Tag Archives: birthday

Teenagers. What are they good for?

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Recently, our daughter (Chalky, we’ll call her) turned 15. Some of you may remember a day not too long ago when I pulled her out of school to go to the movies (you can read about it here if you like).

Unbeknownst to us, her friend (lets call her Jeff – don’t worry, it’s an in joke) seized the opportunity while my daughter was absent to put into action a plan for her birthday present.

Chalky and I have a desire and some yet to be confirmed plans to go on a trip next year with Destiny Rescue to Thailand to spend some time helping out in orphanages etc etc.

Chalky does not have a part time job, and as we have said she needs to fund herself for the trip, she has been industriously making and selling jewellery to friends at school and youth group, in between Grade 10 exams, piano lessons and exams, dancing, and her photography hobby.

Fast forward to a Friday night just before youth group, the day before her birthday. Chalky was greeted by Jeff who handed her a box with these instructions “Open this, read the letter inside and then give the box to your Dad to take home.”

This is what the letter said:

When the time came to think about what I should get you for your birthday, I sat and thought for a long time.

But then it hit me.

Sure, jewellery, clothes and other things are nice but I wondered what you really wanted.

So, remember that day your mum took you out of school to go see The Vow? Well, that lunch, I went down to the library, used up about $1.50 of my printing money, and gave everyone in our grade a flyer.

This is what the flyer said:

Get Chalky to Thailand!

Chalky has recently been trying to raise funds in order for her to go to Thailand with her mother next year. Her birthday is coming up, so I was thinking about having a secret fundraiser.

So please, as a fifteenth birthday present, let’s help Chalky help others! If everyone could please bring any small change that they have in the coming weeks, it would be much appreciated!

Remember, Chalky must not know!

In the box, along with that letter and the flyer was $420.70, the end total from approximately fourteen of her friends.

Now. You tell me whether teenagers are good for anything?

It’s my birthday!

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So. Here it is. The big four-o.

I couldn’t be happier. I’m not bothered at all by the number. Turning forty is far better than the alternative, I say. I’m also intrigued by this next phase of life. I feel like I have learned a couple of things over the last 40 years; about myself, others and life in general. But I’m not finished yet, and I’m looking forward to what the next four or so decades will teach me.

But enough pontificating (I love that word!), and on to the fun stuff. To celebrate, I want to share with you 40 things I love, one for each year :)

In no particular order and not in any way exhaustive:

Shoes
Jackets
Handbags
Scarves
My husband
My children
My mum and dad
My sisters and brother – and their partners and children
My friends
My In-law family
My house
Good red wine
Books
Writing
Roses
Chocolate
God
An open fireplace
Laughing
Surprises
Rainy days
Sunny days
A strong, hot cup of tea
Colours
My car
Hats
My dog Vincent
Good Indian food
Sleeping in
Holidays
Walking on the beach
Walks in the bush
Music
Singing in the shower
Cheese
Good hearty discussions
Nature
Playing games
Boots
People
Antiques

So, what do you love? I would love to hear a few of yours…although, everyone also lists one for each of the years they have been around, it could be a very looooong comments section (Not that I’d mind!) :)