Let us being this post with a shout-out to my Birthday Buddies, my Scorpio Squad:

Happy birthday, Ralph Macchio — you raven-haired headbanded crane-kickin’ Teen Beat coverboy who almost certainly has done other things since the crane kick although you and I can certainly agree that the crane kick was and will remain the crowning jewel of your career.

Happy birthday, Sean Puff Daddy P-Diddy Puffy Diddy Combs — with your fancy togs and your fancy parties to which you’ve never not even once invited me.

Happy birthday, former First Lady Laura Bush — with whom I don’t think I have much in common save for a birthday and a love of books but really that’s probably enough on which to base a pretty solid friendship.

Happy birthday, St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Tony Messenger — my sweater-vested Broncos-loving friend who sheltered my family from a looming tornado and complained when my vegetarian chili won the chili cook-off and is in my prayers daily as you battle cancer.

And happy birthday also to me. Today I turn 37, which to the best of my knowledge is in no way a landmark number. But it does mean 40 is getting closer and closer, and I’m pretty excited about that. Every year is a victory.

And so to celebrate achieving Level 37, I wanted to share a hand-crafted and -curated list of 37 Things for Which I am Grateful. But the children were loud and the laundry needed to be folded and then it was time to go to tae kwon do and then the children were loud again and there was still more laundry to fold and so instead I give you, for now:

1. I have a supportive, handsome husband who is also a wonderful father and my BFF4ever.
2. I’m not so fond of the incessant political machine, but I’m glad I live in a time and a country in which I can voice my opinion by voting.
3. My funny, passionate daughter.
4. Chicken pot pie.
5. My sweet, fiery little boy.
6. Entertaining television programs.
7. My nephew, who is a little wildfire ball of giggles and crazy hug/tackles.
8. Good books.
9. The library, from which I can borrow good books without a fee.
10. My dad, who is a champion.
11. My mom, who raised my brother and I to be shining examples of grace and humility.
12. My brother, who is a shining example of grace and humility and had the good sense to provide me with a lovely sister-in-law.
13. All three of my sisters-in-law and their families.
14. My exceedingly good-hearted in-laws.
15. A kind and generous group of friends.
16. Pie.