Birthday

And so, it was on this day 45 years ago, that Rebecca Mary Armstrong was born in a maternity hospital in Tunbridge Wells, England.

Not much is known about Armstrong's early years. Reportedly she didn't learn to walk until she was two years old, causing her maternal grandmother, Doris, to exclaim, "There's something wrong with that child." She was, however, an early talker, able to conduct articulate and rigorous debate well before the age of two. And, anyway, why walk when you can ask people to do stuff for you.

15 years later, Mount St Helens erupted.

Random thoughts on the eve of turning 45

God, I'm tired.

Why is my husband watching a period chick flick starring Jessica Lange?

I do like Brussels sprouts.

But they're so expensive out of season.

It's annoying that my health insurance will only allow for a prescription refill every 30 days.

My dogs are funny.

How cancer saved my life.

Well, in truth, I guess its too early to say. But I haven't smoked a cigarette in two years, I've rectified my vitamin D deficiency, I'm on blood pressure medication, I make a concerted effort to eat more healthily and I pay better attention to lumps, bumps, fatigue and random pains - all as a result of a cancer diagnosis.

Maybe this will pay off in the end?