It’s my birthday today! 55 AND STILL ALIVE! I’ve had Sondheim’s I’m Still Here on a loop in my brain all week. 
“Good times and bum times, I’ve seen them all and, my dear, I’m still here.” 
No one will ever be able to make me feel bad about aging because the amount of effort, energy, and chutzpah it has taken for me to get here and still have a smile on my face and optimism in my heart is impressive.
We’ve all experienced our fair share of bumps and bruises but by the time you reach my age, you have collected a big bag of rocks. 
When I was ten, my mother passed away unexpectedly, and for a very long time, I felt detached from life and lost in my grief. Along the way, I have survived being robbed at gunpoint, automobile accidents, breast cancer, eating disorders, depression, abusive boyfriends, and toxic friendships.
Hell… I fell UP the stairs the other day but I’m here!
On the flip side, my beautiful Geri has been by my side for 29 of my birthdays!! I can’t imagine how I would have survived this life without her by my side. 
There are also my friends and family (and internet friends like you) that simply accept the numerous changes and shifts in my life, rather than attempting to cage me in. You all love and accept me for the neurodivergent weirdo that I am, which provides me with a safe place to be my authentic self.
Long story short – I want you to know that on the other side of this hill, everything feels good. I’m still here!
So every once in awhile I check in on randomhag… and there was a link leading me to you. I still have your books, smudged with various ingredients, dog eared, and notated.
I’m so happy you are still here!
Happy belated birthday!!!
I just read your blog posts about starting straterra …. I’m struggling very much after going off stimulant meds due to debilitating side effects. Are you still benefiting from straterra? I’m curious.,….