What a happy birthday to me!

I celebrated my 44th birthday yesterday.  I was just sitting here thinking about what I was doing this time half my life ago.  I was living in Tuscaloosa, attending the University of Alabama, thinking I was in love with someone.  When I think about what has transpired in my life in the last 22 years, I'm kind of amazed.

I completed my degree in secondary education, met and married the love of my life, became a (step)mom, began a career I love, and made some of the best friends a person could ever hope to have.  This is in no way the complete list, but these are the highlights.

One day last week, Susan sent me a text to see if I was busy yesterday, and if I wasn't, she wanted to treat me to lunch for my birthday.  I had no plans, so I took her up on it.  I got up early yesterday (6:30), got ready, renewed my driver's license (ick!  At least my picture isn't so bad I'll be embarrassed to show my ID ), and headed to Birmingham.  Susan and I sat and talked for a bit before we headed to Chuy's for lunch.  YUM!  This was my first trip to Chuy's, but it won't be my last.  After lunch (and sitting there for, oh, a couple of hours just talking...) we went to Coldwater Creek.  And EVERYTHING in the store was 50% off...on sale stuff, too!  Happy birthday to meeeee!  LOL  I did get a top that I have been wanting but I wasn't willing to pay full price.  We made a couple of other stops before grabbing some Starbucks and heading back to Susan's.  We talked for another hour or so, and then I headed home.

I did get a huge surprise during the day.  After we got back to Susan's, my phone rang.  I didn't recognize the number, but I answered it. It was my dad...calling me from his cell phone!!!!!!!!!  Mom added him to her plan a few months back, but he never even showed any interest in learning how to use it, so it ended up in his drawer.  So imagine my surprise when I discovered the call was from him.  He decided he needed to keep it with him after he fell a couple of times lately. 

He has some nerve damage in his legs and feet (quite certain it is from his exposure to Agent Orange during one...or both...of his tours to 'Nam.)  He said that a couple of times lately his feet don't "keep up" with the rest of his body and he falls.  So he will be going to Princeton tomorrow for a nerve conduction study.  He also has to have an MRI on his head, AND he is going to see an oncologist because something isn't right with his blood work.  Please keep him in your prayers.  For now, I'm trying not to worry.  Easier said than done, though!

I need to get myself busy this morning.  I need to wash dishes, grade some papers, and shower.  I think we're going to ride over to see Jess this afternoon if she feels up to having company.  I've got a few goodies to take to her, so maybe she'll feel up to visitors for a little while.

That's it for me for now.  Have a GREAT day!