Today is my birthday. I turn 36. I’m a little conflicted.

Pro: I am well out of my 20’s – that frustrating period of time when I knew where I wanted to be in my life but also knew I had to wait many years to get there.
Con: I’m on the downhill slide to 40.

Pro: I have a wonderful husband and two gorgeous, intelligent, wonderful boys.
Con: I sometimes yearn for the days when I didn’t have to do someone else’s laundry (x3).

Pro: I am approaching an age bracket that has been fully endorsed by Oprah.
Con: I’m on the downhill slide to 40 (important fact that needs repeating)

Pro: I found my life’s passion in photography in my mid 30’s.
Con: I am a long way from financial independence.

Pro: I have the chance to celebrate another year of life.
Con: It’s likely I’ll have to celebrate it while holding a bucket for my vomiting child. Very sad, but true.
Pro: A night out with the girls and a date night with my husband will more than make up for it.
Con: I will still have to do laundry the next day.

Pro: I have friends, wonderful friends.
Con: I often wish I could be closer to my family AND have my friends close by.

Pro: I have 20/15 vision
Con: I had to undergo surgery and pay a LOT of money to get it – but it was worth every penny.

Pro: I  know where I want to be in terms of health, weight and career.
Con: I am not quite where I want to be in terms of health, weigh and career.
Pro: I KNOW where I want to be (just need to find the means for some…and motivation for others). Oh, and I am FINALLY embracing my enormous forehead.

Pros: I’m happy (with the occasional off day). I’m comfortable. I’m loved. I’m healthy. I’m getting French doors and a deck. I’m 36.

…and I’m just where I need (and want) to be – right now.