A Foreign Land

So, about this healthcare reform…

JUST KIDDING!!

Do you really think I’d spend today’s post talking about health care reform when there is MUCH more important stuff to discuss? NO. WAY. If you want to crab or cheer about the healthcare package, get your butt over to Facebook. That’s all anybody’s talking about.

Instead, consider this space an oasis from the debate and the snarky rhetoric today, because it’s my BIRTHDAY! Now, I take birthdays pretty seriously. Perhaps it’s my narcissism or my overly active preoccupation with all things ME, but I love me some birthday celebrating.

This year's birthday (and keep in mind it’s only half way through) has been a particularly fun one. Not because of the food I’ve eaten – though I did have a wonderful FREE lunch at Abuelo’s with the handsome hubby and I intend to eat my weight in Provino’s garlic rolls for dinner. It isn’t the terrifically generous gifts I’ve received. It isn’t that it snowed on my birthday for like the second time in 34 years. It isn’t all the well wishes of friends and family via telephone calls, text messages and Facebook posts. This particular birthday is amazing because for (possibly the first time in my life) I feel contentment.

It’s true. Despite the fact that I’m living far away from my family and many of my friends, despite the fact that my marriage isn’t perfect *gasp*, despite the fact that we are making some cuts to accommodate for my “fun”employment, I am content. And let me tell ya, contentment that isn’t based on circumstances is the most peaceful, delicious feeling in the world. I’ve been given the most splendiferous birthday gift that I could have ever received. I haven’t done anything to earn this contentment. I didn’t have to buy it (though I’d probably have found a coupon for it… have I told you about my insane coupon savings yet? Your jaw would hit the floor!) I just woke up and experienced it.

Happy Birthday to me! And thanks, God, for this most excellent birthday gift.