a wrap up

it was the best of times and at times, it was the worst of times.  a birthday week and weekend.... how do you ever sum it up.  for those that didn't know, my beloved tony (my cat) passed away last week after 17 years of faithful companionship.  i miss him.  a lot.

on to the birthday celebration.  it was a great weekend - quiet and laid back (mostly like me).  i had lunch with wonderful friends at the asian bistro and carol brought me an assortment of baby cakes.  i meant to take a picture of them but they go so very fast (delicious one-two bite(s) of the most scrumptious cake ever.)  then out to the movie (the sorcerer's apprentice with nicholas cage - very cute), a salad for dinner and a girls night in to watch a dvd (valentine's day - again, better than i expected but still brain candy). 

yesterday was a mish-mash of errands and working on photography homework. (a simple, artistic shot of something complex)  leave it at i was too hot to be breaking new ground.  and then dinner with the family for my birthday - the girls were beautiful.  i hate my nephews couldn't be there...but they were with their dad.  (sad face)

i wish i had some profound or wise words for turning another year older.  but, in all humility - i don't.  basically i think that waking up to face another day is one of the greatest gifts that we have because we are never guaranteed another day and it's up to ourselves to fill the new day with what will help us resolve to be happy, satisfied and fulfilled, of course while treating others well.  so...reflections over the past week months include:  when you think you've reached the bottom, hang on and try to climb back up.  life may (or may not) knock you around a bit - don't wait to be rescued, rescue yourself if you can.  never say no to help though - and ask for what you need - that's not being rescued - it's finding what resources and tools are available to you.  never be ashamed to ask for what you need.  life does go on - maybe not in the way we expected it, but there are many ways to happiness. 

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today on my ipod - i feel the earth move (carole king), gravity (angie aparo), tuff enuff (the fabulous thunderbirds), good (better than ezra), suddenly i see (kt tunstall), no bad news (patty griffin), let your love flow (the bellamy brothers), heart in hand (vertical horizon), learn to fly (the foo fighters)