It seems like there are a lot of August babies among my family, Ted’s family, and my circle of friends. Late August babies specifically. I bet you I could list off at least 15 close friends or family members with birthdays in the last half of August. In other words, I’m in good company with some of my favorite folks!
I’ll be turning 29 this year. And I’m looking forward to it! I don’t dread growing older. The thought of an upcoming birthday doesn’t fill me with horror, dis-ease, worry, sadness, anger, avoidance, or even apathy. It’s an honor and a blessing to see another year; to celebrate in the presence of my dear family and friends or whoever might be joining me that day; to think back with awe and nostalgia over 28 years well lived. 28 years with more than my fair share of happiness, love, blessings and opportunities; to be grateful for who I am, what I have, who I have, and to be thankful that I’m here to experience more of this world and all the adventures, ups, and downs that come with it. And to consider the ways I can continue to grow personally and try to make the world a better place in the next year. That’s gift enough. I like birthdays. I like what they mean. I like what they stand for. I like what they celebrate. And I like TO celebrate; mine and others!
One of the things Ted always teases me about is how childlike I am at heart. I have the giddiness of an 8-year-old in so many ways, and one of those ways is birthdays. I still wake up excited for them! I still make a birthday list every year, even though I know birthdays are really about something so much more wonderful than material gifts. And I think about cakes and candles and celebrations and cards and friends and balloons and wrapping paper and surprises. And I don’t know that I’ll ever stop making a birthday list. Not that I need any of the items I may put on said list. Not that I couldn’t save up my own money to buy those things on my own one day. And definitely not that I expect to receive them, or anything else, on my birthday. Seeing another year among those I cherish is enough. But it’s part of the excitement; part of the tradition; part of the fun.
And so, my birthday list:
{New Balance Women’s W980 Boracay Running Shoe in Teal/Yellow, size 10 B(M), $120, available on Amazon and shoes.com}
{Boy Meets World, the complete series DVD set, $50, available on Amazon}
{Try the World annual subscription, 6 boxes delivered over 12 months for $200, available on trytheworld.com}
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Something practical and useful, something entertaining and comforting, and something surprising and adventurous – gifts that keep on giving throughout the year.
Ah, to dream!
We all think about it (okay, maybe not all, but most of us think about it maybe just a little bit…right? It’s not just me?)…so, what’s on your birthday list?
