40 years...

I will be turning 40 in a few days and I've been doing a lot of thinking about it. There are so many people, especially women, who freak out and stress about the "Big 4-0". But to me, it's just a number...actually two little numbers. And though for some, it is a depressing number, to me it's no big deal. I've had a lot happen in my 40 years of life...good stuff, bad stuff. Things most people will probably never have to go through and other things a lot of people are or will be going through. So, I've compiled a list of things that have made my 40 years of life significant. Here goes...I was born a minute before midnight on December 5, 1971. My mom was asked by her doctor if he should "Leave her in or take her out?" because it would make a difference on the birth certificate. She decided, "Take her out!" I ran away from home by the age of 2...I managed to "sneak" past my sleeping father, go out the front door and walk/waddle down the block a whole house away, where my mom found me, crying and possibly eating a snail (that was never confirmed, but there is strong evidence I did it). By the time I graduated high school, I had smoked a cigarette (regular, not a joint), drank alcohol and lost my virginity. I'm proud to say that to this day, I am still in touch with him and have the honor of calling him my dear friend. By the age of 19 I watched my pop die from a massive heart attack. I had to make the call to 911 and attempt CPR, but it was too late. That event haunts me to this day and the loving care we received from our funeral director is the reason I got into the field. I had an eerily accurate reading by a psychic, who predicted when I would meet my husband, what he did for a living and where we would live. My husband used to bring me dead bodies...and we got married in a mortuary chapel at Rose Hills Memorial Park. In a 5 year span, I lost my maternal grandmother, grand uncle, paternal aunt, grand aunt and grandfather, another dear friend and my loving cocker spaniel. I've had both a pregnancy scare and a pregnancy disappointment in my life. I've never had a broken bone or been hospitalized except for carpal tunnel syndrome surgery. I've managed to stay in touch with many of my junior high and high school friends, especially since the "miracle" of Facebook. I can tie a cherry stem in a knot with my tongue (yes, I consider that a significant thing!). So, with the "Big 4-0" creeping around the corner, I feel like I have lots to be thankful for and to look forward to for the future. I physically feel better than I have in years (thanks to Curves and my instructor Kathy). I feel better about myself than I have in years too. I have a loving husband, who loves me for who I am and makes me laugh every day despite the battles we're going through. I have a wonderful mom who supports me and is truly a dear friend. I also have an incredible circle of friends (near and far) who remind me to find time to live and enjoy life. I look forward to spending time with all these wonderful people in the next few weeks to celebrate my birthday. So, come on 40...bring it on! ;)