I’ve been doing some looking back with my birthday tomorrow. I was thinking last night, how I always put an emphasis on the day. I used it as a deadline for things I wanted – for someone to ask me out, for a job or to hear back from the college of my choice.

None of it was very important, though I thought it was at the time. It’s not even anything I’very done in 23 years. But it has had a profound effect on my life.

It’s because of this mindset that I first dated my ex husband. I didn’t have a date on my birthday, so I called him and asked him out.

If I hadn’t I wouldn’t have my oldest and I can’t imagine my life without him. I wouldn’t change a thing now, even though I didn’t get a chance to do much when I was younger.