moody and blah--because it's almost my birthday.

Remember when you were a kid and you couldn't wait for your birthday and your cake and OH MY GOD, PRESENTS?! Well, let me tell you, after age 21, that is gone. And honestly? I don't handle getting older very well. Like, at all.

I didn't accomplish ohhh, 80% of the stuff I said I wanted to do by my next birthday, but, you know what? I'm ok with that. A little bummed, but, ok. Even still, I've had a kick ass year.

I went to St. Louis to visit my bestie (ahem, who is PREGNANT BY THE WAY! I have this whole fantasy all worked out that when Baby Mac is here and I can tell him/her all about the time we went to NYC when mama was pregnant and OMG so excited!)

Spent many a long work day laughing and judging people with the BFF.

The husband finally got a job.

I had an amazing weekend in Boston with some of my favorite people ever.

Went to a Renaissance Faire.

Welcomed my baby brother home on his leave for R&R.

Spent four wonderful days in NYC with my sister and nieces where my youngest niece fell in love with The Phantom of The Opera--just as her mother and I had done years ago.

Enjoyed some time in the mountains with my family.

Owned up about my stuggle to have a baby.

Showed y'all the tacky home decor that my BFF and I exchange.

Went to London where I fell in love with Les Mis all over again and saw THE DRESS.

Ran a marathon relay in Maine with my separated at birth sisters, Sarah and Danielle.

Found a theme song.

Etc, etc.

There was a lot in this last year that wasn't so great, to be honest. The husbands unemployment was a huge challenge for us. I spent a great deal of time traveling for work, and even more time being sick and beaten down. But, we got through it.

So, while this year hasn't been the year I dreamt it would be, I will look back in it as one of the hardest but also one of the best years of my life. I owe that to my friends and my family--who love me when I'm a bitch, and take care of me when I need it. Thank you.

I don't know what this next year holds, but, I do know that I will be celebrating in style with Sara in NYC, I'll be running a marathon in Madrid with Christy, I'll welcome home my baby sister in April, and I'll travel to Montreal in May to see my niece dance.

I couldn't ask for anything more.

Well, except a trip back to London to see Ramin Karimloo in Les Mis. Or, Hugh Jackman agreeing to marry me. Or a home in the English countryside. Maybe an island?

But, other than that, nothing ;)

So, as we approach Thanksgiving and my birthday, I have so much to be grateful for. I hope you do too. I hope you know, each and every person reading this, that I am thankful for you--truly.

Thank you for giving me this little space on the interwebs and for your sweet comments, kind emails and amazing friendship.

xoxo