Celebrate good times--come on!

If any of you have a birthday close to a major holiday like me (mine is 3 days after Christmas), you know how it feels to have your 'special day' usurped by people who are too busy, too tired, or too sick from being too busy and tired to celebrate your birthday with you.  Frankly, it sucks.  This year I'm turning 50 and I decided to throw a party in the middle of summertime in the hopes of catching all those folks for whom the middle of winter is a major pain in the behind for getting around.  Besides, this way I can ease into the next half of my life.  I do have longevity on both sides of my family, so I'm hoping to have 40 or 50 years still ahead of me, but you just never know.  In the last year I've lost several friends around my age, which has really taught me not to put things off, and to be aware of and celebrate the good things in life.  I hope I can be an example to others of this, too.  I was just talking to a friend yesterday about the fact that no matter what life brings you, good or bad, it's not the circumstances or events of your life but your attitude and you handle it that brings you happiness.  There are individuals in the world with more money than they can spend in their lifetime, 'people' to take care of their menial tasks and 'success' in their profession who would give anything for simple contentment and a true friend.  Conversely, I've spoken to CPA Ontario members who've endured loss, chronic pain and isolation but still see something good in every day.  These are the people I really admire and get my own strength from!  No matter where life takes you, remember--today is all we've got, so make the best of it!