A Blessing...

One of my favorite television shows of all time is Sex in the City and my favorite episode is the first episode of season four. Carrie turns 35 and is waiting on her friends to show up at a restaurant but they never do. It is a hilarious episode. Whenever I am feeling down, I watch this episode. I am sad to admit that I often find myself identifying with Carrie. I know she’s self-centered, but she can be keenly insightful. Today I turned 30 and I am happy to say that my 30th was nothing like Carrie’s 35th.

My birthday celebration started in the mountains at Falltacular (more to come) where the first family bought me a cake (thanks Uncle Fe) and fried some midnight chicken (thanks Uncle Dee).

Throughout the day, I received many texts and calls from friends far (Courtney, Monty, Aaron) and near (so many former students who saw that today was my day on my facebook). I felt loved and valued.

When I made it home, I received a card from one of my best and longest lasting friendships, Wendell. Wendell actually sent an impressive cash gift. I was shocked. We talked on the phone and he explained how much I meant to him. Wendell is an amazing guy!

Then, Double Dees picked me up for dinner and he, Parker, and Thirsty went to my favorite restaurant, Spondivits for crab legs and shrimp.

I could not have imagined a better 30th… but it did get better. I got a message from Brian. I was surprised and overjoyed (more about Brian forthcoming).

This summer a blogger asked me why I viewed my life as a mess when I seem to have it all together. I guess for the past ten years, I viewed my life in terms of what I did not have. I am ambitious and determined to make my life what I want it to be and sometimes my focus on achievement takes my attention away from the blessings I have.

At thirty, I have finally come to realize that it is more important to count the blessings I have. At thirty, I realize how blessed I am. I am so fortunate. I have degrees, a home, a supporting family, wonderful friends, and an amazing lover. My life is not what I thought it would be. Actually, it is better than I could have ever imagined.