Why celebrate?

As another birthday comes and goes, I am left with the question, "Why should I celebrate getting old?" Now to most people, the young ones, this seems just silly to ask. There are many reasons to want to not take part in a celebration of arthritis, age spots, and the dreaded bladder problems. For many people, it is simply the spotlight that they cannot handle. Imagine being shy with this scenario playing out. You are sitting at nice restaurant, eating with family and friends, and then out of no where comes a gaggle of servers singing loudly. They rush towards you with big, dopey grins singing with their terrible voices "Happy birthday to you..." Everyone in the restaurant joins in and it becomes overwhelmingly loud. All eyes are on you. This is terrifying to some, to others this is just a birthday dinner.

I know this seems extreme, but for many people this is reality. This blog is not about those people. There are many reasons to want to celebrate a birthday. It is a celebration of you and what the past year has made you into. Every year on my birthday, I sit down and think about the past 365 days and the events they held. Every trial and tribulation that has occurred has molded me into the person I am today. For me that is a reason to celebrate, but if you are not the kind of person that likes to celebrate you, then find another reason. Even if it is going out dancing just because. This day many years ago brought much love and happiness to someone. Be thankful for this day even if it is hard to do. You never know when you will not see another birthday. So enjoy it while it lasts!

Hello April!

I don't know about you, but I love April! The snow has melted and spring is finally here. I get so excited when the weather turns warm. What do you like to do in spring? I enjoy bringing my son to the park to fly kites, play soccer, and blow bubbles. This is a great time of year to get outside before the mosquitoes eat me alive. We love to make lemonade and barbecue. It's time for spring cleaning and getting the dust off of those shorts. The weather puts me in such a fantastic mood.

We make salads and eat plenty of fresh fruit. Get outside this month! I hate when I hear about people being stuck at work on a beautiful day. At least get outside on your lunch break. This weather can really change your perspective. If you are having a bad day, then go take a walk and smell the flowers. I know this helps shake the frustration of everyday life for me. It's hard to stay in a foul mood when you hear the birds chirping and the children playing.

There is so much to do in April. Here's a short list of just the holidays that we celebrate in the US in April.

1. April Fool's Day
2. Arbor Day
3. Good Friday
4. Easter

With so much to do in this wonderful month, let's not forget to be thankful for our families and friends. For me, this month is really "made" by my friends and family. Their presence is enough to get me out of a crappy mood. Take some extra time this month to show your appreciation for them.