celebrEIGHT

The Son called promptly at 12:01 am as I was drifting off to sleep last night... waking up The Husband who quickly said "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" thereby beating The Son to the punch. But The Son did get to sing "Happy Birthday, Dear Mommy" to me so it was all good. (But please don't tell the copyright people - I don't want him fined!)

Yes! It is that time again!

08-08-08 a very auspicious day.

My original intention was to spend my birthday at the spa and have a big, blow out, red carpet, champagne bash to celebrate the occasion tonight. After all - there are only twelve days a millennium when you get an opportunity like this. Ask the Chinese - just how stoked are they that the Olympics they wanted so badly would fall on my birthday? I'm pretty sure that they dedicated the massive three hundred million dollar opening ceremony and fireworks display to me this morning, but my Chinese is a bit rusty. Alas, my own extravagant bash was not meant to be, so it was good that they were kind enough to do this for me. Instead, I spent the day working and doing the usual things. I guess that is fine. After all, what is life but a series of small moments? I really need to recognize them more.

Our good friends Tim and Donna had us over last weekend for a small but festive gathering in my honor. Tim even hung the awesome lights you see above so it would be extra special. It was very much wonderful guys... but not as special as you all are! I was sad that my old friend and roommate Mary, who is also Donna's sister, couldn't be there that night too since it is also her Birthday today. We haven't been able to celebrate together since 1991. Maybe next year?

I've been thinking a bit about how to spend my birthday money, That and some of the things happenings around Bloglandia these days.

Item One: The release of "Life is a Verb" by Patti Digh of 37 Days. I very much plan to take my birthday money and spend it on this book. I need an injection of strength and focus lately and I think that this might just do it. Patti's blog features living intentionally: making every day count, celebrating every triumph no matter how small, and making sure that those you love are supported and recognized. Check it out her book - it sounds marvelous!

Item Two: The creation of "Love Squared". I need to get a hold of some chances to win her! This beautiful doll has been a collaboration of so many wonderful people, many of whom have blogs I read on a regular basis. She was pioneered by Monica Magness over at Girl Gone Thread Wild And all for a good cause... As this post will drop down, I've put a link on the side bar as well.

Item Three: An area I keep trying to branch into is art journaling. I can't wait to get a copy of "1000 Journal Pages" gathered by Dawn DeVries Sokol. Again, many of the bloggers I read are in here and they are all an inspiration.

Item Four: I need to find some pink socks and send them to Michelle Ward. Her sister recently lost her 40 year battle with Cystic Fibrosis and she is waging a campaign to bring awareness, friendship, and warmth. Please check out her blog and help if you can.

Item Five: If there are any pennies left... I would selfishly like some more beads to play with. I discovered the bead aisle at Michael's this week. Could be very dangerous! I'm really enjoying this jewelry design thing and can't wait to play again soon.

You may remember that my birthday is also my blogiversary. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to stop in and say hello over the last year. Especially to those who came back a second time! May each and everyone of you find your own peace and happiness today as well.

So I wonder what the next year will bring? I'll keep you posted!