On the Eve of Christmas Eve

Truth be told, I am a Christmas and winter fanatic. I have my own theories about this. Being born in Dixon, Illinois on Christmas Eve in 1951 guaranteed that I would love Christmas. In spite of what people think, a birthday near Christmas is wonderful...especially Christmas Eve. I have never gone to school or worked on my birthday and so far, I am always with my kids on my birthday.  The world is decorated and people are gathering with friends and family. Wow, what a deal. Yes, I have received the occasional "dual Christmas - Birthday present" and it is tough to get birthday cards when everyone is sending Christmas cards, but these are minor. I love my birthday and tomorrow is a big one...my last year in the 50s. Fine with me. I totally don't define myself by the number assigned to my " trips around the sun." Instead, I focus on what I have done, and received and experienced and am still longing to do. That is living and it is what I am doing, with gratitude for my health. And this brings me to winter. I love the cold air and the smell of winter. Anyone who knows me knows I am a true beach bum but give me a snowy winter day and I feel energized. Luckily, I was introduced to skiing at about age 12. My introduction to skiing came via my brother who got hooked on skiing through a church ski trip. Our parents were not skiers so we didn't grow up on skis like my kids did. But I liked it enough to go any chance I had, whether it was a day trip or a school trip. I took any opportunity to go skiing and even took it as a physical education class in college. Now, in my late 50s, I am proud to say I continue to love skiing. I'm no hot rod, I like a nicely carved turn I can enjoy rather than speed through. I enjoy the ride and as my daughter says, I'm slow but steady winning the race...the race being just to keep skiing. Next year, for my BIG 60 and that will be a biggie, I'll be skiing in Switzerland in Engleberg where I skied in 2002. I set this goal about five years ago and next year at this time, I'll be packing for that trip. My friends and family are all invited to join the fun. We'll get a good group rate and it is the perfect spot for a European ski trip. So, stay healthy and happy and enjoy the life that comes your way. It's just another trip around the sun and everyone should enjoy their ride. Peace to all and Merry Christmas.