Today is my birthday. My 39th birthday specifically.
I spent the past week poking at my psyche, trying to figure out how I feel about getting older, about approaching 40. And I found that I am completely and totally okay with it. I am happy with where I am in my life. I’m grateful that all the mistakes I’ve made in the past inform my decisions, that I don’t have to make those mistakes again. I’m grateful that I’ve become a good judge of character over the years and no longer have to waste my time on crazy people, negative nellies or drama queens. And I’m grateful that I am now mature enough to confront conflicts head-on and get them over with, rather than dancing around the edges and stewing.
10 years ago, I was a CBS News Producer living in New York City. I was thin. I had plenty of money. I had nothing tying me down.
These days, my job is non-tradional (to say the least). I couldn’t be mistaken for thin by anyone. I worry about money all the time. And I have nearly 100 mouths to feed.
But I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my life. Go figure.
You know what I want for my birthday? I want you to be kinder to yourselves today. I want you to be gentle and kind to you. Cut yourself some slack. Treat yourself like someone you really, really like.
Thank you for making 38 so wonderful for me. 39 is going to be even better!
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Bonne fête Susan! I like you way to talk about being around crazy people and drama queens! I can surely relate to this one…. I just wish I could put it all out of my life but I don’t have your courage!
Je te donne un bisou sur les deux jours which means: I give you two kisses one on each cheek
Marguerite
Delurking to say happy birthday! Thanks for reminding us to be good to ourselves. It’s so wonderful to hear people talking about the choices in their lives and the joy that they have discovered.
Love, happiness, health for all your loved ones (two- legged and otherwise) … and many, many happy returns of the day! I know all your blog fans will be celebrating your birthday as well since you have brought so much joy to our lives. Thank you.
Funny how I’m 39 and finally realized that I’m done being around Negative Nellies, drama queens and crazy people. It is amazing how it can bring a person down. I only hang around people who I enjoy being with. I can say that I’m happy with my life now and look forward to being 40 later this year. There are too many people who feel that material things can make you happy but sometimes less is more. Life is good!!
Happy Birthday! It’s always nice to realize you’re happy…. especially on your birthday
I’ll be good to myself today, and I hope you do the same!
de-lurking to sing
Happy Birthday to youuuuuu
Happy Birthday To youuuuuuuu
Haaaapppy Birrrthday dear Suuuussssan,
Happy Birthday, toooooo youuuuuu
and treat yourself well today!
Happy Birthday Susan! shoot I have passed 50 but loving life and love being in my skin. I am having an extra cup of coffee as I enjoy your day and your blog and lambcam. I will honor your birthday with as you wish by taking time for me today. Many many happy returns of the day.This will be a grand year for you. xo
louise
Happy birthday!
Happy birthday! What a wonderful thought – I hope you have a great day and a super year!
The older you get the more like yourself you become…I’m almost 50, look it, feel it, and love it…would love to send you a bday gift even though we’ve never met! is that weird?!! send me your mailing address!!!!
Happy Birthday Susan! I agree that getting older feels OK only when we’re happy with where we are, so congrats on getting to that point!
Happy, happy birthday, Susan. Hoping your day is full of everything you love, and that BOTH Miss Linda and Fran deliver big healthy kids before sunset so you can enjoy a splendid birthday dinner, and a FULL night’s rest.
Happy Birthday Susan!!
As someone coming up on her 64th, Happy Birthday
to you today! Your wonderful birthday wish will grow even more meaningful as you go on in life. Enjoy your 39th. It only lasts a year.
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday, Susan! Have a wonderful day!
Happy Happy Birthday, Susan! It only gets better as you go along! 30 was my OMG moment, 40 was a piece of cake, 50 was a wonderful milestone…half a century and 65 was Hello, Senior discount! Enjoy them all. We only pass this way once!
Mary
I hope that when I am 39 I am as happy with what I do as you are…
Happy birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day. Your birthday request made me think of a quote I’ve loved ever since I saw it on the side of a box of teas: “Remember to be gentle with yourself and others. We are all children of chance and none can say why some fields will blossom while others lay brown beneath the August sun. Care for those around you. Look past your differences. Their dreams are no less than yours, their choices no more easily made. And give, give in any way you can, of whatever you posses. To give is to love. To withhold is to wither. Care less for your harvest than for how it is shared and your life will have meaning and your heart will have peace.” (Kent Nerburn)
Thanks for sharing so much of your life with us, and have a terrific day!
Happy birthday! Have a wonderful day!
Happy Birthday…. Have a wonderful day. Hope to see you at MDSW!
