So, this is what 35 looks like.

My body is falling apart. I have no time to do the things I love. I'm tired all of the time and I have zero patience.
But life is good. I can complain all I want, but life is good.

Turning 35, I thought, was going to be uneventful. Little did I know that Tim had been planning my birthday for months.

When I got home on Friday, I immediately sensed the kids were missing. This alone was a birthday gift. (Not that I don't love my kids, but a day off is a day off!) With an eyebrow raised I began to inquire about what the evening had in store. Tim's only answer was, "We have some place to be at 4:30."
Do I have to change?
No.
Am I going to see anyone I know?
Probably not.
Should I change?
No.
Can we just go now?
Yes. Let's go.

So, we roll into a local strip mall.

Are we eating at Mellow Mushroom?
(Sarcastically) Yeah. We're eating at Mellow Mushroom for your birthday.

We get out of the car and he takes me into a spa/salon. Dood! A 30 minute massage? My husband RULES. I haven't had a massage in years. I think I might make a point to schedule one every other weekend from now until eternity. So nice.
I joked that I was ready for bed. (Well, I wasn't joking but Tim doesn't have to know that.) We traveled back home, got all gussied-up and headed out to dinner. The Livingston.
It's a newly renovated space across from the Fox Theater. Food was yummy. Tim was a sneak and while my head was turned looking out the window he placed a ring box on the side of my plate. Yes. Overboard? Yes. I really don't know what I did to deserve such a sweet sweet husband.
As if that wasn't enough...
We asked our waitress if we could go to the rooftop and she personally escorted us! Such a great view. Perfect way to end our dinner.

Tim blew me away on my birthday.
I have to be honest though and tell you- the best part of the evening wasn't the ring, or the massage or the fancy dinner- it was holding hands and walking together or tightly wrapping arms around each other and gripping each other's sides. One of us is typically holding a kid or strolling a kid. It was nice to just spend time alone together. We should probably do more of that. And since he finally quit his night job, we'll be able to make it happen.

I've missed my husband!

So.... 35. I've never thought this far ahead in life. I've pretty much done what I set out to do. (You know, when I planned my future at 22 years old.) Well, I've accomplished those goals. Now, it's time to set some new ones, I guess. I'm just not quite sure where I need to be going or how I should be getting there. It's scary when you realize you need a new direction, a new inspiration, a new five year plan. Jesus, in five years I'll be 40!!! Shit. I can't think about this right now. I'd better start learning how to put on makeup.

Tonight, the girls and I headed to La Fondie (Audrey's pet name for her favorite restaurant.)




Harper continues to surprise me with her self taught ability to use eating utensils with ease. Hardly any beans or rice on the floor this time! Progress people, progress.
And Audrey convinced me to let her enjoy a little ice cream afterward. That little voice she used tonight to sway me? I pretty much would've given her whatever she wanted.

And for the record, Superman ice cream is now Harper's favorite too.




The simple joys.