Wishing my husband a very

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

I turned 31 years old today. And I have to say… 30 was a good age!

I’d looked forward to my 30s since my mid-20s. I know, weird, right? But I always felt my 30s would be the years that I settled in to life. I figured out where I was headed and got there. It would be my banner decade of life.

And so far? It’s going that direction. In the last 365 days, I’ve suddenly felt a lot of wisdom about things: financially and career-wise. I’ve started to build a confidence in my career goals, and in the same breath I’ve found a want to do anything it takes to get there. Its not the whole, “Oh this is what I want so it should happen right NOW” mindset that I think I had an element of previously. No, now its more, “This is what I want, and I need to learn how to get there… and then DO THAT.”

So, within that fact, my 30s have, already in the first year of it, been a journey of wonderfully positive proportions. In fact at this rate, 31 should be even better! And here is hoping I am right about that.

Happy Birthday to me! Happy Birthday to me! Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday. Happy Birthday to me!

My grandpa and my dad outside the milk truck

My grandpa was the milk man.

I know. That sounds like some bad “dirty joke” pun, but it’s true! My grandpa was the milk man. And if he were still alive, he’d have been 89 years old today.

I always took great pride in being my grandpa’s granddaughter. I remember introducing myself to people growing up, and they would get this thoughtful look on their face.

“Any relation to the old milk man we used to have here?” And I grin from ear-to-ear and confirm that, “Yup. That’s my grandpa! … What’s he up to today? Oh he’s a jack-of-all-trades handyman around town.”

“Ah… good… good. I remember the time…”

Everyone always had a story about grandpa. It wasn’t until after he died that I heard the story of him pulling a family out of a burning building while on his milk route. I think that one is my favorite one of them all. That and the fact that he raised seven kids with my grandma… yes, seven. They were married over 50 years before death did they part, when my grandma passed away.

Oh and did I mention he served in WWII? Yup. He was a cook! And man… those cooks on M*A*S*H? Yeah, they weren’t my grandpa. He made GREAT food. Best hamburgers ever.  EVER.  Whataburger? In-N-Out. Pffffft. They WISH they were as good as grandpa’s burgers. They WISH.

Grandpa and Grandma

By the way, you know how I’m an Aggie? Yeah, my grandpa worked as a cook at Sibsa mess hall back in the day. So, you see, my ties to Texas A&M go way back. (My Uncle Milton, Mom’s brother, worked at TAMU at one time as well!) The first time I ate dinner in Sibsa, I looked around and smiled, knowing Grandpa was smiling down on me as well.

I remember when I got accepted to Texas A&M, my grandpa was in a VA nursing home. I got him an “Aggie’s Grandpa” bumper sticker for his motorized wheelchair.  And, you know, he put it on it and rode around with it proudly displayed!

Grandpa always said I reminded him of my grandma when she was younger. And I think that’s why he got so upset the first time I colored my hair. I still remember feeling guilty when he gave me that look of disapproval of my choice to lighten my hair.

But, I think deep down, he knew I was me and I was going to do my own thing.  That or Grandma set him straight on that. haha!!! Who knows.

I just know that if anyone asks me about my grandparents, I smile and say, “My grandpa was the milk man.” and if anyone will listen long enough, I’ll tell them all about him.

Happy Birthday, Grandpa! Make sure you dance with Grandma in heaven today and celebrate your special day… just the way I know you two danced the day you joined her up there. You had a special love… and you’ve always been a role model for me and, I don’t doubt, all your kids and grandkids. I love you!

I was safe in Grandpa's arms.

As if this post isn’t a blatant attempt to invite lurkers to comment beg birthday wishes, I’ve given plenty of heads up to everyone this year. Specifically here, here, here and here. On top of this, I’ve declared this my birthday WEEK since it lands on a Wednesday.

I got a card yesterday in the mail in which my friend told me to, “Party like its 1914!” (Love that girl… she never fails to crack me up. You gotta have that kind of friend in your life.) And, well, I guess you could say I AM going to party like its 1914. We’re keeping it simple. Dinner out with my parents and husband, and then watching the CMAs on TV. I am fully prepared to throw things at the TV, but I still can’t wait to watch and root for my friends.

So there you have it. My birthday plans. I promise to go back to your regularly scheduled blogging tomorrow. For now… send me good wishes. *nods* I encourage that kind of behavior.

*Scheduled this to post at the time I was born. :)

30 Bound

I turn 30 tomorrow. I’m not bothered by that fact. I’ve actually looked forward to my 30s. For years, my gut has told me that my 30s will be the best years for me, so I embrace my third decade with open arms.

