Happy Birthday to Me

I turned thirty on Saturday and spent the day with family and friends. My sister threw me a huge party that night and even bought a new dress for the occasion! (She is wearing it in the picture above. She’s the one in the middle.) Plus, on account of the big party Saturday night, both my folks and my brothers were in town. What fun! On Sunday, we celebrated my grandpa’s birthday. The older I get, the more I love my grandpa. I just like spending time with him. Today Jack had the pins removed from his femur and took it like a champ. Next weekend promises to be just as fun with a trip to visit Con, Di, Marley, and Mickey.

Happenings

Today I:

Had lunch with most of my aunties, a few of my uncles, my mother, my sister, and my grandfather plus my daughter. Four generations of Danes. I love spending time with people who have known me all my life. My family are the people who love me in spite of my (many) faults and hold a magnifying glass up to my strengths.

Last night, in an attempt to conform to the popular perception of beauty, I:

Rubbed tan-in-a-can all over my pale arms and legs. I fell asleep to the enticing aroma of cardboard mixed with corn chips and I woke up to striped arms and white spots on my ankles. Is this an example of the universal struggle between man and nature? No matter what I do, I will never be a tan girl. I have red hair, blue eyes, and pale skin. Period. You win, Mother Nature. If my husband were attracted to exotic beauties, he would have married a girl that looks just like his sisters. Besides, in the Philippines, I AM the exotic one.

Coming up:

Wedding on Saturday. Jack’s surgery on Monday. Leave for HB on Friday. I guess I better start packing up the house some time because we are moving across several states the first week of June. Oh, and if I plan on taking any boxes with us, I had better reserve a truck. The kids have a piano recital in May. Squeeze in as much time as I can with the people I love in the next few weeks, since before I know it, it will be a fourteen hour drive to see any of them.

Right now:

My mother made dinner, and as I type she is sitting with my kids eating. I am going to join them. Ta Ta.

World's Greatest Sister

You have been my best friend for twenty-eight years. We have the experience of a shared childhood getting dirty, fighting over clothes, and hiding in the bathroom arming ourselves with cans of hairspray against imaginary foes. We were each others’ nursemaids, wardrobe consultants, beauty advisors and video libraries. We have exchanged shouts of laughter and dodged flying objects amid angry yells. We were beacons to each other when life was at its darkest. You are the beautiful, adventurous, outstanding auntie who loves her niece and nephews as though they were your own. For seven years, they haven’t had to share your affection or attention with anyone. You were all theirs. We have had you to ourselves long enough. And it’s time they got a new uncle. Happy wedding in just 6 days!

Off to Iowa!!! (Only for a few days)

We are just getting ready to make the long drive to Iowa. So strange for us to be looking for a place to live in a new city where we don’t know a soul. Thank goodness for great siblings: Sara, Scott, Karen & Paul! Kisses to the kids, we’ll see you in a few days!