birthdays

I turned thirty-one on Sunday. Thirty was all big and nifty. Thirty felt thrilling. The twenties were behind me and I was suddenly a wise woman, gone were the follies of youth. Then, I got plowed over by life and realized that I know just a little about a few things and have a lot to learn about alotta things.  I remember blogging about doing thirty fun things for my thirtieth birthday and that quickly got lost in the tragedy of loss and grief. I thought about the challenge a few times over the months following Dad's death, but never could muster up the energy or desire to run head on into the playfulness of the idea.

The loss of Dad was followed by the loss of a child which broke my heart and still does at times (the Duchess of Cambridge delivers a baby boy! Ouch!). Jared and I moved to a city we have ended up not loving and have been living with my mother for eight months. We learned that the dream of building and living on the farm is no longer the dream once the rose colored glasses were removed. Jared has hated his job and turned in his notice on Monday. We are revamping our lives, our goals, and our, well, everything. Friends, Jared and I are moving back to Birmingham. We plan to move in December so Jared can start nursing school in the Spring. I'll find another job and we're moving back into the little garden home that we love and thankfully, no one else wanted. Who knew that one year could bring so much turmoil and clarity? Who knew that thirty-one would arrive without pomp and circumstance as the adult life marches on? I have to admit, I woke up and forgot it was my birthday until I read an email wishing me well. Thankfully, friends and family are thoughtful and offered sweet words through text, cards, and emails. I am hoping for a year, not a good year or an easy year, just another year. The last year has been hard, but not necessarily bad. Just another blessed year of life with all of its ups and downs. 

To add a bit of relief to the post, I've added two pictures of the puppies at Mom's house. Scout and Zoe both apparently like the black out curtain of the bed skirt, but don't want to be forgotten during a nap. 

Sweet dreams. May you have restful sleep in the quiet darkness.