However, upon embracing my 30s, I thought I’d take a moment to look back at my 20s. Hit the highlights:

20: Started my years at Texas A&M University. Met the guy I’d eventually marry. The twin towers fell in New York. I became an aunt for the second time when my niece was born.

21: Legal to drink, of course. Started working at The Battalion. Visited Nashville.

22: Lost my last remaining grandparent. Wrecked my truck in a stupid accident. Quit The Battalion. Saw my first music video taped. Graduated from Texas A&M. Got Sully.  Took some time off due to serious burnout.

23: Bartending class. Started work at Marlin Democrat, and all the interesting things that brought along. Lots of concert travels.

24: Super emotional year of life! We will just leave it at that. Did a lot of growing emotionally.

25: Flew to Atlanta, then drove to Nashville to attend a wedding with Craig. Quit my job at the Democrat. Visited Oregon for the first time. Got engaged. Went to Hawaii. Moved to Nashville.

26: Got married. Trip to Oregon just to visit. Moved into our house. Started at the Dog House.

27: Adopted Bailey. Let the job juggling begin for hubby. Lots of house guests. Matron of honor in my maid of honor’s wedding. Christmas in Texas.

28: Christmas in Oregon. Project 365. Backstage at the Grand Ole Opry for the first time. My brother & family visit. 10 year class reunion. Got my bartending license in  Nashville. Trying to make it through life one day at a time.

29: Christmas in Texas. Much of the beginning of the year in Texas to work. Nashville flood. Stride & Ride at Cowboys Stadium. Decided to focus my attention towards writing. Lost Sully. Still taking it a day at a time. Chugging towards 30.

No idea what to expect for sure out of my 30s. My goals include starting a family, finding financial stability, and having my writing and photography really take off. All of which are reasonable and attainable goals. All of which are goals I WILL attain.

I’m ready. Bring it on!

It's an old photo of me with my parents, but one of my favorites ever.

I’m getting an early birthday present. It arrives tomorrow.

And I’m so stinkin’ excited!

My parents are driving up to see us. And they will be here for my birthday next week.

I’ve gotten to do a lot of fun and exciting things lately. The perks of being married to a musician for sure. However, I have to say, none of those things had me as excited as I am right now for my parents to arrive and be here for my birthday. The funny thing is that I didn’t know how excited I was about it until it almost didn’t happen! Its one of those things where you don’t realize what you have until you’ve lost it. Thankfully, though, everything has worked out and they’ll be on their way sometime tomorrow.

I’ve mentioned it before, and I apologize if I harp on it a little too much, but finances have me stressed — and flat out scared — much of the time these days. My birthday wish all year has been for a new camera for my birthday. A real high tech one to take my photography to the next level. To give me some credibility and maybe finally help me make some money doing it.

However, lack of funds won’t let that happen, and its also  made me realize how important our relationships are as opposed to our possessions. They are our true constants in life. As such, the thought of my parents being here for my birthday gets me more excited than ever. I realize this present that I AM getting is way more important. It means way  more and will do more for my heart and soul than a camera could possibly do.

How lucky am I? I’ll be surrounded by my parents and my husband on my birthday!!

The only thing that could make it better would be to bring my brother and his family along with all my best girlfriends in Texas along with them. Oh and an Aggie win would rock, too. But, hey, I’m not greedy. hehe

Anyway, say a prayer for safe travels for my parents as they travel tomorrow. This is definitely the best early birthday present ever.

What does it mean to be THIRTEEN????

What does it mean to be thirteen?
It’s more than an age,
It’s a new world to be seen.

It’s an age of excitement.
It’s an age of confusion.
It’s an age in which everything just seems an illusion!

On October 12, 1997,
You came into this world.
A gift to us all, one that came straight from heaven.

So precious and so small,
There you were in your Dad’s arms.
“Hey everybody,” he said, “Meet Cody Paul.”

We all ooh’d and ahh’d,
Each straining to see,
This little miracle of life, a gift straight from God.

“I wonder what he’ll be,”
was a question we asked.
That’s something we all must wait to see.

Oh the things we would teach you,
From books and from life.
Why the grass is so green and why sometimes we feel blue.

We would stop and explain.
With every, “What’s that?”
Not just for your knowledge, but for ours just the same.

There’s a truth you should know.
It is you who is the teacher,
Every day and every moment, you’ve helped us all to grow.

Your optimism, your drive,
Your smile and laughter,
You’ve quite simply just made us all more alive.

Along came a sister,
And I’ll always remember.
“Why do they want HER,” you asked in a whisper.

