This will be my last blog until next Tuesday unless I happen to find the Internet somewhere in the wilderness.

Today, I faced one of my biggest fears which is heights and semi-conquered it.  Jill and I went canopying which means we trucked up to some place high in the canopy of trees and spent the next two and a half hours harnessed into locks and slidding down wires amongst the trees.  On my very first go at it I got stuck half way and stranded above a gorge of 9o feet I had to turn myself around and walk my hands down the rope to the finish point.  Let’s just say I shed a few tears and we have the DVD to prove it.  Did I mention it started to rain into the 7th slide.  I was not happy.

On the very special occassion of my birthday on December 16th, I thought I would give you a look back at my life.

December 16, 1973 – present

I’ve been an only child and a big sister (poor Patrick)

A daughter and granddaughter; a niece and great niece and a Goddaughter and cousin

A straight A student and a failure at geometry

I’ve stolen a deck of cards once and blamed it on my brother

I’ve been scared

I’ve been wrong but most of the time right

I’ve been in love and had my heart broken

I’ve been to 6 continents and countless countries

I’ve been fired

I’ve been alone

I’ve been successful professionally and personally

I’ve lived in Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Washington DC and New York

I’ve laughed and I’ve cried

I’ve met amazing people who are my dear friends from all over the globe

I’ve had triumphs

I’ve tried seafood and learned to actually like it

I’ve completed canyoning in Switzerland (now illegal) and I’ve done canopying in South Africa(which might be illegal when I am done)

I’ve opened my mind to new cultures and different people

I’ve lost loved ones

I’ve pretended not to care to have been hurt

I’ve changed my hair color to blond and they are way more fun than redheads

I’ve had freckles and I’ve shown age but more or less gained wisdom

AND

at 35 I look back and say I have no regrets.  I am happy.  I live my life for me and for all of you who are my support and the inspiration in my life.  I am thankful to have had the opportunities I have had in life and I know that I have my parents and family and friends on my side.

I wish I could be with you all but until then CHEERS!  Happy Birthday to ME!