“The attitude we cultivate, whether one of love or selfishness, inferiority or superiority, WILL determine how the events of our lives affect us. The principle is so simple! If we meet life with love, with a smile, we’ll find love and something to smile about.” – someone smart

This past weekend was Ben’s 30th birthday! That’s a pretty big one and we wanted to do something fun – get out of town for the weekend.  So, we headed down to Tampa, FL, to Busch Gardens.  On the way down there, we swung by Daytona so Ben could enjoy his birthday gift from his caring, thoughtful, generous and all-around fabulous wifey…  a driving experience at the Daytona International Speedway!  Hubby’s always had a dream of being a racecar driver and I thought what better gift for his 30th birthday than to make that come true – even if it was only for eight laps. :)  So, he flew around the legendary track at 146 mph, hands on the wheel, foot on the gas…  all out racing.  And he loved every nanosecond of it!!  And he looked pretty good in that racing suit, if I do say so.  I may have to reconsider the whole “honey, can I buy a racecar?” thing!  *L* 

Oh – and yes – I got in the car, too.  But there was NO way I was going to do the driving, so I just did a ride along.  Totally let the professional take the wheel – and I was terrified, let me tell you!  Just the thought of climbing through the window into that car, and being strapped in TIGHT, TIGHT and having pretty much no way out for three laps scared the bejesus out of me.  But I did it and I was converted.  I LOVED IT!!!!!  I have a whole new appreciation for the drivers out on that track – it’s a feeling that I’ll never be able to describe – and I got to go faster than Ben did – about 170mph!  Laughing and smiling like an idiot the whole time, wearing the DORKIEST helmet I’ve ever seen – but I didn’t care because I was racing!!!  :)

So, Happy Birthday to the man I love – whatever I can do to make your dreams come true.  :)

Found this quote online here and it has become one of my new quotes to live by.  Enjoy!

“I must learn to love the fool in me – the one who feels too much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wins sometimes and loses often, lacks self control, loves and hates, hurts and gets hurt, promises and breaks promises, laughs and cries.  It alone protects me against that utterly self-controlled, masterful tyrant whom I also harbor and would rob me of human aliveness, humility and dignity, but for my fool.”

Just couldn’t help myself!  Found a couple more of Brandie that I really liked and had to share. :)