I would think there’s been a mistake somewhere, because, I’m really sure there aren’t enough ‘grown up’ cells in my body for me to actually be FORTY YEARS OLD. However, it seems that it’s true – I am 40 years old today. Wow.

I have, thankfully, been reassured by some family members that they will never, ever mistake me for a grown up. Awesome! My 16 year old son, though, goes, “You’re 40. That’s like …’an adult’.” I’m greatly satisfied and feel highly complimented that even my own teenagers don’t see me as an adult. I’m sure that’s wrong, somewhere in some big book about psychology and parenting. But I’m okay with it. I’m quite happy with it, to tell you the truth.

Occasionally they do forget that I still have to be ‘the mom’ even though I’m ….uh …not like the other moms. Quite often, though, it’s their friends, I think – that make this mistake. My kids are used to me and know (*snicker* as if a parent of teens should really say this) that I am actually in charge. I’m just goofy, crazy, and silly. But I’m still ‘the boss’.

Forty. Forty. Hm. Interesting number, that.

On the whole of the whole, God is awesome, my children are wonderful, my life is blessed, and I feel like I’m going to fully embrace this decade with the freedom of BEING 40. You know, the whole thing about growing past and above what people think about you. Living with a bit more of a view of the big picture and letting that give me ease and confidence. All that good stuff about women turning 40, you know.

But… then there’s that thing of ‘how in the hell can I be 40?’ I asked my sister-in-law today if anyone on the plant who has ever spent any time with me or had a conversation with me would see me as an adult or as a grown-up. She said, emphatically, “NO WAY!” To which I breathed a sigh of relief.

So the whole world thinks you’re immature and you’re happy about that?

That does sound kind of funny, doesn’t it? I’d tell ya what I meant by it if I hadn’t completely lost my train of thought by going outside to bring the dog in. And if I had a few more brain cells left – they all fried up today in my hot house. Our air conditioning broke down again and I sat here all day (and yesterday) waiting for the A/C fix-it man to come. Which he did not. *sigh*

And darnitall if the dog didn’t just go back outside. I opened up the doors to let some air in here and he keeps just wandering out. He’s really good and won’t leave the property (except to sometimes go next door and then back) but if people are out taking walks, he will go up to see them. He is a super sweet, gentle, loving dog – but, he is 120lbs. Some people can just tell right off that he is a nice dog, but, some people just see GIANT DOG WALKING TOWARD ME and get really nervous. And I don’t blame them! I probably would, too.

Anyway, you can see I’m rather scattered today and this post, therefore, is rather scattered. Bottom line is … I’m 40. It’s my birthday. Happy Birthday to me!!!