I really liked this link about turning 40 from earlier this summer. I think my favorite one is number 6: You have a close knit circle of amazing friends. I really felt this at my birthday party. So many of my friends know and love each other, and while they may not see each other as much as I see them, many of them were excited to see each other at the party. So many of my friends from different circles have met my friends from various parts of my life, and it was super cool to see them happy together. Not all of my closest friends were able to be there on Saturday night, and not all of my friends are in the same circle of friends, but I do feel truly blessed to have the amazing friendships that I do. My friendships are what sustain me, get me through the daily drudgery, and have made this journey of motherhood so fun. Thank you to all of you!
One of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite books which is so apropos to the feelings I'm having about my friendships right now:
"What was important was the golden footprint, the magic footprint she had left on his life and no one could ever remove." Milan Kundera from the Unbearable Lightness of Being
On the night of my birthday, August 16th - same day as Madonna, I went to sushi with Sarah and Sarah before the party. I discovered Yama Sushi earlier in August, and I think it's safe to say that it is my new favorite sushi spot.
Delicious!
After dinner with two of my favorite friends, we made our way to Everyday Wine on Alberta. We had reserved the wine bar for the night, and it was a highlight of my night (my year, probably) to look around and see so many people that I love in one place.
Kris and John
Kelly, Sarah, Sarah, and myself
I have known Kelly since 1986 (OMG) and Sarah and Sarah since 1992. Kelly and I went to junior high, high school, AND college together - we even visited Willamette at the same time and both applied early decision, and while I don't see her nearly enough, she definitely qualifies as one of my oldest friends.
Sarah, Sarah, and I met at Willamette during our freshman year because we lived in the dorms together (go Matthews!). We have stayed close since we graduated from college and are a great trio of friends.
Nyree, Sarah, me, Sarah, and Julie
This is the end of the night and the last ones standing.
So lucky to have these strong and supportive women in my corner.
me and Nyree
Nyree and I have known each other since freshman year of high school (I think) when she moved into my neighborhood. We used to hang out after school making cookies and listening to New Kids on the Block. As we have ventured through adulthood, Nyree and I have had some things in common we probably wouldn't have picked (moms with cancer, partners who weren't good choices - past not present, of course), but those have only made us closer and led us to understand each other in ways that other people don't. When my mom was sick, she had a friend named Cheryl who would drive up from Eugene to hang out with her. One day, I walked into my mom's room and found her and Cheryl lying next to each other in bed just talking. I thought to myself, "Who is going to be my Cheryl when my time comes?" and the first person I thought of was Nyree. (PS I can really say anything I want about Nyree here because I'm about 99.9% sure she doesn't read my blog.)
me and Julie
Julie is such a rockstar sister. She spent the entire day throwing a bridal shower (at her house!) for one of her oldest friends, and then put together a birthday party for me that night. Thanks to Julie and Sandy for pulling off a great night. It was just what I wanted - many of my favorite people in the same place having a good (childfree!) night. People ask how I feel about turning 40, and I honestly don't feel like it has affected me too much. Sure, I wish I was in better shape at 40, but other than that, the only thing that bothers me about turning 40 is that now people are going to start getting sick. Morbid and pessimistic, I know, but it's the truth. My mom first got cancer at 42, and I didn't understand (at the age of 12) why people were freaking out. Now I understand. 42 is damn young.
My goals for the next year are to survive my first year back in a school building, make better decisions for healthy living, spend quality time with Trey, and continue to nurture my friendships. It gets harder and harder as life gets busier and kids get older, but my relationships are what matters the most to me. Thanks to all of you who have had an impact on my first 40 years.
Some modified lyrics from one of my favorite country singers (My Next Thirty Years by Tim McGraw - wow he's dreamy):
I think I'll take a moment, celebrate my age
The ending of an era and the turning of a page
Now it's time to focus in on where I go from here
Lord, have mercy on my next
No comments:
Post a Comment