Feliz Cumpleanos a MI!

That's "Happy Birthday to ME!" for all you non-Spanish speakers. That's right. Sunday is the day. I will be 28-years old! TWENTY-EIGHT! Wow! I can't believe I've been here for twenty-eight years! Happy Birthday to ME!!

I've never understood why people fear getting older. I truly look forward to it! I look back to everything I knew (read: I THOUGHT I knew!) only five years ago and it never fails to amaze me how far I've come. Each passing year manages to bring more wisdom, humility, and understanding. Every year, bit by bit, I feel like I manage to firm my grasp on what's really important. I know I won't ever come full circle, but I don't want to. I anticipate the learning each year brings! It's funny how certain phrases like, "That which does not destroy me, makes me stronger", or your parents saying, "One day you'll understand" begin to resonate.

While I find myself paying more attention to anti-wrinkle creams (HAHA!), I'm glad another year has come and gone. I'm truly happy with where I'm at right now. I have an amazing family: my dad who understands and loves me like no one else, my "mudder", the kindest and most thoughtful person I know (we should all be so accepting), and a brother that is in truth, my best friend. I surround myself with the most diverse, good-natured, kick-ass group of friends a girl could ever ask for! And, I've managed to meet someone (yes, a boy) that seems to be everything and more I've ever wanted in a man; whether it works out with him or not, he (and the occasional romantic comedy) continue to keep the faith that "that person" is out there somewhere for me. All that and a wonderful extended family, a dog that keeps me laughing, a job I enjoy, a place to live... To say that I feel lucky in this life I've created would be an understatement.

I've laughed my ass off, cried my heart out, felt fury and pain, been overwhelmingly happy, and crushed by heartbreak. All the while, I've slapped on a smile and whistled my way through it. To borrow some lyrics from one of my favorite Jewel songs..."I'm 28-years old that ain't the end, but it sure ain't where I began..."

Here's to next year! Happy Burfday! :D