Happy birthday! We share a birthday week (mine’s on Friday). I hope you have a fantastic birthday week, month, more than a month… (I tell my boyfriend that I don’t get a birthDAY, I get a whole birthMONTH. It’s working so far – but then again, he’s still wooing me ;o)
You always say just the right thing…here’s to treating ourselves with respect and admiration, and trusting ourselves to be the best we can be!
I cannot wait to give you a big hug – xoxo
Happy Birthday Susie
Happy Birthday. Enjoy every minute of it. Maybe you’ll get yourself a new little goat or two to share the day. Go talk to those two nannies and tell them you are counting on them to help make the day special.
Happy Birthday! Enjoy your day!
Happy, happy, happyiest of birthdays, Susan. You deserve a wonderful day and an even better year 39
I thought you were turning 29! Have a good one!
Happy Birthday, Susan. You have put into words a wonderful philosophy of living. Pursuing what makes you happy is so important – Thanks for putting your thoughts out there – Enjoy today! Things only get better!
Carol
Kittenhead . . . me . . . kittenhead. Susan, you’re just the best. Happy Birthday!!!
I’m coming out of lurkerdom as well to say Happy Birthday! We’re the same age (I’ll turn 39 in October) and I find it so inspiring to see how you’ve followed your dreams.
Don’t dread your 40’s! My 40’s have been the best years of my life, and I’m only half-way through them!
Happy birthday Susan! I turned 49 in December, so I kind of know what you’ve been thinking (what is it about the 9’s?) You’re lucky that you learned early to follow your heart. Have a happy, happy day–I’ll take your advice & do the same, as soon as I get back from the dentist (blech!).
Happpppy Birthday, 39 isn’t so bad; wait till 44 rolls around! Loved the fall 2008 CSA yarn, and thanks for offering the leftovers at a discount. It’s really beautiful. Have a very happy B-day.
Chris S
Ahh, confronting conflicts head-on. So much better, so much cleaner to clear the air and move on.
Have a wonderful birthday. Your 38th year (and 100 mouths) has considerably brightened my 66th. Have a terrific 39th.
Happy Birthday Susan!
What a generous, thoughtful request for your birthday.
Happy Birthday!
Be thankful you are able to these realizations before 40. I just turned 50 and it took me a lot longer to get to where you are – enjoy!
Julie
Hey!! We are just a week apart in age, i turned 39 last week on earth day! You know, many of my clients are older than i am and they insist their 40’s were better than their 30’s. I so loved my 30’s compared to my 20’s so this is good news, smile! Enjoy your day and remember, it’s just a number, not a frame of mind!!
I LOVED those years – 39 – 49. It is those 100 mouths to feed that keep you getting up and happy each day. As one who is about to lose a very loved pet of 14 years, love the time you have and live each day as if it was your birthday!
Happy 39. I raise a glass of wine to you!
happy birthday!!!! I just love the enthusiasm you share through your blog. it’s so wonderful to hear someone say they LOVE what they do!! you keep making us all smile. happy day to you.
And that my dear is why you will always be our rock star.
Here’s to a great year
(personally, 40 has been my best year yet!)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Thank you for the lovely gift you are giving to celebrate your Birthday. When I turned 40, I got a spinning wheel, and that is why I now am getting to know you.
Cozy
Happy Birthday, eh! May your day be filled with cuteness and wonderful yarn. Thank you so much for sharing so much of you with us.
Cheers!
Hope you’re having a wonderful Birthday day!!!
Happy Birthday Susie! I love how you are always able to so succinctly verbalize things that hit so close to home, and make me feel validated. I stopped dealing with crazy people in my mid forties, and I wake up every day smiling. (If I could look out the window and see my babies without turning out the computer I would smile even more)
Loved your message. You are an inspiration to me! I will try very hard, today and every day, to follow your example and pay no heed to the people who frustrate me. It’s a beautiful day for your birthday. Enjoy!!
Happy, Happy Birthday!!
Happy Happy Birthday to you Susan! I caught your b-day gift opening on the lambcam this morning but I couldn’t tell what it was? Enjoy your day!
Happy Birthday! Treat yourself, too! You are an inspiration.
God bless you Susan,
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
omg
my 50 arrives this year in late august
39 is just fine
the 40’s are freeing
especially if you’re happy
i hope for me my 50’s will be filled with more passion and direction.
wisdom is a wonderful thing
and being happy, living a life we love
with those we love
and sharing that love near and far
is (imho) what it’s ALL about
may your life always be sweet
even in the midst of drippy poopy hay
and may every days rising and setting sun
remind you of all the great things you’ve done
HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!! and many many MORE!
lots of love
rona and kehli the dog.
