Birthday

I love January for many reasons--the fresh, new year smell that comes with each windy day, the reminder that all things begin again, and the fact that I was born in January and sometimes that fact is widely celebrated. And by widely I mean by my family. Scattered across the western United States as they are, it counts.

This year's birthday presents, celebrating my survival to my 31st year, were quite nice. I'd been drooling over two beautiful pairs of boots and my kind mother-in-law bought both pairs for me (the sale was pretty good too, if I do say so myself). My mother has gotten in touch with her artistic side lately and I'm reaping the benefits--I now have the pleasure of owning four brand new necklaces and three new pairs of earrings that are exactly to my taste. Courtesy of my aunt, my husband was able to take me to Red Lobster, for my love of shrimp knows no end. And my father and stepmother provided a purse hanger to keep my lovely Pirates of the Caribbean purse (a product of last year's birthday bash) off dirty restaurant floors. They were also the means of feeding my NCIS addiction. Heh heh heh. I own the first two seasons now. The Hub tolerates my NCIS fandom quite well, even watching the occasional episode with me. I think he has a secret addiction too.

As I have solidly started my third decade of existence, I have no deep thoughts but this: If you can research it, you can do it. Family comes first and contentment will come second, if you remember to enjoy the moments. There can be peace in the middle of chaos. The gospel is true. The right kind of love--pure love, charity--truly does conquer all.

On to the 32nd year!