On turning 39...

Well, I have made it to 39! It is hard to believe that I am this old yet do not feel like I am that old. It's funny how I thought that by certain ages I would have had wisdom and maturity, but now that I am 39, I guess I will always be this immature!

My mom had a difficult time turning 39, 40 and then 41, but then did not care how old she was. I thought I would feel the same way, but I never really cared about how old I got, except when there was a possibility that I would not have children. Once I had MM, I did not care how old I got. Now I have two beautiful children and a wonderful husband, and I have done more in my 39 years than many have done in a life time.

So let me reflect...

1. My parents encouraged my independence and allowed me to go away to Girl Scout Camp in the summer

2. I worked for my family at their store which gave me amazing skills and experiences

3. My parents also thought that going to the theater was important so I got to see Broadway musicals (not on broadway, but the classics) and even got the chance to travel to New York to see actual on Broadway plays and musicals.

4. I traveled to England to study for a year and made lifetime friends and began my love affair with Britain.

5. I have traveled to 14 countries and many states in the USA

6. I have gotten two undergraduate and one graduate degree

7. I was in the Girl Scouts, the Boy Scouts (Explorer Post) and Job's Daughters (Honored Queen).

8. I have managed a convenience store, worked for the United States Government on an Army post, worked as a cashier and been a teacher. Each job has helped me be a better person and educator.

9. I am a mom and a wife. Any success I have had here is a result of my previous experiences and opportunities my parents gave me.

So, thanks to my parents for giving me life and a life worth living.