Yesterday was my birthday.  It didn't come with fanfare or gushing celebrations.  It came timidly.  Like it knew I wasn't quite ready for such a number.  Just as I'm not ready for the white hairs that gleam wickedly when I stand beneath the terrible lighting in the woman's bathroom at work or my back that aches when I don't get enough sleep.

Thirty-five years.  It's a lifetime.  It's a blink.  And I'm curious what it's like for my mother to look at me now and remember me when I was all fat and newborn.  And isn't it just the way the world works, that it would be on my birthday that I discover a boy I went to high school with is some big shot New York DJ that is being talked about in GQ and I don't even get a mention in the local newspaper.  {Not that success is measured in press but goodness gracious: Small Town Boy Makes It Big While Small Town Girl Stays In Small Town...} 

Despite Mr. Fallis' shining success, I will not let it tarnish my own sparkle.  I have much to be proud of and much to look forward to. 

And let it be known that I am very happy being part of the same small town I grew up in!

Last year, for my birthday post, I shared 34 pearls of wisdom.  This year, I will share 35 of my favourite things.  Of course my family and friends are first and foremost in my heart and I don't want you thinking they've been overlooked - I just chose to make this list a little less sentimental and a little more frivolous - much like the Sound of Music song.

Now imagine Julie Andrews singing during a thunder storm as you read...

1.  Eggrolls.  From Chows.  With their homemade plum sauce. 

2.    Laughing until I cry.

3.    John Travolta.  I can't help it.

4.    Johnny Depp.  I don't want to help it.

5.    Chai tea latte with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg.

6.    My new writing room.

7.    Exploring new places.

8.    Handwritten letters.

9.     Thrifting.

10. Dark Lindor chocolates.

11. Tangled {favourite Disney movie}

12.  Love Actually {favourite all-time movie}

13.  Musicals.

15. Yorkshire pudding.

16. Crafting.

17. IKEA.

18. Honesty.

19. Records.  {Everything sounds better on vinyl.}

20. Vintage Volkswagen Beetles.

21. Cobblestone streets.

22. Pulled pork pizza from The Old Garage.

23. Porch swings.

24. Staying up late.

25. Sleeping in.

26. Jigsaw puzzles.

27. Hot baths.

28. The smell of vanilla.

29. The Beatles.

30. Lazy Sunday afternoons.

31. Stolen moments on a piano.

32. Firm handshakes.

33. Strong water pressure.

34. Nice hotels.

35. Holding hands.

So, there you have it.  35 things that make my world a little better.  What would you put in your list?

What a difference 35 years makes!

Blessings and Happy New Year's Eve!