it's my birthday. yep. and birthdays to me are still magical. even after all these years that are piling up. well beyond the point that you can put the appropriate number of candles on the cake. but still, the magic is there. i have always felt this way. this past year has been one of growth, and i can happily say i don't mean that in the literal way :) i have learned many things about myself. always said the 40th year would be one to try new things and be a better person. i have... travelled to other countries. come out of my shell a bit and met several new people that i now proudly call friends. stood up for myself when it really counted. realized that it is better to give. been astounded at the kindness of other people. been amazed at the transformation of my 2 daughters from children to mini versions of real people with their own thoughts, opinions, and visions. reconnected with some old friends. spent time laughing. discovered that the little things really mean everything. did some things i thought i wold never do at this age... and glad i did. wore a bikini for the first time since becoming a mom. been appreicated. been loved. found more pieces of myself. thank you to everyone that i have come to know in this flickr world. because of you, my cup is more than half full. :)

281 we were supposed to go to baltimore today... and i came down with a cold or something. so... we stayed in brooklyn... because i did NOT feel up to 4 hours of travel today... and that's not even counting the commute to manhattan. we started out on the subway headed to the green market... where we picked up some pickles from rick's picks. i'd seen them in whole foods at home... but had never tried them. they were comparable to my own. we then headed to lunch at a place i'd seen on food network (mile end)... where we decided to split the appetizing platter and the poutine. omg...they were both delish... and the over-sized mug of stumptown coffee was divine. after sitting at the counter for over an hour... watching them prepare numerous smoked meat sandwiches... i ordered one to go. we rolled out of there and caught the mta bus to target and bath & body works... where we stocked up on a few supplies and candles... then ventured back to the apartment. now... it's time for wine, candles and laptops.