Seasons of Change

Does anybody truly LOVE change? I guess there are probably a few....but I'm not one of them. I am in total love with consistency, organization, order, repeat. Boring, I know, but true. I enjoy the comfort that consistency brings: Always knowing exactly where the toothpaste is (squeezed from the bottom, by the way), charging the mobile phone on the same plug-in each night (but I do have an alternate when my husband is charging his), key and wallet in the same drawer each night, and the list goes on and on. I think I'm getting old (half-way to 90 tomorrow)...but I've been this way forever. Maybe it's written in the stars somewhere (see Pisces below). I just know what works and what doesn't for me. And I can't stand doing things that don't work over and over expecting better results. But, somewhere in the back of my mind, I want something different. I want to be more carefree, less structured, more whimsical. I want my always-thinking mind to turn off and choose a different path occasionally. I often speak to others of my Mom and step father. They are always up for something new and different. A new restaurant or coffee shop? They'll go. A different movie or store to shop in? They are there. Meeting new people? Yep, they love it. (I think I've tested them severely sometimes when meeting some of my friends....but they have always played along like good sports). I wonder if I'm going to be like them when I get to be near 80. I hope so, but I'm not so sure. I'd like to think that I will be...but I've got some work to do. Today, reading the February issue of Men's Health, I came across the entire back part of this issue that is totally dedicated to making life better for all of us. I had what Oprah would call an Ah-Ha Moment. If you haven't seen it, you should. Full of great ideas for losing weight, gaining better perspectives in life, dealing with depression, reducing debt, quitting smoking, and making people smile. It's called 2007: The Complete Instructions (page 119). Seriously, you need a copy. So, I see this quote:

They must often change who would be constant in happiness or wisdom (Confucius).

Ouch. I think I'm a pretty flexible person but not a person who loves change. When I come home from a trip, I like the furniture to be in the same place as when I left (hint to hubby). I like knowing that my "castle" is the way I left it. I love the peace of consistency and order. In some ways, I need it. In other ways, I don't think I need it at all. I do know that 2007 must be a different year for me. I must be a better man by this time next year. I must be a better lover and partner too. I've got my work cut out for me.

Checking out Spider's site, I ran across his posting on the zodiac. Since I'm celebrating my 45th birthday tomorrow including a nice dinner with some top-notch friends, I thought it would be a hoot to include this below....I know I'm on the cusp (some sites say I'm an Aquarius)...but most use Pisces.

PISCES: The Piece of ass. Caring and kind. Smart. Center of attention. Too Sexy, DAMN IT. Very high ### appeal. Has the last word. The best to find, hardest to keep. Fun to be around. Freak in the sheets. Extremely weird but in a good way. Super good in bed. Good Sense of Humor!!! Thoughtful. A partner for life. Always gets what he or she wants. Loves to joke. Very popular. Silly, fun and sweet.

Whether it's true or not, I don't know. Maybe some of it. You'll have to ask those who know me well. Lots of love to you guys. I appreciate all of you so much. Your virtual friendships, emails, and comments all mean the world to me. I count on them. I look for them. I need them. And, I seriously appreciate them. As I celebrate my birthday tomorrow, I celebrate a special life with each of you and, especially, with my lover and best friend. He's amazing....I mean, to put up with me....he has to be. Cheers to you all.