But in HER you have a friend,
One who cares and defends.
She’ll stand by your side, her loyalty won’t bend.

Your mom and your dad,
Grandmas, grandpas, aunts and uncles.
We are all so proud of you. You are such an awesome lad!

So here you are thirteen,
And I ask the question again:
Thirteen?? What on earth does it mean!?

It means a lot,
A lot to us all.
You’re getting older, whether we like it or not.

You are now THIRTEEN,
Enjoy it every second.
And don’t stop to think twice about what it might mean.

Live, laugh and love.
Every second, every day.
Gather strength, faith and hope, from the big man above.

We are all so very proud,
And we love you so much.
Happy Birthday, dear Cody, we shout that out loud!!!

30 Bound

I am just over a month away from the big three-oh.

It’s a big birthday! No more twenty-something for me. Another decade passed. Another decade begun.

Between me and all of you, I’m actually kind of looking forward to it. I can’t even explain it in a way that makes sense. I’m just optimistic that my 30s will be great… and I am sticking with that optimism.

No big plans as of yet for my birthday. Luckily, so far, it seems my husband will be home for it. It’s a wait and see if that holds or not. You never know with this crazy business. It wouldn’t be the first time he’s missed my birthday due to a gig, and I always understand. But this one is special. This one is 30. More than ever, I want him here to celebrate if at all possible!

I’ve been having a little fun lately. I decided for giggles to make a wish list for my birthday. When I was a kid, I’d make a list for my birthday just like at Christmas. Things I want for my birthday. I’ve not made a list like that in a long time, so I thought it would be fun for this one. As I got started I decided that, to take it to the next level, I’d make it a list of 30 items. 30 for 30.

Believe it or not, it was actually very challenging. I’m not good at asking for stuff. Especially now that I’ve gotten good at tightening the belt. If its not absolutely necessary, then its not really worth looking at getting.

So, this really did take me about three days to put together. I added a little bit of everything in the end. Everything from a little silly to silly expensive. Some of these are specifically what I want. Others are just ideas.

So here it is in fancy widget-form thanks to Amazon.com… my birthday list.

Mostly for my own amusement.

Oh okay, it never hurts to throw it out there, right?

;)

Blowing out the candles on my birthday cake

Twenty-nine. That’s me now. My birthday was this week, and I am now officially knocking on the door to my thirties.

I’m not bothered by this fact! Really! I’m not! Believe it or not, I’ve actually looked forward to my thirties for years. I have always felt like they’d be some of the best years of my life, so as I pass through this next year staring down the barrel of three-oh going, “Bring. It. On!”

But, as I look back on the last year, I have to ask myself if I am any wiser than I was when I turned 28. I’m far more fabulous, that’s for sure. But am I wiser?

Considering the fact that in the last year we’ve watched the economy tank, its pretty hard not to answer that question with a great big resounding YES!!

Celebrating my birthday

With every year that passes… every day that passes… you gain knowledge and wisdom about the world you live in, and it molds you even as you mold it. In some ways, the world has left me very cynical about many things. The fuse on my temper has gotten a little shorter in direct relation to the amount of patience I have these days. I also am slower to trust people, things and situations.

However, in that very same breath, the amount of faith I have has not only doubled but quadrupled. A higher being — I say God — has stepped in countless times at that last second to catch me before I fell. Just when I am ready to throw my hands in the air, a hand reaches out to pull me back up.

I don’t take that for granted, of course. No, I always do all I can to pull myself through. I strive to make things happen for myself. But I’ve had plenty of things happen that make me go, “That has to be God talking to me.” I’m listening!

I’m listening to my heart and to my gut. I’m listening when someone gives me advice, and I take it to heart. I am growing wiser by listening and having faith. I’m preparing for my 30s and beyond.

So do I know what the next year will bring? Not at all. I don’t even know what tomorrow will bring. But I have my dreams and goals, and I am running towards them at full speed. How long will it take for me to get there?

Only time will tell.

This birthday, I hit it super lucky. I’m getting to spend my birthday with my family. It so happened that it worked out for my husband and me to take a few days and visit my family for both birthdays and holidays in one fell swoop. I just happened to be lucky enough to be with my family ON my birthday!

Most notable for me, though, is the fact that for the first time ever, I’m spending my birthday with my husband. Every year prior to this he’s been on the road for my birthday. It’s the way of the road. Things don’t stop for birthdays or anniversaries. However, that just makes the birthdays, etc. that you get to spend together all the more fun and special. And that is this year… He’s with me on my day. And that alone is present in itself.