~7 Quick Takes Friday – Episode 8~

Welcome to my blogging birthday celebration! Have a drink on the house! Make yourself at home, take a tour, stay awhile, but be sure you also enjoy other Quick Takes Friday c/o Jen at The Conversion Diary.

{The Birthday Episode}

~ 1 ~

You can tell from my sister Rosario’s expression that she was pretty darn impressed with the cutest-baby-ever when Dad introduced us thirty-three years ago.

My interpretation of Rosario’s expression: Damn, gurl! You is cute! So cute, in fact, that ya made my jaw drop. (Almost as cute as me… but not quite. Don’t forget that, either.) We are going to have lots o fun, you n’ me. Just you wait!

~2~

I love taking this time as I mark the transition from one year to the next to reflect on the past year and years past. Here is a short reflection I wrote two years ago on my 31st birthday:

Running With Fireflies

I went for a run last night, my final run with a thirty-year-old body. I headed out as soon as I got home, which was around dusk. Dusk on a Michigan summer evening is after 9 PM. The air was still warm, but not overwhelmingly hot. I kept my pace to the rhythm of my favorite running music, as I ran off into the sunset.

It was a glorious run. I didn’t take my usual route, but I stuck to familiar, well-lit roads since it was getting darker. The pink radiance of the setting sun faded slowly and as it did, the yellow twinkling lights around my feet shone brighter. No – I was not wearing light-up shoes! I was running with the fireflies! I ran with the fireflies a few times earlier this summer, but it had been many weeks since I’d had that pleasure. Last night was an unexpected treat and a beautiful way to end my thirtieth year.

It was a year with plenty of challenges and obstacles, but even the most frustrating moments were peppered with glimpses of hope and the fulfillment of God’s promise. Much like the fireflies from last night, these glimpses shone brightly in the muted glow of reality, bringing a smile to my face and giving me the energy I needed to push through.

Thirty-one will have its own set of challenges, to be sure, but God is faithful. And I’m excited for the adventure at hand: I’ve got my running shoes on, my soundtrack is playing, and I’m ready for another year of running with the fireflies.

I feel the same way about moving from 32 to 33. (I really need to be more consistent about running… I have some pretty deep thoughts when my feet hit the pavement!)

~3~

Sr. Maria Cecilia meets her namesake Cecilia Maria

A couple ‘o good looking Cecilia’s for ya!

~4~

Birthday Confession: I am not a fan of the Happy Birthday song. I prefer being sung the Mexican birthday song, Las Mañanitas:

Isn’t that much more beautiful and lovely?

I admit, the Mexican birthday song isn’t for everyone, but I think this version of an English Happy Birthday song would be an acceptable mainstream alternative to the other little ditty. But don’t thank me, Rosario is the one who first found these talented singers.

~ 5 ~

There is a part of me that is sad to say good-bye to 32. This has been the most amazing year of my life: it was the year I fell in love. I have learned so much about myself through Karl and I will cherish this year for decades to come. But I am even more excited to see what 33 will bring and what it will build on the foundation 32 leaves behind. I have a feeling 33 is going to be even better! But maybe that just cause I’m thrilled about being an odd numbered age again!!! Or maybe it has something to do with Karl…

~6~

A dancing me (in the pink dress) – age 10