Each birthday I celebrate by taking account of my life. This year is sort of a big one—the kind where people gently ask you how you are doing? So, in the spirit of it all… here are 60 Allison truths.
1. I am happiest making others happy
2. The more glitter and confetti, the better
3. Friends are my life’s trophies
4. Just as soon as you get pretty OK at something, it always seems to change
5. Being a parent never ends. It just changes
6. I am a collector … hearts, glass bottles, garden trinkets, great coffee mugs but my best collection of all are the people in my world!
7. Anything and everything I love brings me both happiness and sadness.
8. Thank you notes still matter
9. Standing under a tall tree is life changing
10. Feeding birds is pure happiness
11. Rescuing a treasure from someone’s garbage is thrilling
12. Volunteering is the definition of a win-win
13. Music directly affects my heart
14. I was born to be a teacher
15. Being grateful isn’t always easy
16. My phone is both my friend and enemy
17. Chalkboards make me smile
18. Recycling is a passion of mine
19. Hugging cures sadness
20. I actually like my “glitter” gray hair
21. You’ll still find me in the kitchen baking if I’m sad
22. Morning coffee, the color of a paper bag, is still my jam
23. Pastina is my go-to sick food
24. Social media brings me closer to some and further from others
25. “No” used properly, is the move!
26. I still do not enjoy gambling
27. And still despise mayo
28. I believe in angels
29. Making friends is my superpower
30. I continue to talk to my plants and backyard birds
31. Don’t believe I ever want to live without a dog
32. Basement stairs without backs still petrify me
33. It’s a Wonderful Life is still my top movie
34. Disney songs reign on my playlist
35. I am braver than I ever thought I was
36. Twinkle lights are magic
37. I think of the people I love more than they might imagine
38. In the game of football, I cannot root against friends, even though it would be beneficial
39. I take notes at funerals—for future reference
40. I drive in hopes of letting someone merge or cross
41. Conversely, when the person in front of me steals my opportunity, I get angry
42. My sleeping pattern has returned to my toddler years
43. Now it seems I am forgetting I’ve forgotten. That’s progress, right?
44. Perhaps my give-a-damn levels are rising alongside my years
45. I greet my home every time I drive in our driveway
46. The people I chose to surround myself with is stronger than any force field
47. I still avoid stepping on sidewalk cracks
48. My most productive hours are between 4 a.m.-11 a.m.!
49. A stadium filled with fans singing The Star-Spangled Banner makes me cry
50. I love being a sister, daughter, aunt, niece, and cousin
51. I am an empty nester for a third time now. It’s easier this time
52. I absolutely love a nice salad…and crispy french fries
53. I appreciate the sunrise more than the sunset
54. Words run through my veins
55. I adore time with people I respect, but also cherish time alone
56. Violence and hatred shake me to my core
57. 73 and sunny is my favorite weather day
58. I admit it, I wear Birkenstocks now
59. I cannot tolerate meanness
60. I’m far from perfect … but I work on getting better each year!
I am beyond overwhelmed, touched and delighted at how many people choose to love me, and am eternally grateful for each and every single one of you….
with love from your birthday gal,
