Merry Birthday to me.

When I was little, I hated that my birthday was three days before Christmas.

My aunt loves to tell the story of when I was little and she gave me a birthday present wrapped in Christmas paper and I told her EXACTLY how much that bothered me.

I got a lot of "This is for your birthday and Christmas" gifts that I learned to accept graciously, but I grumbled on the inside every time.

But now? Now I love that my birthday is three days before Christmas. It's almost always the last day of the school year before Christmas break. Everyone is in a fabulous mood, it's a very fun day at work, and sometimes I like to pretend like all the celebrating is for my birthday. (What? At least I can admit it!)

Today, my sweet B took the day off work so that I could go into and home from work without rushing to drop off/pick up the boys. My wonderful coworker made me gluten-free, casein-free brownies. I've already had several heartwarming renditions of "Happy Birthday" by my sweet students. And only a few people have told me "Happy Birthday AND Merry Christmas." (You can't blame a girl for still not liking the combined greetings thing.)

But there's one more thing that hasn't happened. I haven't met my fundraising goal. I'm ELEVEN measly dollars away from my goal. I'm at 97% of the $340. If eleven of you will give the one dollar to help people get clean water, you'll make my birthday wish come true. It's a safe site and you'll even be emailed a receipt.

***Edited to add: I made my goal!! But don't let that stop you from giving. We watched a video at church last week of our pastor interacting with gorgeous kids in a developing country. The children were absolutely giddy over their new clean water. It's a fantastic cause. And THANK YOU again to those of you who donated! You made my birthday wish come true!!

(And if you have already donated, thank you...I'm waiting to get the thank-you e-mails out until tomorrow when I can sit down and do them all at once. But I am very grateful.)

Want to give a dollar? Go here: FirstGiving - Your fundraising

Namaste.