If you see a whole thing - it seems that it's always beautiful. Planets, lives... But up close a world's all dirt and rocks. And day to day, life's a hard job, you get tired, you lose the pattern. - Ursula K. LeGuin

Friday, May 8, 2009

Double Digits

11

When I was 11 my family got back together after a six-month separation. My sister Amy and I had been sent to my Aunt's house, my sisters Meg and Jo to my paternal grandmother and my mother had moved back in with her parents. Everyone moved back in together except for Jo and my dog. We also gained a quasi step-father--my mother's then boyfriend. That year I joined the girl scouts; I started middle school; I adopted pet rats; and I got my period. I was more developed then most of my schoolmates and received a lot of unwanted attention because of it. It was a year of transition and change.

22

When I was 22 I was living with my boyfriend. I graduated college that year. I was already working in a full-time office job with benefits and responsibilities but I wanted a change. That was the year I started working at the hospital-Ivy League medical school. I ended up staying there 17 years. That was the year I decided to marry my boyfriend, mostly because I wanted a baby. I ended up marrying him shortly after turning 23. That was a year of growth and commitment.

33

When I was 33 I realized I could no longer avoid ending my 10 year marriage. I was ABD and working as a project manager in a research institute, where I had been for the last 10 years. I was miserable. It took half of the year to actually make the break and move myself and Angel out of the apartment we shared with my ex-husband. I remember sitting in the living room of my new apartment all alone and reveling in the space and freedom. Three months later I met b and we had our first date. It was a year of new beginnings.

44

Yesterday I turned 44. I'm wondering what the year will bring.

10 comments:

Amanda@Lady Scientist said...

Happy Birthday! I hope this year brings you fun!

Seeking Solace said...

Happy Birthday.

The 40's will be fabulous!!!!

Psycgirl said...

Happy Birthday! I hope 44 is a wonderful year :)

post-doc said...

I hope you had a wonderful birthday - a good beginning to a lovely year.

life_of_a_fool said...

happy birthday!

MFA Mama said...

Happy birthday, Brigindo. May this one be the best double-digit yet!

drax said...

It will be a year of sudden and unexpected riches! In September you and b will become contests on the Amazing Race, starting with in a kiss atop the Eifel Tower and culminating with a showdown with the Yeti on the snow-swept slopes of the Himalayas. Book and Movie Deals to follow! Fame will have its downside, however, as your newly-ripped abs melt like butter under the gallons of champagne and constant migraines due to repeated appearances on THE VIEW. Disconsolate for a week or two, you will rekindle your energy and verve by discovering, HEY, your fans REALLY like you! They really like you!

Brigindo said...

drax- that is SO what I imagined too!

Julie said...

Happy (belated) birthday!!! Keep on celebrating, though. Look at how far you have come! I love this post. It's cool to see the progression you have made through all the "double digits." Here's to a wonderful 44, 55, 66, 77, etc!

Annie said...

Happy Birthday! May the year bring wonderful things.