Another Year Around the Sun

First of all, I have that uncomfortable sort of birthday. One people usually remember. That’s right, the worst day in April. The first. April Fool’s Day.

Over the years, I’ve endured many practical jokes. It got to the point where I had to take the day off work because I couldn’t tell whether someone was calling about an actual problem to be fixed or it was just another joke.

One year, I received particularly bad news. A colleague who shared the same birthday as me had passed away. I took it as a sign not to venture outside at all, opting to take a nice hot bath and return to bed.

These days, I treat birthdays more like a gift. Each new year brings something new to celebrate. As they say, birthdays are tough, but the alternative is tougher. I look back on what I did over the past year and celebrate the things I didn’t do the year before. I’m so proud of my daughters.  I have a grandkid who is amazing. And I continue to work at improving my writing craft. I’ve always believed that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to do as long as you’re willing to put the work in.

This year, I got to celebrate my birthday with friends who live up in Sacramento.  It is very close to Lodi, which many may not realize is a great wine region. We visited wineries that we knew and loved, and found a few new ones to add to our list. But before I left, I got to celebrate with my youngest daughter, who informed me of her engagement. Yes, I'll get a new son-in-law soon. And my other daughter and granddaughter decorated my house, so I came home to another cheerful birthday surprise.

It makes me excited about next year.