I have never in my life been able to run for more than 5 seconds without feeling as though I were on the brink of death. Literally.
But recently during my afternoon walk I've been able to trot a little; jog some and then today...run. As in, I took off until I felt like my chest would explode. I pushed myself. God it felt good. Really incredibly good. It made me feel better than I've felt in quite some time. I'm so excited about the prospect of keeping this up. It makes me feel invincible; as though I can do anything.
Which is true.
I can do anything....including run my ass off.

Until the next time,

the runner, Egypt :-)

Exactly where I wanted to be at this age...on the eve of my 40th. Happy.

So just like that my birthday is days away. I'll be 40 on Friday. Wow!

I celebrated early by having a party this past Sunday. I had a blast with family and friends and here's what it showed me.

I am loved.

There are so many people that think of me fondly and wish me goodness and peace. What a blessing. I am blessed to have family members and friends that are good to me; that truly care about me; that God has specifically placed in my life because he loves me. This is the greatest birthday gift of all.

I know that I am loved. I know that because He loves me He has shown favor on me by giving me love through my husband, my parents, my sisters, my friends.

I don't need any more "things" for my birthday. I have all that I need.

The gift of my husband who is my miracle. There was a time that I  didn't think I could be (I didn't think I deserved) with someone who cared for me the way he does. Someone who sees my beauty when I don't; who believes that I am perfect for him. Who sees past my attitudes and complaints and focuses on my strengths. He is so patient, so loving, so kind. He is constantly growing. He loves me. He cares about our children. He is hard working. He is disciplined. He listens to me. He communicates. He helps around the house. He is more....but everything that I asked for in silent prayer and I received and he is all mine :-)

My friends and my family that continue to grow with me, laugh with me....love me even when I bump my head. My sisters that have my back IN the DROP OF A HAT . You have no idea. I had no idea.

My friends....my best friend that knows when I really need her to be there and shows up! She drove 12 hours to celebrate with me before returning home to start a new job. She keeps a smile on my face...makes me giggle about our inside silly jokes and knows when to tell me that my ish stinks.

And all of my other friends that fill me with light. I am so blessed.

My children. What can I say? God knew what I needed and so he gave me 3 suns...who shine...and a daughter that is beautiful in so many ways. I wouldn't doubt if she's the first female president of the US!

My parents...thank you Lord for the gift of Annette and Stanley who never stopped believing in me and molded me into the woman I am today. I love them more than I knew.

So I have all of my gifts. I'm ready for 40!

Till the next time,

Egypt

Except it's less than 30 days to my 40th!
Yep!
Already...I'm pretty excited!

Random items I'd like to get by/for my birthday:

• Green Chucks
• Henna Tattoo
• New underwear set(s)
• Makeup Forever
• Mac eyebrow pencil
• Shorts
• Sandals
• Gel Manicure
• Anthropologie Candle

Can't think of anything else...but I'm really wanting those green chucks like yesterday!

till the next time,
Egypt

1. Life goes on. In my twenties I didn't believe that. Everything was dramatic and a production. The endings of things were overwhelming for me.
2. There is so much more than meets the eye...in general. This could apply to a friend, a mate, a job, a situation. I've always tended to believe exactly what I see when in reality there is so much depth to people...to our situations that nothing can be taken at face value.
3. Actions speak louder than words. Yes. Instead of just listening to what someone is saying pay attention to actually what they are doing. I'll learn everything I need to know...in a short period of time.
4. Black is beautiful.
5. My legs are thick and carry me well. They're some kind of juicy and I should never be embarrased by them.
6. Think for myself. Don't allow others or institutions to think for me. It's ok to think outside the box..create my own box. People, especially my family, may find me odd or be disappointed but God gave me a brain for a reason. It's my right to discern what I've been taught.
7. Traveling should be mandatory. See the world. Experience different cultures. Soak in everything my eyes can see.
8. Money means nothing if I don't know how to manage it. 
9. Health is everything. Start good habits young. Figure out how to eat well but indulge every now and then. Start exercising and developing an exercise routine because I want to...not because I have to.
10. Good parents are gifts from God. At 19 I knew everything and my parents were so stupid. At 25 I started to realize just how brilliant they were. At 30 I began to thank them for their "stupidity."
11. Learn how to laugh.
12. Complaining won't change anything. Find a solution and do it.
13. Find my voice. Speak my peace. Be my own advocate...it's ok.
14. Don't "follow behind fashion" as my awesome dad would say.  In other words..do what works for me. If all of your friends move to the suburbs but you love the city..stay in the city. You all can visit one another. Do you!
15. Adventure in life is important.
16. Resentment is a killer. Let it go.
17. Don't take myself too seriously.
18. Say thank you..often.
19. Learn how to apologize.
20. Learn how to share.
21. Love...from the parts of you that are hidden..to your toes...to the hairs on your head...love that deeply..passionately....jump into love completely...But be smart.

till the next time..
Egypt

Time is approaching.
June 7th is almost here.
I'm continuing to see myself.
I see me.
Selfish.
The one character trait I despise.
I see it in me.
I recognize that I too possess selfishness.
What an eye opener.
It humbles me.
It embarrasses me.
It stops me in my tracks.
Selfish.
I always thought of myself as a giver
When in reality I give to myself first
And not always in a wholistic take care of myself kinda way.
Moreso in a ..... I'm doing me..you do you kinda way
Selfish.
I'm working on it.
Continuing to look inward and examine the hidden parts of myself
in order to bring them to light
Expose them to the sun
And peel back the layers of the old me
Allowing "me" to shine....