Me less than two weeks before the big day-- taken in Richmond by Michael Paul Williams at the Virginia Press Association

Hey it’s Terrific Tuesday again. How’s everything in your neck of the woods?

Yesterday was my birthday. Many on Facebook wished me a happy one. Matter of fact I was overwhelmed. Thanks to all who hit the cyber world and the real world to wish “Have a happy one” and I did.

I have gotten to the point that birthdays are an affirmation that God is in his heaven and all is right with the world—I am still alive and kicking. I find myself praying more as I get older. Prayer is a conversation that is often seen as one sided– we ask and wait to see if we get what we asked for just the way we desire it. Personally, I think God has a great sense of humor.

Often my prayers are answered in the most unexpected ways, but I always get an answer. I asked a week ago for some happy days soon that were less stressful. On Sunday afternoon I got my answer. God sent my husband to Richmond this week. He is getting training for his part time job. Great answer–Way to go God! I am as happy as if I had good sense. The hubby hasn’t had a full time job in two years and matter of fact told the news to me on my birthday two years ago that he had lost the job the day before. He held the news for just the right time—worst birthday present I ever got.

His job situation causes me great stress and contrition as it really affects our family adversely–but enough of the family drama—I am one of many who has an unemployed or underemployed spouse.

Here’s a Cathy birthday story about the year I turned 25. Friends gave me a surprise birthday. The surprise? I didn’t go. Ever the independent cuss—I took off with my co-workers because I didn’t think anyone had remembered my big day. My work friends were a happy go lucky lot of girls. We went to a place in west El Paso, Texas on Mesa Street where I lived then, called Gasoline Alley or something similar. It was located in a refurbished gas station. One of the biggest strawberry daiquiris in Texas could be had for a mere $5, and that is saying something. We had a blast. The head basketball coach and legend at UTEP, Don Haskins, helped the girls sing happy birthday to me. He was a regular there and we bought him a few brews to help celebrate my big quarter century birthday. He has gone to the big basketball arena in the sky and I am still here. Meanwhile back at the ranch, they waited and waited and I never showed. I really felt bad about that—but I have never been a fan of surprises.

Karma has caught up with me I guess. I never had another real big do birthday party. The hubby didn’t give me one on any of the other big decade dates and I’ll pound him out if he does so at the next one.  Maybe I ought to be praying for an answer to that. Anyway. Happy birthday to me!

See ya next week!