I am 57 today....hooray!!!

Started the day at the gym....only negative so far was having to put "57" on the treadmill instead of "56."  Ha!!!

I decided to write about what I have to be grateful for.  Here's some of the reasons I came up with to celebrate today.................

1.  I AM ALIVE

2.  I have a great sister and brother and other supportive family members too

3.  I have three darling nephews (I don't see nearly enough but enjoy them when I do)

4.  I have so many incredibly thoughtful caring friends who are helping me fight this stupid cancer

5.  Getting cancer has finally helped get me to the doctor and not be so afraid (I still don't like it though)

6.  I am not so afraid of needles anymore

7.  I am surviving chemo with very few side effects

8.  I have a wonderful dog who loves me bald

9.  I can still exercise most days and walk Chloe everyday (wish the food part were that easy)

10.  I have many things I love to do including reading,

11.  writing,

12.  knitting,

13.  listening to music,

14.  taking walks,

15.  traveling,

16.  shopping,

17.  being with friends,

18.  talking on the phone,

19.  looking at the eagle cam online (still want to see one for real up close though)

20.  watching reality TV shows and movies

21.  scrap booking, although I need to get going on this

22.  driving anywhere and everywhere

23.  going to Tiger games

24.  .............. and so many more things

25.  I got to retire this year but still come to work and be with great staff and kids a few days a week

26.  I get hugs from kids every single day I work...... that's so GREAT

27.  The doctors continue to say I will beat cancer...I really want to believe them

28.  I have my sense of humor (most days)

29.  I love flowers, especially daffodils

28.  I love sunshine and warm weather, especially if it comes more than one day in a row!

29.  I love Tiger baseball

30.  I love Michigan State basketball

31.  I have a lovely home and great neighbors

32.  I have a best friend in Florida who lets me come visit whenever I can get there

33. I miss my mom so very much but am glad that she doesn’t have to go through this cancer with me…. she would have worried WAY too much

34.  Even though my body aches most days from chemo, I can still do anything I want to do

35.  I still have my eyelashes and eyebrows…. so far  : )

36.  I am getting used to the idea of being bald, good timing since when it gets hot outside I don’t think wearing a wig is going to happen

37.  The sun is out today

38.  The grass is starting to turn green

39.  Birds are building a nest in my awning once again this year….they make a mess but the babies are darling

40.  I have goldfinches coming to my bird feeder and they are starting to turn yellow

41.  I love animals……birds, whales, elephants are my favorites

42.  I have had the opportunity during my life to visit many of the 50 states and even a few other countries….still lots more places I want to go…..Hawaii to see the whales is one of them

43.  I love to listen to music and sing (loudly when I am alone)

44.  I was able to complete a half-marathon a few years ago and that had been a life-long dream….. not sure what my next challenge will be after I beat cancer

45.  I love magical moments.  There are magical things all around us each and every day if we just look for them…..spiders weaving incredible webs,

46.  fireflies in the summer,

47.  snowflakes that are beyond miraculous,

48.  sunrises and sunsets

49.  ….… there are so many things to be grateful for (was going to try to get to 57 but it’s too nice out and I want to go for a walk)

50.  Birthdays are fun, even when you are 57!