Birthdays and Presidents, oh my!

Today's my birthday. My 49th birthday to be exact. Wow! I've had a great day so far. At lunchtime Annie and I went to our favorite walking park. The road to the park is closed right now, not sure why but it is. So, we park at the top of the hill and walk down and head to the river side along the nature trail. The sun was out and it's warmer out today and no wind. It felt good to be outside among the trees and in the fresh air. I am thankful for today and that I've made it this far. What I really mean is, I've come a long way baby. It feels like an accomplishment to have reached this milestone. I'm really not sure why, but that's what I feel like - like somehow I've reached a milestone in my life. Achevement can be treacherous and rather expensive, if you can relate. I like this age. I don't feel "old" whatever that is. I feel older certainly, but my mind feels ripe, and my relationships with everything and everyone that matter to me are generally good. Life is good, and I'm thankful to be on this journey. And, yes I guess I'm feeling rather philisophical today because it is my birthday.

I got a beautiful boquet of flowers and a music playing card and a little love note from my hubby. I love that guy - I guess I'll probably keep him. :) I got a message on my phone from my big sister who sang Happy Birthday to me and told me that she loved me. That always feels good - to be loved. And, a friend of mine brought me a lovely handmade wooden jewelry box that she's handpainted with little spotted ponies on it. She knows I love those spotted ponies. So thoughtful of her, and I'm just feeling loved and blessed today. It's a good life and I have a lot of blessings to be thankful for.

Life is never perfect, not on this little planet anyway, but it is always interesting and challenging. I think life is what you make of it. Being happy is usually a conscious decision. We all have trials and tribulations, but if we accept that and take life one day at a time and make good decisions every step of the way, we'll always be okay. Life will be good. In my journey, one of my greatest challenges is always remembering what is important and keeping everything in perspective. I tend to be somewhat dramatic at times. Maybe I missed my true calling and should have went for a job in a soap opera or something...but, I know what matters and what doesn't. I just need little reminders every so often. Anyway, I feel good today and am thankful for the day and for my mom and dad and my sister and my friends, my dog, my horses, my home, my job, my health, and yes - even my blog. I enjoy this little outlet so much...and mostly I am enjoying all of the lovely people in this world that I am getting to know through this little blog of mine, that otherwise I would never even know existed. So, thanks everyone for being there and for interacting with me, for listening and laughing or crying, or whatever with me. I'm glad you've been here and that my life has been enriched because of you. yadda yadda yadda...remember I am middle-aged and emotional and philisophical and moody, did I say moody? Okay, yes that too. Anyway, like I've said before - I'm happy today.

So, switching gears now, I want to inquire what everybody thought of our brand new president's inaugural speech? I loved it! For the first time ever, in my 49 years I am hopeful about a president. No, I don't expect miracles or any dramatic overnight changes, but I like this guy. Right or wrong, I find myself believing in what he says. He is either one of the most compassionate, intelligent and gifted speakers I have personally ever witnessed - or he's the best liar I've ever encountered. And, let's get one thing straight - it's not because he's the antichrist!! Puhleeeeze!!!! People, come on - you're scaring me if you believe that - even for a tiny little second. He's just a man, an american, a guy with some gumption and some ideals. And, he apparently knows how to get things accomplished. And boy howdy, do we ever need to get some things accomplished!! I hope and pray that he is what he seems to be; and if nothing else can get the American people united again and believe in the power of ourselves and our ability to overcome and endure. To really care about our country as a whole and stop being so greedy and so darned gullible. We all individually need to figure out just what the truth is, and what really matters and be willing to jump in with sleeves rolled up and do our part and accept the fact that it's going to be a lot of hard work and remember that it's not all about me. For a change, stop thinking just about ourselves and see what togetherness can once again accomplish.

The new president and we, the people have a big old hill to climb. But, you know what?? That never stopped anybody who knew the path and steered straight ahead.

Okay, dismounting now...it's my birthday and I have every right to get on my high horse every once in a while. I'm 49 years old and have earned that right!

Blessings ya'all!!

Cingspots over and out!!

:)