Cornucopia

A (Birth)Day in the Life

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It has nothing to do with Mormonism (or does it…?), but I’ve written some rambling reflections on my 35th birthday, and how I feel about what I have (and haven’t) accomplished in my 35 years, here. Enjoy (or not).

4 comments for “A (Birth)Day in the Life”

  1. Happy birthday Russell! And here’s hoping you get your birthday-candle wishes (tenure, sleep, a garden).

  2. Russell, I’m having a hard time believing that you are 35. Of course you are, but it doesn’t seem that long since you were in your mid-20s and a student in some of my classes. Congratulations, not only on turning 35, but especially on being such a level-headed and humane person. Thanks for your reflections.

  3. Happy Birthday Jim! I enjoyed the glimpse! Thanks.

    It reminded me of a quote someone shared with me at a date similarly significant to me:

    Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he’s been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, and most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old time journey…delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas, and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride. Gordon B Hinckley

    Here’s to the next 35!

  4. Russell,

    My kids are now 3, 5, and 7, and often all three of them sleep through the night. But last night was awful–somebody up once an hour, and I’m reminded again of just how skewed one’s perspective can be by a long stretch of sleeplessness. (None of my children ever slept through the night before age 15 months, so I went about 5 years never sleeping more than 3 or 4 hours at a stretch. If only someone had told me in college how much I would someday long for sleep–I’d have never pulled an all-nighter!!)

    Hope the visit with your family is great and you and Melissa get a nap or two!

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