35 Candles

So today is my 35th birthday.  I felt compelled to do a quick post to memorialize today so here goes...

I've always been a big birthday person, hey, I'm an attention whore (kinda), and my birthday is the one day that is truly a day that I can focus on myself and not feel guilty about it.  My friends and loved ones make it worse because they always go out of their way to help me make the day special.  My college roommate threw me several surprise parties during those years, and my best friend does not let a year pass without getting me something.  Even Tarus has always made sure that, at the minimum, I have a birthday cake.  But I feel lately that now that I have hit 35, the tides are turning a bit.

It actually started last year.  My 34th birthday was the first birthday since I graduated from college that I actually worked.   You see, I always take my birthday off.  I don't see the purpose of getting into it with angry customers on "my day".  This year, I am fortunate enough to be in Florida and it's just as well, because I am somewhat feeling a bit reflective this year and I definitely didn't want to be working.

I feel today on my 35th birthday the way a lot of people feel on their 30th.  I will be the first to tell you that I am blessed.  I have a loving, patient, husband.  I have an awesome family, good supportive friends, and a career that manages to pay my bills.  But, dare I say, I want more.  So, I declare 35 as the year I get my shit together.

First, I need to lose weight.  I'm healthy (for now), but I am incredibly out of shape.  I need to get back into an excercise regimen and I plan to join weight watchers as soon as I get off the plane from florida.  I can not let myself get to 300 lbs! Trust, I'm heading in that direction...

I must manage my money better.  I'm not bad, but I should be saving more.  The time has come to get on my grown woman and if you will, settle on one place.  In that regard...it's now or never.  Hopefully Tarus and I will be buying a townhouse by the end of 2012.  New opportunities that I'm exploring (and praying over) may go a long way in making that a reality.

I have to be a better friend and sister.  I have some loose strings in some of my relationships that I must tie up, and I have answers that I need from others that I must get.  I have to make more time for my brothers (and sisters) and talk to them more regularly.  I need to make more time for my nephew and make sure he is getting everything he needs.   I have to be a better wife to Tarus.  Cook more and get him where he needs to be healthwise so we can enjoy the fruits of our labor in old age.

Some of you are thinking, what about kids?  Forget about it!  That boat is pulling away from the dock and not coming back.  I'm 35 for chrissakes!

That's all, I guess.  I know I may not achieve all of these things.  If I achieve 2 I'll feel like I accomplished something.  Ok, enough of all this reflection.  I'm going to get some fondue and cake!