it’s july 31st…again?!

This Sunday I’ll celebrate yet another birthday. Gosh, they seem to come around so fast. Am I even old enough to be 26? My last birthday was a tough one for me, but looking back now I realize how great of a year it was, the things I did and accomplished, the challenges that were overcome and the memories that were made.

Last year on my birthday we were moving; it was quite an eventful day. Five months later we moved again. Over the past year we both started new jobs. I agreed to, applied for, was accepted to, trained for and ran the Boston Marathon, while raising nearly $10,000 for Dana Farber cancer research from all the amazing supporters I had.

We celebrated graduations, weddings and births, had reunions and get togethers. I had my first cavity ever, Al’s head got gashed open and stitched up. Both were pretty tragic for me. We visited Nashville, a city I’ve always wanted to see. I’ve learned more about my broken stomach and how to live well with it each and every day.  I spent a weekend with my dearest college friends in North Carolina. Al and I have camped, hiked, biked, ran, swam and kayaked. I’ve almost quit biting my nails. Almost.

I’ve learned about myself. I’ve learned that I’m bad at staying in touch, planning get togethers and catching up with friends. Though I always love it and never want to leave when we’re together. This year, it’s my priority to stay in touch.  Two of my closest friends are moving out of state this summer, and the friend I’ve had the longest, since the Girl Scout years, will be next summer.  And I never, ever want to lose touch with these three. So, that’s my birthday resolution, stay in touch.

The year ahead is going to be a great one. I know it is, because they all are. So many things to look forward to, memories to be made, smiles to be had. It’s another year spent with my better half, my love.

I’ll be spending my birthday with two great little people, 3 years old and 19 months, and one awesome big person, Al. I’ll be babysitting. Hopefully the sun will be shining and we’ll be swimming and splashing.

When time allows I’ll tell you the story of where I’ve been for the past few days and where I’ll be for the next few, which is why I’m babysitting. It’s an amazing story of courage, commitment, dedication and love. But most of all, of friendship. And that when a friend needs you, you’re there for them, without thinking twice, without thinking of yourself, without hesitation.

So, cheers! To being 26, to another year ahead, to memories, laughs, smiles and hugs. And to cute kids in swim diapers. And to friends, family and great husbands!