32

Have I mentioned before that I'm the planner in our marriage?  Clark is a great many things, but a planner he is not.  And that's ok, we need one of us to not be stressing out about "a plan," it saves our family from turning into a giant ball of worry.  However when  it comes to my birthday, I want a plan.  I need a plan.  And I've learned that I need to be very clear on what that plan should be ahead of time. 

Knowing we are on a tight budget, I kept my requests fairly simple.  I wanted to be the one who stayed in bed after the girls woke up, and then to have breakfast brought to me, which I could consume in peace while I read a book.  I wanted to go for a hike at the Chippewa Nature Center (and I wanted everyone to LIKE IT).  I wanted homemade macaroni and cheese for dinner, with pie and ice cream for dessert, and I would even be happy to whip up this feast, but I was NOT doing the dishes.  And I wanted my girls to complete each job on their chore chart for that day.  That's it.  That's all I wanted for my birthday. 

I am ever so pleased to report that my family really came through for me.  I got everything I wanted (although there are a few dishes still waiting in the sink, but I'm not worried, Clark will get to them).  Plus flowers.  Plus new sunglasses.  Plus some birthday money with which I purchased an apple corer and a Les Mis CD.  (As an aside, how is it possible that I have made it to 32 and not owned this music??  I think I can call myself a music lover, in fact, and this is some of the most amazing stuff I've ever heard!  Where have I been?)  Julia presented me with a number of drawings that she has been working on throughout the week.  These include Safari Julia, Pirate Julia, and Julia and Mom on a Sunny Day, and they are awesome.  Some of her best work. 

But the real kicker, was Clark had an interview.  On my birthday!  And he has another scheduled for next week.  Who knows if a job will come of it, but I've discovered that there is nothing so rejuvenating as a return of hope.  We are still in the same situation, but there is hope, which lightens the load, and makes everything seem brighter.  Marvelous thing, that hope.

Here's to 32!  I've got a good feeling about it.