Premium Birthday

When I was little, my birthday was not a big deal. I have one vague memory of a decorated cake but the decoration was a Mexican boy and a donkey so my guess is that is was a last minute grocery store purchase.
When I was 16, a tragedy happened to a family member and my mother asked that we not celebrate my birthday any more so that it wouldn't remind that person of what happened on my birthday.
When I was 18, I ate Mexican food, told my parents I was going to the movies and proceeded to go out with friends and get really drunk for the first and last time in my life. Not falling down, throwing up drunk but willing to pee in the parking lot drunk. Not something I ever forgot.
When I was 21, my birthday fell on Mother's Day so after the obligatory lunch with my mother, I went on a road trip with someone I loved and ended up spending a week with my sister. Turned out to be memorable.
When I was 30, I went camping to one of my favorite places on earth with one of my favorite people on earth and he even figured out how to bring ice cream! Turned out really memorable.
When I was 40, I got my first tattoo using money my mother gave me for my birthday. She told me not to get one...real rebel, eh? Permanent memory! My friends also gave a great party for me with a guy juggling fire and everything.
When I was 45, my friends gathered for a celebration of remarkable women and I made grown up goodie bags and loved every minute of it. I'll never forget it because it was 2 weeks before Donnie died.
When I was 50, I wouldn't let anyone do anything since it made me twice the age I thought I would live to be...never thought I would make it past 25! Not sure anyone else did either... Didn't want to push my luck. Another memorable birthday, if not hugely celebrated.
As of 8:41 am today, I am now closer to 60 than 50. Doesn't feel that different than 55. (And Dave said I didn't look a day over 55!!) Was more than a premium day. Found this great barn that had all these state fair ribbons from years past faded to this beautiful lace. Enjoyed my family and friends. Felt loved all day.
This choosing your "family" really works out better for me than the one I got at birth...with a few exceptions! Thanks for all the well wishes, I may do this again...but not for a year at least!
Grace in small things - twice as many!
1. Barns that haven't been torn down for progress
2. A fabulous camera
3. Tender gestures of love
4. Hearing from friends
5. A beautiful day
6. Window shopping that is better than buying
7. Other people's trash=treasures ready for an art project
8. Senses of humor
9. The comfort of memories
10. Bloglandia!!!