Birthday reflections

I have just recently celebrated my birthday. This, as usual, prompted me to take a look at my life and where I am, where I want to go, how I am going to get there, etc... For some it is New Year's and making resolutions, for me, my birthday and the realization that another year in my life has passed helps me to take stock.

I have been in the working world earning a paycheck for 31 years now. And I have finally found my career. A little late some would say but I can truly see myself in this field for the next 20 some years until I retire. I have a couple of degrees (business and education) and have worked in both fields. I have worked in restaurants, bar tended, taught from pre-school to high school, worked as a photographer, been present (at work) for some world changing events and stayed home to help raise my kids. I have worked for one man shops and the world's largest pharmaceutical company. These all have led me to my current job and my love affair with it.

I get to plan fun events. I work at a company where we help people create memories and my job is to help bring about the events that will help them do that. How cool is that? And, I work with really great, creative people to make that happen. I am truly blessed.

My family benefits too. Not only do I get to have fun at work (and that makes for a happy mom and wife), but because of who I work for, I get to vacation at a discount when I am off work. We have not had a true family vacation in many, many years. I can't wait for this summer or fall when we get to go somewhere and relax. The hardest part is picking which place I want to go!

I recently read an article that says "Vacations make kids smarter"
(http://www.vacationbetter.org/smarter-kids). I believe it. I think it is not just the vacations but the opportunity to expose kids to different lifestyles, other cultures and areas, and the intermingling with people outside of their own circle of friends and acquaintances that really help kids to grow and become better people. And in my job I get to help do that. Again, how cool is that??

I think pretty darn cool.