Wrangler Dani

Hello, my friends. The last time I talked to you I was 25 years old. Now I am 26. Let that sink in a moment. Nearer to 30 than 20. Nearer to Adam’s grizzled age than I was before. Nearer, indeed, to galactic sovreignty:

While I would like to let you think that the numbers above us are correct, I have to be honest and tell you that they are not. Adam has learned the inner secrets of Space Ranger-dom and kicked my butt every time. Also, he has a very cool shooting pose, while I look nervous. He’s the detective, cool and collected, and I’m the skinny dope-peddling teenager in the dirty apartment – if we lived in Law and Order.

Anyhoodles, the reason we’re being Space Rangers in the first place is that (did I mention? I am now 26?) on my birthday, we got into Disneyland for free.  IT RAINED ALL DAY, but that did not deter us. We got there a little after 9am, and did not leave until after 1 the next morning. Adam even got to ride Mr Toad’s Wild Ride which was his favorite as a child and made him downright gleeful. We also rocked Star Tours, all of the Mountains (why are there so many mountains at Disneyland any way?) the Haunted Mansion (Nightmare before Christmas edition!) and almost everything else worth riding.  We were joined by Rick, Rocky and Jenn for most of the day in the park, and a celebratory dinner at Tortilla Jo’s with more friends. (Tip: If you wish to go to a Mexican restaurant on your birthday, make sure it’s not one in which the Mariachi band makes you shake yo’ booty to the birthday song.  Just a friendly reminder, in case you get a heads’ up on the band’s practices beforehand, since your friends of course will call them over despite your red face.) Then we made Rick ride Splash Mountain as a fitting end to a very wet Disney day.

You probably quit reading after you saw the boring picture and realized you were about to get a boring recap. Sorry! If you’re still here, congratulations, your boring meter is set very high, and you must not mind watching CSPAN or Wheel of Fortune, which actually makes me kindof jealous.

Clearly I’m only talking to myself by now, but I’m determined to stick to tradition. Every birthday I’ve written a list of things I’ve learned in the last year, so without further ado:

1. Being married is the most fantastic adventure of my life.
2. It’s also one of the hardest things to do, but so incredibly and unbelievably worth it.
3. Baking muffins is therapeutic and also helps in the “friend-making” department.
4. Don’t be afraid to experiment with ingredients. Eggnog and Banana muffins were an instant success.
5. Let your husband help with errands. He’d really rather run to Ralphs than have a grumpy wife. Really.
6. Disneyland in the rain is the best idea ever. No lines and plenty of excuses to buy lattes.
7. Attitude is everything.
8. Sing in church.
9. Don’t think about bank accounts and the lack of funds therein right before bed. It’s not a winning combo.
10. Enthusiasm is contagious.
11. Tell the truth with a smile. Kindness can make the most blunt statement better.
12. Early-morning kayak trips on weekdays are awesome and beautiful. It feels like playing hooky, but it’s really just fun before work. How ’bout that.
13. Be informed, but don’t be afraid to admit when you’re not.
14. Be ready to give an answer, and don’t back down from healthy debate.
15. “Bridesmaid” has the word “maid” in it for a reason. 🙂
16. Sincere friendship is one of the greatest things in life. I love that we have the kind of friends, scattered all over the country, with whom we can be completely ourselves.
17. Winter Dream Tea Lattes at Coffee Bean. Holy Shmoly they are magical.
18. Never be too tired to give out hugs to horsey helpers and students. Everybody needs hugs.
19. Don’t allow yourself to get so nervous that you lose the moment.
20. Ride horses.
21. Practice makes perfect.
22. Play Fantasy Football. You never know, you could end up layin’ the smackdown.
23. Be hospitable. We have an open-door policy (like House 9 porchlight rule!) and it’s wonderful.
24. Kiss your husband often.
25. “Touch base” with your family (Zakarayan shout-out!) and love them.
26. Embrace the good, kick away the bad, love with all your heart.