I could wax nostalgic about reaching a quarter of a century, but you know what? 25 feels about the same as 24. I am still in this Middle Place, striving toward my Great Dreams. For years now, I have wanted to be There already, but I’m not. I’m Here. And maybe the only thing I can say about 25 so far is that I’m finally okay with Here.

Because Here has love and family and friends, and puppy kisses, and orange leaves swirling in the wind. Here has slow weekend mornings and socked feet and chocolate-covered almonds. Here has laughs that are too loud and jokes that are so, so awful. Here has more good than bad, and a whole lifetime of things to look forward to. Here may not be what I ordered when I was a kid, but I see now that it’s exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Oh darn, looks like I waxed a bit nostalgic after all.

For my birthday, Andy and I went out to a nice dinner, played with Riley, and then Andy’s dad came to visit and we all went to see the Bills take on the Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. We’re Bills fans, so the game turned out great. I like to think of it as my little Birthday Miracle.

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At the game

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Bunny dog!

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Man’s best friend

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