Birthday Wishes or What I Want To Be When I Grow Up

Forgive me a little introspection, but today is my birthday. I turn 51. Yikes! It's a little scary to even type that. For years at a time in my 30's and 40's, I never really knew how old I was. I know that sounds silly, but if you had asked me my age ten years ago, I would have had to stop and think a minute. Age didn't seem all that important. Now, suddenly, it does.

For the past year, I have seen my in-laws practically age before my eyes, and that has been a sobering sight. I lost my own parents when I was still too young to consider their deaths a memento mori. That will not be the case with my in-laws.

And now, of course, there are the incontrovertible signs of age. I guess part of it is the graying hair, and the much fought-against weight gain. My daughter got her driver's permit on Wednesday -- God, do I feel old! And the menopause thing is such a barrel of laughs, too.

So, to celebrate my birthday, I have decided to self-medicate with Hershey's Kisses. Lots of them. And to compile a list of things I'd like to be when I grow up. :) So here goes:

1. An astronaut. No, not really, but I would like to learn more about the stars. Be able to identify some constellations in the night sky.





2. An architect. Well, at least enough of one to help make our Little Red House a bit more functional and slightly bigger.





3. A fashion designer or a crazy bag lady. I'm a little conflicted on this one. Some days I wish I could put together a decent outfit. Other days (and there are many more of these) I wish I lived in a place where everyone wears sweatpants.





4. A gardener. In a beautiful English country garden. I don't want to be in charge; just one of the many minions who pull weeds and make compost. There is something so comforting in the thought of working out-of-doors with the seasons, in the midst of such beauty. Lovely.





5. A chef. Or at least someone who does not panic at the prospect of getting dinner on the table every night.





6. An author. Of something slightly longer than a blog! :)

Well, I think that's enough of a list to be getting on with. Excuse me while I go get some more Hershey's Kisses.

Edited to add: Today is also Amanda's birthday. Please go visit her and wish her a happy day!