The nice thing about not having written in a while is that anyone, of the very few people, who has been reading my blog may have forgotten about me and so I write this post mainly for myself. If you do read it, I hope you find something interesting.

It is still early but I am looking forward to today's birthday gifts. This morning, I am having a trainer come to start me running. I don't know why I am so fearful of running, and why, despite my desire to do so, I can never get myself out there. Today I will, and I am glad for that! Hopefully, along with Bar Method classes and healthy eating, I can fit into the dresses I bought last spring so that I need not buy new ones for my cousin's son's Bar Mitzvah, my son's graduation, my sister-in-laws doctoral party.

After working out I will head out on a three hour long drive to watch my son John play a lacrosse game and spend a few glorious moments with him before he boards the bus back to Deerfield and I head home. Six hours in a car is not so fun, especially after I drove nine hours down to North Carolina with Austin this past Thursday night to look at Colleges only to return on Saturday.

But, John is a starting defenseman on what is now ranked the number one high school lacrosse team in the nation, and I won't have too many more opportunities to watch him play. Next year, when he is at Denver, I am sure my husband will fly out to see his games while I hold down the fort and more than likely, I will only get to see him when he plays out East.

With my eldest son graduating high school in a months time, I am hyper-aware of how the time is flying by and my birthday gift to myself is to take advantage of all my moments with my boys. I don't want to miss out!

As my friend Kathy once said, "No regrets", easier said than done. I can always look back and think of things I have done well and others I could have improved upon. But, fortunately, I think the former outweighs the latter and I will continue to work so that I can reflect on my life with positive feelings.

I just learned my friend Karen from Maine has started a job at a book store, one of my many fantasies. As I wrote on her fb page, working in a bookstore, owning a small general store or bookstore/eatery, or owning a B&B- all dream jobs(at least from the outside looking in). Just thinking about my friend doing something she loves is a birthday gift for me.

My trip to North Carolina took Austin and I to UNC Chapel Hill, Elon and Wake Forest. I was certain Elon would be the perfect school for him. Just shows you, you must visit! While Elon is beautiful and perfect for many students, it was not a good fit for Austin. Lesson learned!

Spring is here. The early hot days brought early blooms and I love seeing and smelling the lilacs in my yard- usually a Mother's Day gift but now here early.

Just received two phone calls from good friends Kathy and Leslie. It is always nice to touch base with close friends. I so appreciate their friendship and my other dear friendships. Yesterday, my friend Susan, from Westfield, came by for a visit. We don't get to see each other often but our friendship is as solid and meaningful as when we lived close to one another. Some friendships stand the test of time and distance and Susan's is one of them. I am truly blessed and consider my friends to be among my most precious birthday presents.

Happiness. Such a vital commodity. I feel good when those around me are happy and I try to live my life to create happiness for my family and friends. What makes us happy? I am certain there are many books written on the subject- most recently, I believe there is one entitled the Happiness Project- I will have to read that one- I suppose having a purpose, giving love and feeling loved are among the top promoters of happiness. Being happy is a birthday gift and I am grateful for the happiness I feel today.