1980 + 40

10 years ago, I turned 30.

It's a lot of feelings, I'm not sure they'll all fit here.

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In 10 years I know more now than I did before BUT I'm still learning! What a blessing to be able to continue to learn.

In 10 years I sure hope I get to travel and do as much (if not more) as the girls get older. But we try to take it one day at a time.

Birthdays bring questions. What do you want, what are you doing, planning something big? Are you where you want to be, where you imagined you'd be? (If you know me I'm always planning something, big or small) I personally struggle to celebrate my birthday and/or holidays. Did you know birthday depression is a thing?! See here.

This year I turn 40 - forty - 4-0 - FORTY. I'm lucky Brett and I still have all five of our parents. I'm lucky to have two littles and a Binne turning another year older. To start I have in mind a small dinner out with just my husband and littles. Last weekend I started with a little me time at the salon getting my nails done, followed by some special treats from the Willy Street Coop. You can't get just every little thing here in our local shops (and sadly our Coop closed last May, special treats being the food/home good brands we don't have access to at the in town stores).

UPDATE: Brett, Nicole and Josh surprised me with an amazing 40th birthday party at our house. There were so many people there from all corners of my life, it was great to see everyone! they definetly got me to the point where I was speechless. The thought and work put into keeping this from me and getting so many friends and family here without my knowing is not an east feat. Here I thought he was at home sick...

This year I'm not focusing on one day and hopefully I remember this going forward too. It's not just about this one day, it's about celebrating everyday and living life to the fullest with the ones who want to live it with you. I think back to my 30th, things have changed a lot and I'm working on a lot more schedule balancing than I was back then. Back then it was just me.

This year if you must get me a gift, treat ourselves to time together! Lets go out for coffee (there are still a number of places to visit on my list from 2019), wine, a concert, an activity, gym, yoga, or walk.  Please set up time with me or the family and lets catch up. Life gets so busy and I miss my friends. In addition to coffee, wine, and hanging out at the local COOP stores or library I also like music and listen to CD's often (old school, I know). Who is currently your fav to listen to? It would be cool if you made me a CD for the car, I love listening to music in the car with the girls.

If you have a donation kinda person please send it to American Family Children's Hospital in Madison or go donate some time at your local humane society or non-profit shelter. Adopt don't shop!

Activities I'm hoping to do this year? Photo sessions, salt room, pedicures/manicures/facials/self-care, new tattoo (who's with me?!), Brewers game with just my husband (this is a big deal), ladies only trip (November), arts & crafts events (think Revel in Madison, Diakonos in Stoughton), winery/coffee shop visits, exercise more, Summerfest (?), day trips, the beach, hiking at state parks, camp (back yard or park, we need a bigger tent first), and as always spending more time with our friends and family here at home or locally, but of course reserving time to take good self care for our family unit (and savoring every minute).

Happy birthday to ME!