Happy Birthday To Me. #thisis40

Somehow this was ten years ago. My 30th birthday party. It was a John Hughes movies theme party, and yes, there are two Molly Ringwalds in the background, both from Pretty in Pink. 

I was Carolyn from Sixteen Candles, who cut off her hair in the back. (That's my hair attached to the necklace.) Costume parties forEVER.

I thought I had life pretty much figured out, but a LOT has changed from then to now. 

I guess what I am realizing is that turning 40 is happening. It's not a time that I consider sad in any way, but more of reflection of where I've been and where I'm going. One place I hope I will never go is a place that is too serious. Sometimes there is nothing so important as taking the time to be someone else for the night and be childish. 

Fast forward to three years later after the Sixteen Candles getup, and I found myself a partner in crime, who equally liked dressing up, and this time as Jersey Shore's Snooki and Pauly D.. We worked extra hard on our Cadillac logo, making the perfect backdrop for the photo booth. 

I have a new favorite Yoga Teacher who is quite intense with her positive motivation, but sometimes (most times), it's exactly what we all need. Her latest quote, is my new favorite. "You can't lead the cavalry, if you're worried about what you look like on the horse".  So true. 

I think I proved I wasn't worried, when I put on this hideous wig, as MaryLou Retton and Greg as Andre Agassi. 

You see what I'm realizing is I am trying very hard to live in the moment. Making new memories is more important than any material thing I can buy, and "filling up my bookshelves" with those memories is the best thing I can do for myself and for my family. Going the extra mile to create those memories, even when 8 months pregnant like below... Always worth it. Even when the odds are against you, it's always worth the effort. 

This is going to sound weird, but I'm also working hard on not living in the moment. Living in the moment is great when it's a moment worth remembering. But let's face it as a mom of two boys under four, there are some moments you just want to get through: piles of laundry, sweeping, emptying the dishwasher, vacuuming, Gad Zooks! If I lived in those moments and didn't use that time to dream up ideas for Leland gal, or new products, or how to add an addition to my kitchen in my imagination, I would have lost it a long time ago. We all need those moments too. 

Do I sometimes spend those "off moments" relieving stress by shoving skinny pop in my mouth by the fist full staring out the kitchen window? Yes. Yes, I do. However, for the most part I've realized that managing stress when juggling it all is really done best by just doing something where you have no choice but to focus 100% on something else. This note, from my grandfather from my 21st birthday sums it up. 

Painting, yoga, zumba (see, I'm 40, and it shows now), tennis, golf, etc. It is the best way to then revisit your kids or your work with a fresh perspective because well... All work and no play... well you know the rest. If it worked for Cliffie, it works for me. 

Do I need reading glasses to read my shampoo bottles now? Do I feel those aches and pains in the morning after a good round of tennis? Do I know I don't have the baby face I once did? Yes. All of these things are true, and yet deep down, I still feel 16 with more responsibility. Do I wish I was 16 again? Or even 30? Heck no. I'm right where I should be. I wouldn't trade a memory, mistake or even this GOD AWFUL perm in middle school for any of it. 

To properly celebrate, I am excited to give you 40% off ALL outdoor pillows today only on the first day of my 40th year. ENJOY! Here is the link!