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.