Today, I turn (turned) 51. It is completely surreal, let me tell you. I remember 18. Heck, I remember turning 10. I remember many stops between 10 and now. For example, 30, we had moved into the house and I was alone. While there were family activities planned around the weekend, the actual day, I was by myself.

I did what any girl would do.

I ordered a pizza and picked up a DVD of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and went home to watch it. It was a perfect evening. I don’t remember what I had on the pizza and while I did watch the original run of the show, I picked it up in the second season and never saw Season One. Three episodes in, my husband (who was, at that time, still my boyfriend) called and was all like “I want to watch that too!” So, I set it aside and waited until he was home to watch anymore.

But I digress. Since turning 50, things have not gone as planned. Not even close. However, one thing I have learned over the years is things rarely go as planned and that is life. You have to learn to roll with it or it will drive you nuts. It does anyway, but that is just how it goes. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep on going. That is just what grown-ups have to do. It sucks, it isn’t fair, but c’est la vie!

What does 51 have in store? Me figuring my sh!t out? Hahahahahahhahaha! Maybe. But does anyone ever get that figured out? My parents (Dad & Step Mom) have spent a lot of time travelling this past while. When I complimented my step mom on the shared pics on social media, she said “living our best life” and I think that is all anyone can hope for.

The opportunity to live your best life. Whatever that may look like. If it means getting up every day and getting to school, reading 10 books, putting on your pants the right way, if you can do it, have some small success, take the win. Of course, I have dreams and ambitions, they’re lofty, they’re large, but if I can keep people together, learn a little, succeed a little, and accomplish some of things *I* want to do, this time next year, I will be a happy lady.

Happy Birthday to me! Here is to 51 and many more after that!