Oh, hi there, my 37th birthday!! So nice of you to drop in again!
It’s honestly hard to believe that I’ve taken another trip around the sun already.
12 months. 52 weeks. 365 days. 8,760 hours. 525,600 minutes. And 4 seasons.
And, wow, what an eventful trip it’s been!! My 36th year was one of ups and downs, of personal and professional wins and losses, of heartbreak and healing. I’ve certainly felt like I was on a roller coaster of emotions at times and I’m most certainly NOT naive when it comes to said emotional roller coaster, either. Trust me, I know it’s going to continue throughout all the years of my life. If you look at life like that — that every year you go around on that roller coaster is another year that you’re LIVING — well, then, I suppose that I should be pretty grateful for those ups and downs, huh?
Part of me isn’t too sure how to feel about my birthday this year, actually. I mean, 37 just feels like it’s going to be an odd age. I’ve reached that dreaded point in my 30s where I can no longer say “I’m in my mid-30s.” I’m officially in my late 30s! Yikes! Although, perhaps I can get away with saying “Oh, little old me? I’m in my late mid-30s“? That has a very nice ring to it, if you ask me!
I took the above selfie last week, while I was sitting outside and enjoying the classic Portillo’s jazz music and waiting for friends to arrive. How appropriate that Toy Story’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” came on! It reminded me that I have such wonderful people around me. As trying as some moments have been this year, I still feel surrounded by love, light and happiness. No dark clouds (or haters…) can dim that light.
Thank you, friends, for being such a powerful force in my life!! I hope you know how much I appreciate your love and support. As I’ve said before, we make a pretty amazingly awesome team, don’t you think?!?!?
I’m taking my classic Birthday Break next week and I can’t wait to rendezvous back here on Monday, August 13th! Coming up that week: Birthday photos, a new guest post from Ms. Bear on what she learned this summer and…MY NEW DIGS!!!! Curious about that last one?? You’ll see!!! I’m always on Twitter and Facebook so come by and say hello!!! Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a hearty dinner of my mom’s meatloaf and a delicious dessert of my sister’s delicious Rice Krispies treats calling my name!!! xoxo
P.S. My last NINE birthdays: 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st, 32nd, 33rd, 34th, 35th and 36th!!!
[Bottom photo via We Heart It]
Laura Smart says
Happy Birthday! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and being a light in the world. Enjoy your rest week.
Mom says
You deserve all the happiness in the world. Live and learn, right? Love you….your mother!
Vicki says
Happy Birthday🎂
Linda Kerr says
You are wise beyond your 37 years. I am 65 and I’m learning from you!
shelly sitzer says
HAPPY 37th BIRTHDAY. ‘HOPE IT WAS A WONDERFUL DAY COMPLETE WITH DELICIOUS DINNER AND DESSERT.
What is your astrological sign? If I am correct, I think you are a Leo. That is such a wonderful sign. Leos are very giving and very generous and very caring. Let us know what your sign is.
Best wishes for a wonderful year ahead.
liz lamade says
Happy Birthday and continued joy. My 24 year old son recently had to work on his bd and said it was no big deal. I thought of you and love how you make it a big deal. It’s a wonderful attitude to possess.
Emily says
Hope you had a wonderful birthday! I am sure this next year will be filled with more exciting things and writing wins for you than you can imagine!
Erica says
Happy Birthday, Melissa!!! The “late mid 30’s” are the BEST!! And I feel like it’s gonna be amazing!! Bon Voyage for your next trip around the sun!!!! Haha!!! Very excited to see what the “new digs” are!!! Enjoy your birthday time off!! Warmest wishes from Southern Cal!
MelissaBlake says
Thanks for the birthday wishes, everyone!! It’s great to get back to blogging today! xoxo