Tuesday, May 25, 2010

36 Years of Wisdom...Sorta

Tomorrow I turn thirty-six years old. Wow. I could be termed in my 'late thirties' although I'll hang out in the mid-thirties for another couple of years.  I think I've stated before that I don't mind aging. I mean, I don't like to LOOK old, but I'm happy with how I look so that isn't an issue and I still feel like I'm catching up with myself due to the fact that I have simply always felt old. The whole process is helped by the fact that there is no one time in my life I can look back on and say "Gosh, I wish I were able to do that again." Maybe a day here and there, but I can't think of a single block of time (meaning months) that I want to repeat. However, I'm a firm believer in age equating with wisdom and therefore I get smarter every year! And, seeing as how I am so very wise I am going to impart 36 of my best advice:

1--Do not leave laundry in the washer for a week.
2--Peanut Butter should have child proof lids.
3--I will always hate my hair no matter how good I think it looks that particular day.
4--You can learn from your mistakes or make them again--you choose.
5--Most talents are discovered after the age of 20.
6--Everyone has demons.
7--Some people's demons hate you.
8--People with demons who hate you are better avoided.
9--Prayer is your opportunity to try to help people with demons who hate you and are better avoided.
10--My demons hate some people and have caused them lots of pain.
11--Sometimes it feels impossible to make things better.
12--Prayer is good.
13--Cheesecake is also good.
14--Prayer and cheesecake together is practically celestial.
15--Philosophies are much easier to think about then to execute.
16--Most of my philosopies rise up to bite me in the butt.
17--Some people just are not happy for other people's success.
18--Kids really do come with their own personalities.
19--Sometimes complaining about something really does make you feel better.
20--There is no sin in leaving the kids home when you go on couple vacations.
21--The future is far more interesting than the past.
22--Family is awesome, but just because they are family doesn't mean that their demons don't hate you.
23--It is possible to love someone and yet want nothing to do with them. Healthy sometimes even.
24--Time really does move faster as you get older.
25--Metabolisms really do slow down as you get older.
26--Typically it's easier to remember the stupid things you do than the cool stuff.
27--Didactic ponification is of the gods.
28--For every person who's impressed when you use big words there's someone else rolling their eyes.
29--Forgiveness doesn't really make sense until someone forgives you when they didn't have to.
30--Looking for ways to deal with your own demons is a worthy pursuit that might take a lifetime.
31--Parenthood is a priceless look into the heart of God.
32--There will always be someone smarter, prettier, funnier, more talented, and more generous than you.
33--Just because someone else might be better, doesn't mean that YOU won't be a better self for working toward the same goal.
34--Nothing feels as good as being kind.
35--It's fun to be a girl.
36--Bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people but good things also happen to good people and bad things happen to bad people and there really isn't anyone out to get us, just trying to teach us a thing or twelve.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes, it's been a long, somewhat dreadful, insecure, whirlwind, and yet essentially good year. :-)

24 comments:

Lani Woodland said...

Thanks for sharing your words of wisdom! I agree about cheesecake being good. :) Happy early birthday!

Annette Lyon said...

I LOVE this list. Certain numbers in particular, though I'll leave that to myself (although you're such a good friend,I'm betting you can guess on several. :)

Happy 36!

Cheri Chesley said...

I love the last couple. For years I took no joy in being a girl. And #36 is my wisdom for the day. Thanks, and I really do hope you have a great birthday.

Kristina P. said...

Happy birthday, Josi!

Daron D. Fraley said...

Dang. You're OLD.

Great list, Josi! Happy Birthday.

Krista said...

Happy Birthday, Josi! Good lessons! The whole demon thing totally resonated, and cracked me up. And 1, 14, and 36.
Hope you're day is AWESOME.

alisha said...

lol! you is very wisdomful. i hope i can be that smrt when i become 36. for one thing, I have no idea what didactic ponification even means. :)

Happy Birthday, Josi. I hope you get spoiled rotten - you deserve it!

Laree said...

14--Prayer and cheesecake together is practically celestial.

You crack me up! Happy Birthday!

Julie Wright said...

Happy Birthday Tomorrow Miss Josi! I love your list. And wow, there are certain ones that about kicked my butt. As Annette said, you're a good enough friend to know which ones without me publicly admitting to anything. Love you!

Anonymous said...

There were so many things I wanted to highlight and just say, "YES! THANK YOU!" Just know that all of it is wisdom treasured--especially because of the woman behind it. Lova ya, Josi. Happy Birthday!

Mason Canyon said...

Happy Birthday (a day early). Hope you have a wonderful day and a terrific year.

Mason
Thoughts in Progress

Heather Justesen said...

Okay, seriously, you are hilarious! Hope you have a fabulous birthday, and that the demons who hate you decide to give you a day off!

Curtis Moser said...

It sucks that you and I are the same age and you look so much better than I do. And you're so much more successful than I am. I hope that doesn't make me a number 17. I'm happy for your success. Just very very disappointed at my lack of it. Happy Birthday!!! :)

C.J. said...

For someone so young, you certainly are wise. Can't wait to see how smart you in another ten years.

Indiana Grandma said...

Happy, Happy Birthday, Josi! I have thoroughly enjoyed your culinary mysteries. Add me to the list of Sadie wannabes. :)

Kara said...

Happy Birthday! Great list, Josie. Hope your day is extra special. :-)

P.S. Life gets even better after 40!! :-)

Danyelle Ferguson said...

While that was funny, it was also seriously true - at least for me. Thanks so much for sharing a few of your bits of wisdom. Happy birthday, girlfriend!

Heather Moore said...

Happy birthday! I'm so glad you are older :-)

Amy said...

Happy Birthday Josie! Hope this was a great day for you. May Birthdays ROCK!
Loved the post, the list was too cute and also very insightful. It made me smile!

Hadley Family said...

Thanks for sharing your wisdom!

Whitney said...

Of course you don't want to look like you did in the past. You grew up in the 80's. jk.
wuv, Sam

Ethington Family said...

so I've only read one of your books, but that is because I use to not read, so don't take it too hard. I read Lemon Tart. I loved Lemon Tart and since I love to bake and Sadie sort of reminded me of myself in some ways, that I can't wait to try those recipes. I also love what you wrote on your blog. Yes, I think we would be friends :) Have a great day and I can't wait to read more of your books.
Mary

Tara said...

Happy Birthday Josi! This was a fabulous post about aging gracefully! I'm now 37. I had to double check doing a quick countdown because I'm getting old - anyhow I loved your list!

I've read all of your books and absolutely devoured your delightful culinary mystery series! I've fallen in love with Sadie and her recipes! It's like double the pleasure and my hips can attest to the goodness of your words and recipes! I simply can not wait for the next one! Thanks for some wonderfully entertaining, clean books that were absolutely delightful to read!
Tara Butler

Valerie Ipson said...

#14. Words to live by for sure.