39

Ever since I started caring about my age, odd-numbered birthdays have been toughest for me. I'm not sure why. So you can imagine that this birthday is a doozy for me, given the combo of odd-numberdom and it being my last-thirtysomething year.

I had planned to do a good bit of work yesterday, but instead was quiet and thoughtful. I tried to live this rare day off as I hope to live the coming year: with kindness to myself and others and attention to what is needed most. Most of all, this year I want to build in time to think and listen to myself, as it is hard to do what is best when one does not make the time to know what is best.

I took the dogs for a morning walk at the lake, and they were delighted. Note to self: do this more often.

I finally joined Calorie King online again. It is a sane way of eating/exercise awareness that requires no meetings or point-counting whatsoever, and I just know it will help me reach my weight loss goal this year. I have already planned my exercise for the week on there and I will keep my plans! Now if only they will come out with an iPhone-friendly version, my life will be complete.

I saw a movie I wanted to see (American Teen-eh), ate some lovely sushi and listened to a Cubs loss. But I also planned a Cubs/grandfather trip that I am very much looking forward to for later this month, so there's that. This year's volunteer obligations have crowded out my typically fun travel schedule. More fun travel is in order.

And I read. This year must include more reading. For pleasure.

One thing I did not get a chance to do yesterday was take photographs. This has been on hold while I straighten out my photo storage and backup issues, but I must resume my photography dabblings soon, as I have missed that little Nikon.

So there it is. A roadmap for my year.