29

Does anyone else have expectations of a certain age they will hit and dread it when that time approaches?  For many it is the decade markers.  I am fast approaching my first, "uh-oh" decade of 30.  For some reason I don't dread 30, I just assume that I will be so busy with my career and potential family that it won't even bother me.  But for some reason, 29 was looming.  I think I will blame this one on my parents (cause why not?) for exposing me to birthday denial at a young age.  I remember attending the birthday party for the organist at our church.  It must have been a "decade" (cue ominous music) party as it was a pretty big gathering.  When they brought out the cake out (which I, of course, was most interested in,  being a kid and all) and looked on puzzled at the "Happy 39th Nice Lady Organist!" as everyone else laughed.  Why was this so funny?  I even had to ask my Mom, who explained that she wasn't really 39, but older, and women of a certain age don't like to draw attention to their real age.

And so I filed that away with many of the the other "lessons" such as "beauty must suffer" as I cried when getting the tangles brushed out of my long hair, and "You CAN'T wear white after Labor Day!".  But, as I approached my first "decade of dread" and the end of my 20s, 29 seemed worse than the impending decade!  But, I really must say that I had an unexpectedly delightful birthday.

Why unexpected you ask?  Well I was lucky enough to finally have my birthday fall on a weekend only to have to work a 4 shift stretch spanning that weekend.  On the night shift.  While my Mom and Stepdad were visiting from Canada.  Sad for me!  But, when life gives you lemons and you're feeling extra sour about turning 29 because your parents accidentally exposed you to a culture where the 9 is better than the 0 you...

...ask for a bicycle for your birthday!  I felt like a kid on Christmas riding my bike around the parking lot and getting the setting "just right"!  I love it and thank my hubby so much!  And then, when I finally roused after my night shift I came downstairs to this lovely spread

Presents!  All were much appreciated and made me feel so very special on my dreaded 29th.  Probably the most touching and unexpected was this,

Painted by my mother.  The morning of my birthday.  From flowers she picked on a walk that day.  How amazing is she?!  I've been bugging her for a painting for years now and it still took my breath away when I found this little gem tucked away amongst my gift.  I will treasure it always. And then she made me cheesecake.  Moms are the best!

Much thanks to my Mom and Dad for bringing me in to existence and for the lovely gifts.  Also thanks to Pat and Mike for completing our, sometimes complicated but always loving, family.  To The Jims and the Cindys, thanks for always remembering these special days with your thoughtful gifts and words, and welcoming me in to your family, I'm pretty lucky to have such great in-laws! And, of course, my husband.  Looking forward to many more "decades".  Thanks to everyone who took a moment out of their busy day to send me a facebook post, give me a call, send a text, or send a special gift or card, for making my birthday special.  Much love.  Even if I have to be 29 now.