Well,
it happened....I turned 36. I'm really not a huge fan of this number, or the
changes I am feeling (and seeing!) that go along with aging, but I would be
lying if I said I have ANY legitimate complaints about my life! I am so beyond
blessed. I find I want much less "fanfare" for my birthday as the years go by,
and I do not want or expect extravagant gifts, so it allows me to truly delight
in the small pleasures. I had the day off work, and got to spend it with my
precious girl at our monthly play date with our cousins. Later in the week we
enjoyed a simple family dinner in Reedley, and the gift giving continued with
the gals from my Bible Study, various girlfriends, and the other side of the family over Thanksgiving
weekend. Like I said, nothing extravagant was opened, as least not as far as
monetary value....but each gift given was something a dear friend or family
member picked out with me in mind, and was something I would not have bought for
myself. I guess I can't think of a better way to get older, than surrounded by
people who love and cherish me and delight to give me thoughtful treats!
On
a more vain note....a new skin care regimen starts on January 1st. I have every
intention of returning the "gifts" of age spots and fine lines (and crows feet,
it seems)! And thank God for hair color. I'm just sayin'.
The
weekend after my birthday, Chad and I ventured up to San Francisco for an
absolutely fabulous day/evening in the city with our dear friends the
McDonalds. Theresa's birthday is also in November, and the guys planned a
fantastic getaway for us! We couldn't have picked a more beautiful day in the
city. We spent the afternoon shopping at the Ferry Building and Union Square,
had a delicious picnic on the wharf next to the Bay Bridge, and had an amazing
Italian dinner in North Beach at Trattoria Contadina. It felt SO GOOD to do
something completely grown up! I felt spoiled...but was ready to get home to my
sweet girl after breakfast on Sunday morning. Another HUGE thank you to our
parents (this time Paul & Barbara) for keeping Tess overnight, and our super
trustworthy (and Tess's favorite) babysitter Emma for making the little getaway
possible for us!
