2/07/2012

34



Friday marked my 34th Birthday. 

The weekend was a bit of a blur, and was made extra lovely by all of the wonderful friends who stopped by. In addition to seeing all my fantastic Montreal friends (both old and new), I was fortunate enough to hang out with 2 friends from my NYC days, and it was so great. 

As I was sitting at my desk yesterday, exhausted and a bit blurry from overindulging in everything (Another glass of wine? Sure! Popcorn and a giant bag of licorice at 5:00 a.m.? Why not!), it occurred to me how lucky I am. 

I am so lucky to have all of my amazing and incredibly supportive friends, who blow me away with their generosity.

I was raised in a family where I felt (and feel) loved every day. We were not without our issues, but in spite of everything, they raised me to believe that I could be anyone who I wanted to be. My parents didn't have the easiest of childhoods, and I know they made every effort to give me and my Brother everything they didn't have. As an adult, I realize what an incredibly selfless gift that is.

I'm part of a solid relationship with a person who I both love and respect, who is both like and unlike me in all the best ways, who I know will be there with me through all of the crap that life throws at you. 

I'm healthy (except for when I essentially pickle myself in gin for the weekend), happy, and self-sufficient. I'm not rich, but I'm not poor. I'm not perfect, but I know who I am. I am educated, well-traveled and open-minded. I've accomplished many of my goals, and know I can do anything that I really set my mind to. 

So, Happy Birthday to me and to everyone else who shared it with me. The best gifts I received this year are the ones I've always had.

Except for the Snuggie, but who can argue with that?

2 comments:

Michelle said...

Happy birthday, Shannon! Hope 34 is the best yet!

shanny said...

Thanks, Michelle!! I owe you an email!!