-40-

I took off work for my birthday today. It's the first time in my adult life I did that.

Usually, I like to be at work, around friends and people who want to take me to lunch. :-)

Today, after having had three babies in two years, I just wanted to spend my birthday ... ALONE.

I took my time getting out of the house, I ran errands and talked to friends and family on the phone. I shopped, I ate lunch in the mall food court. I was the master of my own schedule.

I got the deluxe pedicure -- the one that takes even longer to finish and includes hot towels and a leg massage.
It was absolutely lovely. Best start to a new year in a long time!

Happy 40th birthday to me!

I'm looking forward to what this year will bring.

P.S. Lester gave me beautiful earrings and had the boys draw cards, which they gave to me this morning while I was still in bed. Dean proudly wrote a "D" on his card for me, and Cary drew me a rocket. I have the best boys -- all three of them.