goodbye, demographic box "Age 25-34"

Today was the day I said goodbye to 34, forever. Please don't think for a second that I'm sad about leaving my early thirties, because I welcome "35" with open arms.  Oddly enough, my worst birthday to date was "25" - doesn't that say everything? Good lord.  Every year of my life, I'm more grateful and rewarded with the sweetest things - love, a great family and amazing friends.

Normally, I don't like to put myself into a box, I prefer to always live outside of it.  But today, I've realized I'm just jumping from one box to the next.  From this day forward, for every race form I fill out, or every survey I participate in - I'm officially into the next box.  

So, to you "34", I feel you deserve a credible, honorable 'thank you' for one of the best years of my life- 

• A solo trip to Peru - hiking to Machu Pichhu, living with a family and working with street kids
  
• NYC in the Fall with great friends for a weekend of debauchery
  
• an xmas trip to Nova Scotia - spending quality time with mom and dad, and my many NS friends
  
• Santiago, Chile for work and incredible experience
  
• LA for my birthday and a KRAC Reunion which was 7 years in the making
  
• NYC again for 35 and a visit with Ren...2 days and counting
• the birth of Lola and getting to be there for her arrival into the world, a complete and amazing surprise 
• along with the birth of Carly and Finn  - for two of my other best guy friends that I never thought would 'grow up'
• the birth of sweet Olivia - for Kev and Ady
• Nancy announcing that Jack will get to be a big brother
• Sweet smiling Cate being born into the awesome Munroe Clan. 
• Running, after I didn't think I could (and some days still don't) - only to race in a 5 and 10km again
• Having the balls to chop all my hair off after wanting to for years!
• Developing new friendships (at an age when you think you have enough friends) 
• Opening my mind and heart to different kinds of love (every shape, size and form) 
• Having Toni come to visit me for the first time ever since I've lived in TO (and Nance here too to celebrate our friendship)
• Being asked to be the MC of Jennie and Dave's wedding in Mexico 2010.
• seeing George and Jude fight through some scary health concerns and coming out the other side smiling. yay!
• watching my best friend finally take on the career he's always dreamed of!
• and for me, taking on a new path career-wise that continues to be pleasantly surprising.
• seeing Mel, Chris and Todd turn "40" - only proving that it's something to look forward to.

ps - "35", bring. it. on.