Happy Happy Birthday Noelle Dear ...

Last night I went to Stanton Social, surrounded by supportive coworkers who braved ice and snow, and a TERRIBLE cab driver with bald tires, all to help me ring in 25 years of life a little early. I came home to find two packages on the doorstep from a thoughtful brother in London who made sure something arrived on time, even though he's swamped with real life things like getting a PhD. (Matt had to wrestle them away from me, quite literally, so that i wouldn't open them until my birthday.... what can i say. i like presents like i love french fries)
This morning i woke up to a lengthy email from Valerie T Leach, listing 25 reasons she just loves me, like I just love lettuce - a heart warming and wonderful morning.

Here are a few reasons why I'm celebrating today ...

• I've been married for 6 unfairly happy months.

• Bernard Madoff didn't make off with my money.

• Despite this economic turmoil, I've got a great job with a profitable company (that throws OFF THE HOOK Christmas parties for me and all my fun coworkers.) And I get the satisfaction and fulfillment of knowing that I add value.

• I'm alive. Allene thought for sure my "loose cannon" tendencies would get me killed in a transcontinental flight, a risky rock climbing trip or just "utter lack of better judgment."

• I have a wonderful family. most of which is 10-37 minutes away. The rest of which is STELLAR about video chatting and emailing

• I have an elliptical in the living room who asked me just the other day if she could help me with a new year's resolution. Who wouldn't be grateful for such a thoughtful elliptical?

• I couldn't really be a contestant on Biggest Loser - and as much as I want to be- deep down inside, I'm glad I don't have the prereqs for it - heart disease, diabetes, more than 41% body fat and a BMI over 30.

• My financier and benefactor- El Capitan, the "Prince of Joviality" himself, Francesantiono Angelo Domenico Nicolai- has made sure that these first 25 years were brimming with culture, eduction, arts, travel and leisure and unimaginably delicious food. Many thanks to Bank of Frank.

• The next 25 years will have exponentially less blood tests and shots than the first- meaning exponentially less tantrums and faints (at least as they relate to the medical profession)

• I'm not worried about where I'm sleeping, what I'm eating tomorrow or if my life is in danger. And according to Maslow, that's a pretty good place to be.

• I don't really NEED anything ... other than Luci cat, but technically I already HAVE her.

• I've had the Best Summer Ever ('06), Best Winter Ever ('08) and the Best Wedding Ever.

Here's hoping December 20th is as wonderful a day for you as it has been for me thus far ...

One year older and wiser too
Noelle Regina Nicolai Lybbert