No matter how I look at it…today I am 44.
When I had my last birthday, I must say I didn’t feel much like celebrating. We had just lost Shadoe and I didn’t know how I was going to recover from that pain. I think of it now like a skinned knee with an old Band-Aid on it. It doesn’t matter how you rip off that Band-Aid, it is going to hurt. Some people like the slow tear and others like it to go quickly. I just know that it doesn’t matter how that Band-Aid comes off; the pain of the skinned knee will still be there.
As I dealt with my “skinned knee,” I was also trying to take care of the tsunami known as Crohn’s disease. (My Crohn’s was really flaring during 42 so I can’t blame 43 for everything.) It tried to wipe me out and I am grateful to the awesome doctors/nurses who were able to protect me like a sturdy umbrella. I will always have good and bad days but I’ve been doing this for 37 years and don’t intend on giving up now.
Like any bad storm, the clouds started to part and I welcomed some sunshine in my life. I met 3 of the Brady Kids, had fabulous food experiences and made friends with local wild life. I took more cooking classes, won a couple of contests and grew my own food. I went to plays, saw Niagara Falls and cross-stitched a picture for an international exhibit.
Most importantly, I celebrated my 15-year anniversary with my beloved Earl. I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to share the good and bad days of my life with someone like him. He makes me laugh and is the best “spooner” a gal could ask for. (He’s also pretty good at “forking!”)
43 wasn’t always perfect. This was the year I noticed the aging process. My skin has started to sag and I am naming my wrinkles. I have to wear old lady glasses to read and there is this weird back fat thing that has popped out like the timer on a Thanksgiving turkey. And don’t get me started on the generation gap!
With all of these changes, I wouldn’t trade them to go back in time. With aging, comes confidence and wisdom and those qualities are much more valuable than a tight butt! (Who am I kidding? A tight butt does have some value!)
I have to say thank you to all the people who support me. The fun and success of this past year would not mean anything if I couldn’t share it with you. My appreciation for the friends and family who keep up with Felt Like a Foodie makes me speechless. Thank you for understanding how much this food blog means to me and your constant encouragement.
I keep thinking of the Pharrell Williams “Happy” song that is so popular right now. I am happy and I hope you all can clap along with me. I can’t wait to see what 44 has in store!
Happy birthday to my favorite foodie! Your indomitable spirit is inspiring to all who call you friend and to all the wannabees who regularly read your blog and just wish they could meet you. I think that your friendly and approachable writing style has contributed to your success because people who have never met you feel as if they have. They feel you’re a friend without ever having had the benefit (and privilege)of actually meeting you. Keep on doing what you’re doing. My life is enlarged by your presence in it and even though we don’t see each other as often we’d like (as we discussed just the other day), we always seem to be able to pick up just where we left off. Here’s to a healthy year and much happiness. Happy birthday.
Reading this was a blessing to me. You look terrific, and so does Earl. I wish you much happiness always and more good health, too! Happy Birthday! The best is yet to come 🙂 God bless!
Barb, I got a little misty-eyed reading that one! I hope your birthday is the best! Love you like the sister you are to me!
Michelle
Thank you!!!!! I appreciate the constant love and support I get from you and your sisters!!! It means so much to me. HUGS!
Like a sister? I thought you loved me more than that! Haha. Love you Michelle. You are one of those people who helped set the course of my life and I will love you forever. : )
Thanks Barb!!! I think you should write for Hallmark or be the President of my fan club! : ) I love talking to you about all things but especially food. You are one of the best cooks I know and you inspire me to be better. Hugs.