11…22…33…44!

December 31, 2009 /

Forty Four
(44 graphic found here)

Today is my birthday, and I’m turning 44! I’ve always kind of liked the 11 birthdays, when the two digits of your age are the same. Which got me to thinking about what I was doing at these different stops along my life so far.

When I was 11, we were living in Campbell, CA. It was probably the worst year of my childhood, though not for any definable reason. All I know is, we were all pretty miserable and stressed there. The kids were kind of snotty, but I made a good friend. I liked my teacher. Richard was in jr. high and having a hard time of it. My mom’s boss was somewhat psychotic, which made her job more difficult. It sucked. All I can say is, I’m glad that we only lived there one year. Any time you leave a town to move to Stockton, CA, and you think, “Oh Thank God, we’re back in Stockton!”, you know that the other place was not a happy one.

When I was 22, I was living in San Francisco, newly dating Ted, having a great time with my friends, working full time and going to school full time. I’m not sure when I slept. I met my sisters for the first time on January 1, 1988, so I was just barely 22 at that point. That was a great year, though it had its share of downs as well as ups. Both of my Grandfathers died. One before I had the chance to meet him. I met my Grandmother at his funeral. My sweet Samantha, my BFF for 16 years, died. So it was a big year for me.

When I was 33, I was living here in this same house, where I’ve lived longer than any other house in my life. I was working at EDS, with Cherry and Autumn’s mom and Liz, three friends who are still very close to me now. Though it certainly had its problems, I think that was the best job I have had up to this time. We at least tried to do things correctly. I haven’t worked at any companies since then that value proper procedures enough to invest in making them work. I liked my coworkers, and found the job challenging. Also, it was right here in my town. Maya was 3, and getting adjusted to pre-school and making friends, some of whom she still knows today. Her Montessori school was across the street from my office, which I found very comforting.

Now I’m turning 44. I’m not sure what this year will hold for me, for Ted, for Maya. I hope it will be a good year. I have specific wishes, some of which I can do something about, other things that I can only hope for. And since my birthday is on New Year’s Eve, many people are taking a few minutes to stop and think about this year that has gone by, and the year up ahead, and what they would like to accomplish or have happen in this upcoming year. I hope that this will be a wonderful year for you and your families. A year of renewed health, love, success, good challenges, and plenty of time for fun.

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