On my way to work this morning, I took a moment to reminisce on each of my last 10 birthdays.
- 20 - At home in Laredo, with family, a few friends, and later went to my cousin's house to hang out some more.
- 21 - Went to Chili's with my parents and siblings, and had an alcoholic beverage, I think the Presidente Margarita, and drank it...but didn't finish it.
- 22 - Parents were out of town. I hosted a party at my house, with their permission, and invited my music major friends, and a few professors I started to establish friendships with. I also invited my Godparents. It was my intention to bring together 3 different circles of friends: classmates, professors, and family. The evening was slightly socially awkward as I spent more time with my classmates than my profs and Godparents, leaving them to entertain themselves. The profs and Godparents left, and the classmates stayed to party more.
- 23 - In grad school, and went to a meeting of the American Sign Language Club where I received my official name sign. It was so exciting!
- 24 - Still in grad school, went to San Antonio to a gay karaoke club with a small group of friends and my boyfriend at the time. It was there I got drunk for the first time, and it was a horrible experience...the getting drunk part.
- 25 - Working on my thesis and living with my partner whom I met 5 months earlier. Parents, sister, bro-in-law, nephew and niece came to Austin, and we ate dinner at a nearby Italian restaurant. We also had breakfast at a local favorite restaurant.
- 26 - My first year teaching. I don't really remember what happened that day.
- 27 - Started teaching at a new school. Got a nice treat out with my co-workers, sweet birthday cards, and a BIG candy from other teachers. Frank and I had moved into our house, and I sat with him at the breakfast table starting to cry because I was upset that I no longer felt the excitement and "magic" of birthdays. I didn't care that I was turning 27, I was just depressed that, for the first time ever, I wasn't excited about my birthday.
- 28 - At my current school, my team decorated my classroom, made me a beautiful card, and took me to lunch. A lovely day.
- 29 - Same team surprised me with hysterical cards as I repeated how it was my last year in my 20s. They took me out to lunch, and we had a wonderful time together.
- I don't just have shelter. I have a home I love and can afford.
- I don't just live with a friend. I have a life partner who accepts me as I am completely, and loves me, unconditionally without reservation, who is honest with me, makes me laugh...hard...respects me, guides me, teaches me, and pushes me to become a better me.
- I'm not taking any prescription medication that my life depends on to function. I'm completely healthy.
- I'm not just educated, I hold a Bachelor's and Master's degree.
- I don't just have a job. I have a career that I'm good at, that I was trained for, that I enjoy, and get paid to do. You can't have a better situation than that.
- I not only have a car, but I drive THE car I wanted.
- My parents are alive, healthy, and still happily married for almost 40 years. They're also totally supportive of my partner's and my relationship.
- My siblings are happily married, healthy, and proud parents of great kids.
- I don't just have money, but I'm in a financially manageable position that will be improving greatly very soon.
- I don't just have friends, I have BEST friends who love me, encourage me, and support me in everything I am and do.
- I don't just speak English, I also speak Spanish, know Sign Language, and have excellent spelling and grammar skills.
- I don't just have colleagues, but colleagues that feel like family.
- I don't just have bosses, but I have leaders who treat me with respect, dignity, and are always there to support me.
- I don't just have kids, but I have the best dogs I've ever had.
Thank you God for each and every blessing that surrounds me on a daily basis! I know I don't deserve my blessings, but the depths of my gratitude are unending! I really look at everything that's part of my life, and know I've done nothing to deserve any of it.
Thank you parents and siblings for pushing me, loving me, and teaching me how to get to the successful life I live today.
Thank you, friends, who laugh at my stupid jokes, especially the irreverent ones, for forgiving me when I make mistakes that hurt you, and for letting me be me.
I want to name names of people who have been very important in this decade of my life, but if I do that, I'll be here even longer when I should really be in bed.
If you're reading this, and you know me personally somehow, thank you for being in my life and making it worthwhile.
*sigh* Okay, 30s. Here we go.
Awhs, Jimmeh!!!! DOn't forget, we surprised you with a cake and stuff at my apartment the year you turned 23, I think. :) That was when I had my first apartment....with that big pinata doll of Boko the Bobcat. Fun times, indeed.
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