Fifty-Five

As promised here's another post... ;)

It's been quite a week on a lot of levels, but I think I'll focus on the fact that I turned 55 this past Tuesday. I'm so blessed to have such a great family and friends who helped me celebrate. Having a birthday on Valentine's Day is kind of nice. Everyone always seems to be in a good mood and love is in the air. (Think: chocolate and flowers!) It's usually difficult to get dinner reservations, but we were lucky to get in to one of our favorite spots for an impromptu dinner with Patty and Tom.

Fifty-Five.

I'm thanking God for my health.  I really don't feel any different than I did when I was 25. Well, except when I look in the mirror and see my mom. (Smile lines of course!) I'm trying to embrace these wrinkles, especially on my neck. I know it sounds vain, but they really do bother me. I find myself telling total strangers to learn from my mistakes and put sunscreen on their neck as well as their face. I have to make a conscious effort to pretend I'm okay with the aging process. I know it could be way worse.

I am so fortunate to have my health and I do not take it for granted. I have already out-lived two of my siblings. (This just felt like the first time I heard the news. How could I have lost a sister at 43 and a brother at 52?)  Anyway, I can pretty much do anything I want to do physically.

But what about mentally? I like where I'm at on the inside and I'm pretty comfortable in my skin, although I still feel like a 12 year-old about some things. I can't seem to think of anything specific right now. Haha! Stay tuned next week! 

I don't really have any earth-shaking ideas about what I want to do to this next year that will make a difference. I'm hoping I can help my daughter plan her wedding. Is that shallow? Seriously though, I don't want to interfere but I want to be there for her if/when she needs me. I'm looking forward to this next stage of life, and being the best mother-in-law I can be. 

Let's see... what else? This is us (last Fall).  We are still trying to "get it." And... Isn't it weird how when a photo is taken we don't like it at the time until later when we look back and think, "I didn't look so bad back then?" Anyway, this was one of those times and it was taken on our road trip. We always enjoy getting away and making new memories. 

Here's to being more grateful this year and more appreciative for all of the gifts God has given me. Honestly, I do not take any of this amazing life for granted. I don't understand how mine can be so good when others have such a difficult time. 

All my love,

Angie 

xoxo

p.s. Thank you for sharing my birthday with me!