Happy birthday. I hope that next year, at 39, I will be in as serene of a place as you are.
happy birthday to u!!!
glad u have found your “niche” and are enjoying yourself?
isnt it wonderful? i was once in the corporate world, climbing the ladder. now i work in a library and LOVE every minute of my day. imagine working with books and people all day… :>
Happy Birthday! I am especially grateful to you for bringing together this wonderful circle of people. If you ever have any days of self doubt, remember this! Thank you for being born! I’ll hoist one in your honor tonight!
Very Happy Birthday to you. I loved being 39 & 40 and would happily do either year over again. 50’s not bad, either!
Thank you for your Birthday wish. I was being a bit hard on myself today for dragging around, tired and wanting to take some time off for myself after 2+ days of going nonstop for my family. You’re right…I wouldn’t drive a friend nor enemy this way. I’m going to finish my started tasks and take the rest of the day for myself. I’ll be my own best friend for a bit. Thank you for the gift. I hope your day is as full of blessings as you’ve been to me with your kind reminder to be nice.
Happy birthday Susan and thank you for all the joy you and yours bring into my life. The 40’s were great, the 50’s were wonderful, and now at 61 I fully realize how I have finally grown into my skin! Enjoy your special day.
Well said! What a lovely sentiment. I love knowing of people who know how to live. Cheers to you…
Happy Birthday! I hope it’s a great day for you and that everyone makes it super special!
I like the thought of geting older. Some people are so afraid to turn 30 or 40, but I think they’re going to be fun ages.
Happiest of Birthdays to you!!! Last year I treated myself on my 35th birthday by applying to college- I’m currently working on a BS in Computer Science and I love it (most days!)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I turned 39 a month ago and did the same psyche search. I came to the same conclusion. I like to be me.
Again, happy, happy birthday!
(And, um, you still ARE thin.)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY…….we celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary yesterday and looking forward to many more!
I just wanted to tell you – this is exactly what I needed to “hear” today. Thanks, and I hope you have a wonderful, happy birthday.
April 25! Happy birthday to you.
Oh to be 39 and living a dream with a kind family in a beautiful place, instead of spending my waking hours in a beige cubicle at a soul-sucking pointless job until it is time to haul my arthritic old body back to my dusty house and herd of squabbling cats! Sigh. And you look plenty thin to me!
I hope that all of your birthday wishes come true. Have a great one!
Happy, happy birthday!
A very happy birthday to you!
Happy Birthday and thanks for the joy you give me, plus the advise is really good. Thanks for Arno, Sweet William and Miss Linda
Um, I totally think you’re thin. Not because I think you are but because you are. So stop *that* noise, for one.
Also- What’s so awesome about your life is that you’ve done so many DIFFERENT things and lived in so many different places.
That’s all I got, I’m tired, but HAPPY BIRTHDAAYYYY!
Happy happy birthday, Susan. 39, you’re a baby. My oldest will be turning 39 this June. My advice to you is.. enjoy everyday of every year. They’re all great in their own special way. xoxo
Happy Birthday Susan!
I wish you the best. Have a wonderful birthday.
And thanks for the reminder, it is so easy to forget that. And the same to you.
Happy Birthday Susan!! Thanks for adding something special to our day! I will be 49 in a couple of days and have been going over same check list and find that I really need to give myself a break (as many of us do). My waistline is boldly going where it has never gone before. But there is only so much one can do – so I pledge to eat healthy (most of the time), throw away the scale and only look in the mirror to comb my hair (not obssess about my appearance). However, when I win MegaBucks I may invest in a personal trainer – until then I’ll eat my salad, take my walk and maybe just one cookie…..
Happy Birthday Susan! (sorry I’m a day late) Today is first day of the rest of your life. It will only get better from here.
I will be 56 on May 1st. I now celebrate every day that I have health, family to love, moments to share with family and friends and moments to praise an awesome God. I’ve come to the conclusion that those are the important things. Some of my favorite times in my life have been when I only had a dollar left to my name. IMO, the real riches in life are things money can’t buy. Yes, I’ve put on some pounds since my early years and am letting my gray hair show through. I like myself much better now. I will take your suggestion and do something good for myself. I will get a badly needed pedicure, since the last one was about a year ago.
So, I hope your 39th birthday celebration is fantastic! Look forward to 40. Be kind to yourself, also. Be proud. You have accomplished so much!
Ginny
Sus, I am a day late seeing this but just wanted you to know that I read it and am thinking of you. You are so beautiful to me and so important in my life!!! Miss you so much!
xoxo
Happy Birthday!
Hope you had a wonderful Birthday Susan. How fabulous that you are able to do something that you love and are content with your life. At 66, I enjoy and look forward to all the beautiful friends and joys that life brings! Each day is to be treasured!
Happy birthday and good for you, that hopefully you’re doing something you love. I have reached an age ( alas..older than you) where I want to do only what makes me truly happy ( knitting???).The only thing standing in my way is that I need more money to support my love of yarn.
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