Top 11 because they couldn't fit in 10 reasons I am happy to turn 36

top eleven list about turning 36

11. It really beats the alternative.

10. If I want to stay up late watching dvr'd TV and eating the whole bowl of popcorn, I can. I can even eat ice cream right out of the carton - the ice cream i picked out at the store just because it sounded good.

9. I have friends that I have chosen. Not friends I have to have, because that is all that happens to be in your class, town, college, etc. Friends that I choose to share my life with, because they make my life better, richer and so much more fun. Friends that keep me sane in my most insane moments. Thank you all far and near.

8. I have a real career. I don't work at sonic anymore, billy's chili and bar bar, zios, or nursing homes. I get to see tragedies, miracles, and recenter what is really important every time I go to work.

7. I am able to wake up every morning and drink hot expensive coffee with real cream and read the paper from front to back. Mmmmm can't wait to do it all again tomorrow.

6. I live in a nice house, in a nice neighborhood with really nice people all around me. I love to have so many fun kids my children can play with, a park down the street, a beautiful walking trail, and a swimming pool. Awesome.

5. I am old enough to appreciate all that I have. I don't complain that my car is old, I am too fat, too tired, too broke. I am truly grateful for what is surrounding me - plenty of not so great alternatives out there.

4. I have two parents, aunts, uncles and three brothers nearby. I see none of these people enough, but I am so lucky that I get another year to change that.

3. I am young enough to be able to run a 5K, do P90X, and insanity and not have aching hips yet.

2. I have had the gift of cradling four unique little newborns in my arms - knowing that I was a part of creating these little blessings. They are my happiness, fear, anxiety, beauty, amazement and worry all rolled into perfect little packages. I love having something so important to me I would die for them without blinking an eye.

1. I live with the one adult I choose to be with forever. He makes me feel every single day that I am the most beautiful, smart and funny person he has ever known - even when I am tired, grumpy - and clearly not the least bit pretty. I have every confidence that he will continue to make me feel that way when I am sitting in my wheelchair, wearing a depends with eyebrows drawn on and bright red lipstick - probably with part of my creamed peas still on my bib.

Look forward to that vision babe, we are another year closer.