Happy birthday to me!

Tomorrow is my birthday and I’ve been getting requests in my inbox to use my birthday to ask my friends for money for various causes. I’ll tell you right now, I don’t do that. I don’t hit people up for money; I don’t try to push people with what makes them uncomfortable, I’m not here to guilt. I’d like to say I’m here to educate.

If someone knows something they didn’t know before about worldwide conflict, poverty and strife, then I feel like I have been successful. If someone takes what they’ve learned and chooses to apply it in a way that benefits someone else? Even better! But I’m not ready to retire yet. I’m having too much fun!

I don’t say that it is fun learning about all of this. In fact, it is somewhat depressing most days. The shock & awe factor has worn off a bit. I mean, the shock I originally felt – and disbelief that people can be so evil towards each other. I’ve now read enough, seen enough, heard enough that while my heart is deeply saddened, that is the way of it. And so, it is up to the rest of us to fight even harder to bring a little more cheer! So, my mission of the moment is to continue to help people know what is going on and to celebrate those who have dedicated themselves to helping.

So, what is my birthday wish list?

A little bit of money to update the wardrobe – I don’t TRY to look like a dowdy mom most days! But that is my current default style. Although I tell myself that I possess the ability to make it look cool! (likely not, but whatever)

A netbook or otherwise portable device so that I can do various media related things other places rather than my office. When I’m watching a flick I’d like to comment on here, it’s annoying to keep pausing it to run to the computer to jot down thoughts – I guess a notepad & pen would work too…. And yes, I know electronics involve conflict minerals which I don’t want to purchase new into my home – a refurbished something would be great!

A yoga class. My current discounted yoga class is coming to an end. It has been the best thing for centering and giving me ME space! I do have some other discounted classes starting soon though… so I should be good for awhile.

Books! I would love to own my own copy of Half the Sky & A Thousand Sisters! But! I just got a belated Christmas gift of a Chapters gift card, so I’m going to be able to get one of those for sure!!


I’m having a party tomorrow evening. Just a few good friends and their kids (mostly for the benefit of MY kids who insist they need cake). We’ll go to supper at Humpty’s (kids eat free on Fridays!) (and it is the kids fave place), then back to our house for dessert. My middle man asked that if I get toys for my birthday, would I please share them with him.