Happy Birthday to me.
It’s so quiet outside… the calm before the storm of the fireworks blasting off into the sky. Its 10:30 and I have been creating patterns since Iza went to bed at 7:15 and Kurt at 8pm. Tomorrow (or in 1.5 hours) I turn 34. I have turned off my phones in anticipation of birthday calls from family – a tradition since I could stay awake long enough to see the ball drop. I would love to talk to anyone, but that would disrupt the peacefulness of the moment (potentially waking Iza or Kurt).
I suppose I am not super excited about this year’s number. Years ago I thought to start rounding to the nearest 5th year. So instead of today being 34, I would be 35. Next year I will be 35 too and until 2019 when I will be 40 for 5 years in a row. I never implemented it, but I still think it is a good idea. 34 is not really a milestone, it is just a number. 35 and 40 might be more interesting numbers to dress up for… although I do feel there is much to be celebrated this year, much more so than other years. I have never been happier than I am now, especially in this very perfect moment at my desk, looking out at the silent night with the twinkling stars and the pin dropping silence. It’s awesome.
The biggest celebration for me has been our move to Guatemala. It has taught me patience, the importance of time and the ability to dedicate myself fully to living. 3 gifts I have given myself by opening my mind up to something new. I feel fulfilled. (Of course I wish my time was more free to play with Iza and make things with Kurt, but I know I am still not ready to leave some of the creature comforts I have grown accustomed to.)
Every year on my birthday / New Year I write my goals (really original, I know). I am still working on them, but here is a rough draft for 34/2015:
- FAMILY: Try for another baby, work harder on sign language with Iza, focus more on play for the family.
- HEALTH: Yoga every morning and detox more often.
- LIFE: Remember how precious time is. Relish in the little moments.
- SELF: Stop biting my nails (wow is that ever repetitious – maybe on my list since I was 12)
- CREATIVITY: Draw everyday and post something new.
- TRAVEL: Visit the States at least once, take advantage of Guatemala and Central America and adventure.
- WORK: Go out with a bang!
- SIT: Take more breaks, enjoy the view.
- EDUCATE: Read more often. There is so much to learn about.
- FUTURE: Really focus on all our passion projects to meet our goals for sustainability.
Signing off. Happy Ball Dropping, y’all!