Another Year Wiser

I'm 32. This is what I look like these days. At dinner last night, DH and I discussed how great a year 31 was for me. It has probably been my greatest year of personal change. I am happier and more confident than I can ever remember being. It has been a journey and has required a lot of work: mental, spiritual, and physical. The best part about it all is knowing that I'm ready for the work ahead.

My semester is over! No more hour and a half of commute time every day and writing papers into the wee hours. January and February were some of the most challenging months of my life, as DH worked TONS more than he had anticipated and I was basically trying to go to school while being a single mom. I loved my classes though, and being in a face-to-face classroom again was a stimulating experience. No final grades yet, but I feel confident I did well. *Sigh*

I also lasted a whole month without eating sugar or drinking any soda! I didn't really lose weight because I made up for my lack of sugar with a lot of nachos, but it was a very valuable experience for three reasons:

1 - It taught me to be aware of how much sugar I consume and where the sugar comes from. I read a lot of labels. I've become much more sugar conscious.

2 - I learned that I can say no to a treat without feeling deprived. At T's baptism and at Easter and when people brought surprise cookies to class I was able to just say no and honestly feel that I wan't enjoying myself less. This was a very valuable thing to learn.

3 - I learned that I can make a goal and reach it. I'm learning that more and more all the time. It's really a matter of saying "I will" instead of "I'll try." If you believe you might fail before you even begin, you're cutting off your own feet before you take a step.

So yesterday for my birthday I ate milk chocolate, mint truffles, Cadbury mini eggs, Twix and chocolate cake with ice cream! Oh the sweet taste of victory!

And now I'm ready to cut back on sugar again. I feel better without it. Isn't that amazing?

So, a quick birthday recap:

- Friday, DH and I went to dinner at Biaggi's and to a movie with Dandi for a joint birthday celebration for Dr. Dandi and me. (Again, no treats for me!) Dandi gave me some fun jewelry, just what I wanted!

- I've been getting great cards and gifts in the mail all week. Say what you will about digital communication, snail mail is still the best!

- I woke up yesterday to the kids giving me homemade cards (so sweet!) and DH gave me a book I've been wanting and three bars of Milka chocolate. (I had already purchased my big gift: my Chacos). The very best part was that DH took the day off, took care of the kids and the house so I felt free and easy. R even had a super great attitude and helped DH by washing counters, sinks, mirrors and windows. It really is true, as DH's mom says, that the best gift is a clean house and happy kids. And that's just what I got!

- DH got a babysitter and took me to dinner. I had shrimp and crab risotto and chocolate cake and a Coke classic.

- We came home and watched Survivor. Hey, I know what I like!

For the first time in my life I look to the future with genuine excitement instead of as more time to be endured. By my 33 birthday I'll be a college graduate, and who knows what else! It was a great, great birthday. Now on to a completely busy, crazy, awesome summer!

(Sorry, is my enthusiasm getting annoying? I'll try to tone it down. 12 exclamation points in one post! Holy Crap! [14])