On a scale of 1 to Cancer...

Birthdays are interesting.  I used to obsess over them and complain about how much older I was getting.  I would get my hair done and buy a new outfit.  Amazing how my tune has changed these days about my birthday.  I just want to be surrounded by the people I love.  I don't care where.  I have realized that my friends and I could have fun anywhere.  As for my hair...well, we know that story.  Having some is a birthday present enough.  As for a new outfit...I am happiest in my jeans and hoodie and boots.  And then there is complaining about getting older.  If I could strangle the 25 year old version of myself - who cried on my 25th birthday because "I WAS SO OLD" - I would.  Who am I to not thank my lucky stars every day for another year.  Of course, I know that now, on the other side of cancer.

Never again will I complain about a birthday.  What a gift!  In the past two weeks I have lost two young friends...who would have loved to have more time.  So on this birthday - I think of my friends that have passed too young, too soon.  It is a constant reminder that we are guaranteed nothing.  We must grab ahold of each day - live it the best way we know how.  Remember to love eachother...and let go of grudges and disappointments as quickly as possible.  As I like to say, on a scale of 1 to Cancer....how big of a deal is this???  Most things don't even make it on the scale.

So I've decided this year I need to focus on some new things...since I feel like I have a my honorary medical degree after this whole Breast Cancer crap...I am well aware that I am quite capable of learning new things.  So...

1.  I'm taking a CPR class.  After recent events when a dear friend had to give another friend CPR, I realized I would have no idea what to do.  Also, spending time with my 3 year old niece (who I would stand in front of a train for) - I feel like I need to know how to help her if something ever happened.

2.  I'm taking a self-defense class.  I do a lot of walking.  Sometimes by myself - and you just never know.  After a relatively scary moment when a man walked up behind me the other night and made a creepy comment - I realized if he had grabbed me...I wouldn't not know what to do.

3. I'm learning Italian this year.  I will get to Italy in my lifetime...someday.  And when I get there...I will be able to speak the language.

So thats my list so far...I'm sure there will be more.

Thank you all for the Birthday wishes!  I am SO thankful for 37...things are just getting interesting.