My Birthday

Well folks, today is the day!! It's my fortieth birthday. That sounds so crazy!! 40. For some reason it makes me smile.

In some ways it's just a number, another day in a life. I am not so sure. I think I have said it before, that birthdays are a time to reflect and take stock. And when you get to a milestone day...the reflection and taking stock is a bit more intense.

What can I say....I am happy. I am good with where I am in my life. I can honestly say I am not looking at today and wishing I was somewhere else along the path. I am content to be here, and that can't be bad.

I wish I had something really insightful or profound to say...but I don't.

I guess what helps a bit today is the fact that yesterday I once again realized the fragility of life. Someone where I work (I don't work with them directly, or ever even actually met them) died in a car accident yesterday. Totally random. That, more than a 40th birthday makes you think about life and where you are. You get up for work in the morning, usual routine, thinking about the day ahead - then it's all gone.

I know it sounds cliche, but it puts things in perspective. Even though I didn't know this person, it touches a chord in me. I definitely need to treat my life as a gift and remember not to squander it.

The picture today is from November 6, 2007 - my birthday last year, with my friend Lindsay. I look at that picture and smile, thinking about how much I have changed, and all the things that have happened to me in the past 12 months.

I think I might actually be growing up.