First Day of Autumn

It seems like such an ordinary day. It's the first day of Autumn.

I woke up to a very cold bedroom, the dogs snuggled warmly against my stomach and legs. Scott is out of town for work, so the house was very quiet this morning. After I turned up the heaters, fed the dogs, got ready for the day, I left the house and jumped into my very cold car. And because I am stubbornly boycotting my jacket until a little later this season, it took awhile for my limbs to thaw out in my car on the way to work.

Today, I turn 29 years old.

Many people wished me well this morning, even if one of them was my dad calling before I was even out of bed. I've received little messages from family and friends. A good friend will be taking me out to lunch. Another friend called and sang to me. My mom is taking me out to dinner. My dad is sending money for my birthday gift, the window tinting on my car will be installed next week.

Another well-wisher came in the form of an email, from an old friend I haven't heard from in a long time:
"Happy Birthday!
Long time - hope all is well."

When I try and put into words how to describe this friend... Well, I bumble. But let me try:
We were casual friends; I dated one of his best friends; then (after his friend cheated on me) we became closer friends; he was so easy-going, so fun to be around, so unselfish and giving---I could help casually dating him although I wasn't quite ready; I ended up breaking up with him, and then started dating someone else, hurting him badly; Then, after I broke up with my relation-shit, we still remained close friends; we continued to date off and on until I moved to Bend; then he began dating a nice teacher, whom I've never met; and since then, the times we've talked and met up since then, he seemed to show unresolved feelings for me. I dunno, I could be wrong. But it's best that our meetings and emails are now limited to a couple of times a year now. Out of respect for both our lives and his emotional confusion that could be rustled up.

So when I saw his email, albeit short and sweet, it shocked me. I couldn't help and reply, asking how he's been, what he's been up to, how him and Mindy are doing... He shared that, although I'm getting married in less than two months, he's probably not ready for that commitment with his girlfriend quite yet. But he's doing great. And I love hearing that. I'm so glad he wrote. He deserves the best.

And! my best friend will be visiting me this weekend. She hasn't visited central Oregon in five years. And she is bringing her boyfriend with her, whom I just love. (And that is why Scott is absent for my birthday, I wanted him to be here this coming up weekend to have fun with us all.)

And! I just got word that my sister and her longtime boyfriend are officially engaged! I'm so happy for them, they have been working hard on their relationship. This is a big milestone.

So, today is just another day. Another day where I will never be 28 years old again. The beginning of a new season: a season filled with with my exciting things. I mean, heck! We have a wedding to celebrate at very soon!!