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When I turned 18, I celebrated by voting in my very first Presidential primary election. When I turned 21, I celebrated with my boyfriend who proposed to me. I accepted his marriage proposal and look forward to celebrating our 27th wedding anniversary soon. When I turned 25, I blew out the candles on my birthday cake with my 4 month old daughter in my arms. When I turned 30, I celebrated while I held my just two-week old #2 baby girl. I also gave thanks that she opted out on arriving on her estimated due date which was my birthday. When I turned 35, I celebrated running my very first 10K race. When I turned 40, I celebrated by riding 100 miles on a bicycle in the Solvang Century. I then went back home and was allowed to hold my 2 month old son for the very first time during his 132 day NICU stay. Every birthday, every year is a reason to celebrate for me. Every birthday, every year is another milestone for me. 

Some people look to their birthdays with fear and dread. My daughter's 29 year old dance coach is lamenting how "OLD" she is as her 30th birthday approaches. I stifle a giggle and agree, she is old. Other people announce their 20th anniversary of their 29th birthday.  As for me, I don't I gladly add and embrace every year. I guess I am just a glass is half full kind of girl and as long as it is a half full glass of a fine cabernet, I will gladly raise it in celebration.

I turned 48 this week. It was a great birthday celebration. I made it that way. I made it a milestone. To celebrate I ran my very first half marathon race. It was only this last August that I took up running again. I had to stop 12 years ago due to some hip pain. Who knew one should run with properly fitted running shoes? But this last August I took up running again and agreed to train and join several other bloggers from all over the US and Canada to run the Disney World Princess Half Marathon. I can't begin to tell you how exhilirating it was to run through Epcot passing people clapping and cheering as I ran past them to the finish line. It was truly an amazing celebration. 

How will I ever top it? I don't know. I wondered the same thing after turning 18 and 21 and 25 and 30 and 35 and 40. But I do know that I will celebrate.

The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.
-Oprah Winfrey