Approaching 35

So on Friday I turn 35. But I'm not really too concerned about it. I'm good with it.

And although at times a December birthday can kind of stink I've had very good Birthday celebration luck. I received a coupon from Red Robin for a free hamburger, a coupon from BD's Mongolian BBQ for a free dinner, a coupon from Victoria's Secret for $10 off, and a coupon for a free movie at CineBistro.

This Friday I'm taking a dance class to learn a routine to Santa Baby. Saturday some friends are taking me to lunch and Mom is taking me to dinner. The only thing that could make it more perfect would be my husband being here but at least I should get to talk to him on my birthday.

In my family birthdays were celebrated at a moderate level nothing crazy but not too toned down either. Mom always made the cake of our choice which for years was what we called Waldorf Red Cake (in the south it is called Red Velvet Cake) and we got to pick our favorite dinner too. For years that was Sukiyaki our version of the Japanese dish basically it is a variation of stir-fry. And of course presents (in an effort to make sure we don't feel cheated by our December birthdays Mom and Dad would often give a number of gifts). 

In honor of my 35th Birthday I've decided to do a list of 35 things I've learned over the years...

1. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. ~ Phil 4:13
2. Don't judge others you don't know the whole story.
3. Pets are children too.
4. True friends are there no matter what the circumstances and love you anyway.
5. There are people you thought would be with you all your life and they have left...that is ok.
6. Sometimes a pedicure and a manicure can make the world feel right.
7. Usually if you are nice to people they will be nice to you. (there are exceptions)
8. Good things do come to those who wait (but not necessarily on your schedule).
9. True love is worth waiting for.
10. The military is a wonderful institution who works on their own schedule (and they will not consult you).
11. Your parents can disappoint you in ways you could never imagine.
12. Your siblings really are an important part of who you are.
13. You are responsible for you and you alone. Do not try to be responsible for others. And you need to take responsibility for your actions.
14. Every decision has a consequence some are favorable, some are not.
15. There will always be more beautiful people, people with more money, and people who seem happier than you but you are a beautiful person and you can be happy. (the money you have to work for or have wealthy relatives)
16. People (especially husbands) cannot read your mind. If you want something tell them what you want, do not hint, suggest, or otherwise assume. 
17. Everyone has and is entitled to an opinion but it is ok to disagree with them.
18. The right man will love you more than you can imagine.
19. Anything that can break in your home will break the moment your husband leaves for 6 months (8 months, a year, etc).
20. The song (poem) was right wear sunscreen and take care of your knees.
21. Any project in your home will always take longer than you think that it should (and will often be more expensive).
22. Be careful when setting your expectations...aim too low and you'll be disappointed...same thing if you set unrealistically high ones.
23. Laughter really does work like sit-ups so laugh often.
24. You should love your job but don't let it take away from your home life.
25. It is ok to say no.
26. You can't please everyone.
27. Chicken on the kitchen counter is just too big a temptation for the dog (or cat).
28. If you find a man who can heat up the kitchen and the bedroom keep him.
29. There is always someone who has it worse than you.
30. Don't tick off the trashman, the person who packs your parachute, or your cat there will be consequences that you don't like.
31. Enjoy life...no one on their death bed says I wish I dusted more.
32. You need to get out of your box at least once it will help you grow.
33. You do not have to put up with abuse (emotional, verbal, physical, etc) of any kind in a relationship regardless of the type of relationship or who it is with. 
34. Above all love.
35. Sometimes you have to jump and build your wings on the way down. ~ Unknown

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends

This weekend was busy busy busy but so much fun.

Friday brought our annual Christmas Party at the pastors' home. They prepare the main dish and we bring sides. Then we do a Dirty Santa Christmas exchange. (Let me explain...everyone brings a gift. We all draw numbers. You can either open a gift or take someone else's gift. Every year the alcohol is the biggest hit. Yes I work in a church.) This year the Pastors decided to do a pig pickin' and roast a whole pig. I had the job of finding the pig. Interesting process I tell you. We had a great time and it was very laid back which was nice.

Saturday my friends S and T and I went to see Love and Other Drugs. It was a good movie and the storyline was great but there was lots of sex and nudity. Much more than we were expecting. It has a very sweet ending. I would recommend it just be prepared. Then my day of early birthday surprises began...first T and S paid for my movie and my snacks. Then we went to lunch at Plaza Azteca where I was surprised by my friend A and her daughter A with balloons. They "accidently" mentioned that it was my birthday so the servers sang happy birthday and gave me birthday Flan. It was too sweet and I was full so I didn't eat much but it was the thought that counts. Then we went to do some shopping and get Starbucks. Then they surprised me later with dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings where our friend D and his kids K and K were. Then there was very delish Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cake. D said he wanted to pay for my dinner because he wanted to say thank you to J and I for the sacrifices we make for our country. And he wanted J to know that people were supportive of me back here with him over there. It was very sweet. T, S, and I finished the night at The Pub. We had a great time with way too much food. But I couldn't ask for better friends. I am truly blessed.

Sunday brought an attempt to go to church that was foiled by a bridge opening. So we went to lunch and did some shopping. Then we went to my work for the First Place 4 Health class intro and I set up for our Blue Christmas service. Then home. It was a long day too. But lots of fun!

Fudge n' Cookies

So I got up with J this morning as usual...although I had a strange wake-up call of him singing the Marilyn Monroe version of "Happy Birthday." But it worked...I got up with a smile on my face. And I was productive this morning...
~ I made a batch of fudge
~ I made a batch of Andes Chocolate Mint Cookies
~ I made a batch of peanut butter kiss cookies
Now I only have Spiced Tea, Ting-A-Lings, and Angel Cookies to make. Then I can send goodies off to the family. Whoo hoo.