Thursday, December 6, 2012

Four Oh!

So... this week I turned 40. Yup, the big, fat, 4-0.

It is definitely different than when I turned 30. When I turned 30, I didn't feel any different until I hit 36... for some reason I felt I went over the hill. It hasn't really hit me yet, I mean the fact that I am 40. I feel like I am still in my late 20s', but in the mirror I see a much older me, and I guess people expect me to act mature too. I had to do a reality check and ask myself some questions...

Do I feel like I’m living on the edge?

No,

Do I feel I am stuck with nowhere else to go in life?

Nope,

or do I feel a little confused and lost?

Well, to tell you the truth maybe a little.

I have no idea what the next decade will bring, but I am a firm believer that life is what we make of it. So I am in the process of reminding (hypnotizing) my mind that I have fabulous years ahead of me.

Thanksgiving is over, but I am really grateful for the life I have, especially for my family and friends. Those of you who sent me birthday wishes, phone calls and gifts thank you so much!

During the holiday season, I think about my family in Japan more often but this year even more so, since I went back this summer... I miss them a lot. My mom and sister called the day before (they are one day ahead) and we talked for a while. It was great but I wish we lived much closer. So I really appreciate your thoughtfulness and kindness. That lifted my spirits up.

One of my friends and I have our birthdays close together, so we went out for sushi and celebrated together and it was lots of fun. You will not believe who we sat near at the restaurant... Mitt Romney, yes, I am serious! I AM NOT KIDDING! We sat at the table behind them. I SO wanted to ask for a picture, but my better half said, "Oh, leave him alone, let him enjoy his sushi." I decided not to bother him. The picture would have been a great keepsake though. Then after that guess where Mr. TRH took me...

Tiffany...I wrote about this before, but ever since I saw "Breakfast at Tiffany’s" in my preteen years with beautiful Audrey Hepburn, one of the places I fantasized about going to was Tiffany. One time I was in front of the store and peeked in from a distance, but I only saw one customer and three sales people. I felt a little... ok, a lot intimidated and didn't go in.

But this time, there were a bunch of people in the store and I was with my hubby. He bought me something that I will treasure for a long time.

Speaking of "things I will treasure for a long time"...on my birthday morning, I received three special handmade cards from my kids with lot of hugs. They were filled with kind words and helped me a lot from missing my family and friends in Japan. They reminded me that my family is here. They are the sweetest kids I could ever ask for.

Birthdays are a milestone to reflect on the past and how I lived as well as plan for the future and how I want to live from this day on. I think everyone deserves to celebrate their special day with loved ones and maybe get some gifts as a special treat.

But, perhaps our life filled with the little things and events we take for granted is the ultimate gift.

24 comments :

  1. happy new year !
    http://detailsbyenda.blogspot.com/

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  2. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Sachiko!!! You look amazing, I had no idea you were 40! Such a big milestone, I am so happy for you! What a great post. AND what a thoughtful hubby, one day we just might dine at Tiffany's together :).

    Love ya hun, may you have a fantastic and blessed day!

    - Jess

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  3. Happy Birthday!
    Enjoy every year, and may your life be filled with big and small pleasures every day :)

    Hugs,
    Tatyana

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  4. Všetko najlepšie...veľa šťastia a zdravia želám. Mery

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  5. Sounds like it was a birthday filled with love, sweetness and joy. Cheers!

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  6. Happy Birthday! I know what you mean about not feeling the age people see. I have just decided that I am NOT an age - not the one people see or the one the calendar tells me. I act like I feel. If that's too young for some and too old for others, well, it's just fine for me. :) Enjoy your 40s!

    Kristy @ Shona Skye Creations
    http://shonaskye.blogspot.com

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  7. Sachiko- May your "new" year be a blessing. Happy 40th. I love your blog and your handiwork. Take Care and May God continue to bless you and yours.
    P.S. ok, what is in the box.....?

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  8. Happy Birthday! I would never have guessed that you are 40, you look awesome!

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  9. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
    I turned 40 in July and yes, I too feel like in my early 30s. Weird, no. I guess one's spirit does not get older, pity the packaging does :)

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  10. Sachiko, Happy Birthday to you and many happy years ahead. I had my most creative years in my 40's. You will enjoy your 40's esp since you don't look your age.

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  11. Happy Birthday!
    I would have asked for a picture at the restaurant...hopefully by the time I'm 40(which is not too far), I have learned to resist ;)

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  12. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
    It is beautiful day!
    I turned 40 this year as well :)
    but I don't believe so do the same: don't believe you are 40.
    You are 18 ... and have 22 years of experience :)
    Kisses!
    Aneta

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  13. Happy Bday!!!!! My best wishes to you!

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  14. Happy Birthday, Sachiko! First of all, you look about 22, so be glad that you have the accumulated wisdom of 40 years but the complexion and look of one in her twenties! Glad it was a fun day for you. You have a big collection of happy moments now, much more than when you were 22!~

    Lisa:)

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  15. Happy birthday! Hope the years just keep getting better and better. :)

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  16. Happy birthday! Don't worry about the figures - you have accomplished a lot more than many other people in a longer period of time and it's important how you feel, well, and look, and you look great and definitely younger!

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  17. Oh Sachiko! I thought about you on your Birthday and meant to send you a quick note, but got distracted (as usual). I'm so glad that you had a wonderful day and 40 looks fabulous on you!

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  18. you don't like a 40 year old my friend!! you are gorgeous.

    i want to see the tiffany present!!

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  19. It's never too late, congrats for being as full of live as the youngest girl. That's the idea! :)

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  20. Thank you all for leaving such loving comments. I really appreciate them and feel like reliving my birthday all over again... Seriously you guys are the best! Some of you left really wise advise or encouraging words too, so, thank you! I wish I could have a big get together and just chat with you all to soak in all the positiveness and wisdom. :)

    Gunny Mom and Nat,

    The inside of the box? It is a necklace. At Tiffany, some of their jewelries are REALLY expensive, but mine is very modest, budget friendly and I fell in love with it. That was exactly what I wanted. :)

    Little Treasures,

    Well, congratulations my friend, you turned 40 as well! I think you look beautiful, not to mention talented too!

    Marnie,

    Hey Marnie! Thank you for the birthday wish. I totally understand being busy and getting distracted. I am living that, sometimes I don't even remember what I was going to do after taking three steps, hahaha :)

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  21. Happy Birthday! You seriously look SOO SOOO great! And you are not old:). Pretty cool you sat so close to Mitt Romney!

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  22. never in a million years would I think that you are 40!!! You look so young and so beautiful! You are amazing!

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  23. Wow ! You look far too young to be 40 .... Embrace it, what a wonderful age !!! Belated happy birthday wishes x
    Tiffany's !!! You lucky thing ! X

    Siubhan@CraftLee x

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