Birthday Week

Here it is. Age 40 hits me on Friday. I think I'm almost ready for it. Almost.

I decided to write out 40 little tidbits you may or may not know about me......

1. I still call my Mom and Dad for advice....about anything. And I always listen carefully.
2. When I was born, my Dad was in Vietnam. He first laid eyes on me when I was 6 months old.


3. I love running in the pouring rain.


4. I lived in Southern California when I was 22...alone.


5. Home is my favorite place. After that, Wolf Neck (cottage on the ocean) is where I want to be.


6. I went to UVM for my undergraduate degree.


7. I went to Northeastern University to earn my Graduate degree.


8. Two of my three children spent time in the Neonatal intensive care unit...


9. I had surgery immediately following the birth of my first son & because it was successful, I was able to have more children.
10. My 3rd son was born prematurely with an emergency C-section.


11. I hate shopping unless there is something I specifically need. And then I make it quick.
12. I rarely get manicures.
13. I would rather go for a run.


14. Unfriendly people drive me nuts.


15. I am very loyal.


16. I can't stand to empty the dishwasher but I don't mind vacuuming.


17. I want to learn to play the drums & be in a rock band. Or, the play piano.


18. I love singing and dancing......right boys?


19. I have blonde hair for real....it's never been colored.


20. My best events in college swimming were the 200fly and 200IM but my favorite events were always the relays.


21. I love to sweat and work to the point of total exhaustion. To me, that feels good.


22. I had skin cancer.
    
23. When I was 25, a guy got out of his car, ran ahead to mine, and asked me out on a date while we were stopped at a red light.
24. I've had surgery 6 times. Two of those were injuries I incurred from biking and running.


25. I'm afraid of heights. I sometimes have to close my eyes and pray while I'm on the chairlift with my kids.


26. Don't ever tell me I can't do something unless you want me to prove you wrong.


27. I have an eye for photography.


28. I think I might be a bit stubborn.


29. I'm very emotional but rarely cry in front of others.


30. There are several people who are no longer in my life that I miss very much.


31. I'm 100% ok with the fact that I don't have a daughter....and yet sometimes I feel overwhelmingly outnumbered!


32. I was more worried about leaving my kids to travel half way around the world than I was to actually race in Kona.


33. I'm very proud of myself for becoming an Ironman this year. Twice.


34. Sometimes I regret not getting that Nutrition degree or sticking with Physical Therapy when I was in college.


35. I could never live more than an hour from the ocean.


36. I am obsessed with good nutrition and yet I'll rarely turn down a cookie.


37. I love learning new things.
38. I was lost in the Badlands, South Dakota when I was 22. I was with 3 people. We were truly lost and I was sure we'd end up as a Reader's Digest story about the 'lost hikers.'
39. I worry every single day whether or not I'm beign a good Mom to my three boys.
40. I'm about to be 40 and I'm just as fit and strong as I was at age 20. In fact, I just might be stronger and more fit. I'm ready for 40 more years. Make that 50.