Jade007

Turning 41

Proved to be worse than turning 40. I have been trying from all angles to make sure physically I stay ME.. and man, the universe said “fuck you!” big time.

However, if any of you truly know me, You know that I do not take these type of insults lying down.. So universe. No – F YOU!!! ;)

I have learnt this past year more than ever. That only God and I are my best friend and only I am my worst enemy.

This might sound really dumb, but the biggest lesson I learned is that I need more sleep. Without it I am just a crazy crack head.

And it isn’t really that I am not getting sleep. I am not getting enough quality sleep and relaxation.

So my life lesson to myself is to smoke weed. No kidding. Find ways to relax more! And sleep better. SO that I need to supplement less.

Oh how life becomes so basic when you get older. Soon, my only worries will be trying not to pee in my pants in public!

God has taught me over the years through his wisdom of allowing us to age:

1. Teens - You’re vain. It’s useless

2. 20’s and 30’s You’re beautiful – Its useless

3. 40’s not so vain, not so beautiful – Now you know that you should have spent more time working on your emotions, your friendships, your destiny / passions and just having fun in life.

All that crying in your room being miserable because someone didn't approve of you. Waste of tears and time. Where are they now?

The thing is, all that really matters is taking care of yourself physically, emotionally and mentally. Taking care of the people you love and enjoy the things you have. All of which can vanish in a moment.

My mom sent me this:

- Envy is a waste of time

- Don’t take yourself so seriously

- Time heals almost everything. Give time a little time

- Always choose life

- No one else is in charge of your Happiness but you

God – grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change. Change the one I can. And Wisdom to know that one is me.

Update on life and activities:

April

After my Al Pacino sighting, life again moved at supersonic pace.

We had a wonderful Easter, had a few charity events that we worked at, free tickets to a basketball game and date weekend bar none. Went out for Teppanaki and the next day for breakfast and bottomless mimosas.

This was also when I started watching “Sons of Anarchy” I have to say – stupid as it may sound this series took me on a very emotional and intense journey.. at the end of the series, I had not only become a potty mouth but fell in love with a biker boy.

It was very sad when it came to an end and I really had bad withdrawals! OMG what have I become lol Honestly - I felt thoroughly depressed.

It is so funny though, because something so trivial like a TV show can teach you so much about life and about yourself. And I really don’t mean in a Hollywood kinda way. I mean in a real way – life lessons.

One of which is this. Family is everything. And "Family" might be blood but it is also whom you choose to share your life with.

Being a parent is hard. It is so rewarding. I am SO glad and I don't have any regrets choosing not to have children. But the two I inherited are so awesome. And I cannot wait to see what they become one day.

Over Memorial Day weekend

Took the entire family and went to Lake of the Woods. We stayed in a cabin and every day was just filled with lots of sleep, kayaking, hikes, great food and relaxation. It was truly awesome.

This weekend was a little bitter sweet though. It seemed that it marked a very significant shift in my relationship. We know it all happens at some point.. But somehow it just always sucks when it does. It was like the powdery romance evaporated. I guess in life that needs to happen so you can truly see the person and the picture for what it is. Still a good picture. Just a different feeling.

June 17^th 2016

Then ofcourse my 41^st birthday. I took the day off from work. Firstly this birthday surprised me so much. I received so many gifts from the most unlikely people and it left me pretty speechless. I felt like not only a queen for a day but loved beyond measure. And I realized. No matter I fat I grow (lol) I have incredible people in my life.

It started on the 16^th at work. My co-workers bought me an orchid, a birthday cake and gifts. They sang to me and made a huge fuss. Funny story: I have a South African Co-worker who shares the same birthday – how random is that!

So we sang Happy Birthday to each other in Afrikaans. It was alot of fun!

On my actual birthday, it was a bit dramatic at home, we had to be on a call with attorneys that was unpleasant. But that didn’t ruin my day! I had a shower, packed an overnight bag and went over to meet my good friend Jody at the Henry for brunch. The Henry is a “to-die-for” fancy place. It reminded me a little of the time I had high Tea with Lindsey in Colorado. Good memories.

It was sweltering hot outside. We drank a few mimosas and I had a delicious lobster salad. Birthday cake and all – we only got done chatting, laughing and having a great time by 2pm.

It was then time for me to Robe up and be pampered. I had a full body scrub / massage / coconut bath / waterfall / sauna / nap etc you name it. Peaceful, soothing. I enjoyed it so much.

After those few hours of relaxation, I headed over to the Fairmont Five Star Hotel where I met my honey and we had a shower, relaxed and I opened my gifts OMG! He got me the best gift ever – Amazon Echo. You know to Tech out my home. I now have to just speak and my whole place is ambient. Lights come on, music comes on it is amazing.

I am such a Tech Geek. I love all my technology gadgets ;)

I also got designer bags. Gift cards for nails, massages, trips. I got make up and make up brushes. My one good friend at works’ husband made me a stool out of a tree log! I mean just incredible stuff.

I was blown away! What a fantastic birthday!

My waist has expanded, but so has my people. :) whoooppppy

Now it is time to de-clutter.

Yes, this is actually a picture of my current closet. I threw half of my shelves on the floor in an effort to sort it out. That was 4 days ago.. but I am in the process. It's cathartic if I ever get to it!

out with the OLD and in with the NEW

Here are a few pictures of my birthday, Father's Day and just my wonderful Family:

Which I have finally accepted after 3 years of resistance!