Well, Mom wanted a birthday blog, so here it is. I turned 31 today. I'm not generally one to be affected by birthdays, but each one becomes a bit more difficult. I have been incredibly blessed and have the best family in the world, a wonderful job, a beautiful house and a handful of great friends, but on days like this, I tend to be more aware of the few things that I don't have - namely, a husband and children. I know that God has his own timing and I am content to wait on Him - that doesn't make it any easier, though.

I don't usually talk about things like this - I have no problem discussing thoughts, ideas and opinions on thousands of topics (right, Shane?) but this is not something that I ever discuss. I minored in psychology, so I can think of dozens of reasons why I hide behind my "happy face" and deflect discussion about my hopes and fears - but understanding why you do something doesn't necessarily make you stop doing it.

Somehow, I don't quite think that this is what Mom had in mind when she asked for a birthday blog :-). Overall, it was a good day. I was off work, and my whole office (all 4 of them) called me at home to sing me happy birthday, and then Mom and I spent the afternoon shopping. After that, we met Dad, Shane and Candy at Abuelo's for supper and then headed to Mom and Dad's for cake, ice cream and presents! I received some much appreciated $$$, a singing mountain goat (so cool) and a book of weird and wonderful words (awesome). I came home and found my new blender/food processor on the back deck - it had been delivered this afternoon. Tomorrow, we have our final Christmas for 2006 and I am very much looking forward to it!