A few of my friends and relatives have called and a few others I will hear from tonight.  Some of my friends haven’t even put up their new calendars yet so they have forgotten temporarily.  I’ll hear from them later.  Others have sent me cards, as they always do.  Thank you everyone!  I love my friends!

Some people I know won’t be back to work until tomorrow so they will miss my birthday completely.  Their work email address is my only contact information.  They will then send belated greetings.  There are others whom I won’t hear from at all and I am okay with that.  I’ll remember them on their day.

Originally, I was supposed to be a New Year’s baby.  Instead, my mother decided to go to a party on the 31st so my birth was delayed until the 2nd.  At least that is what I was told.  Maybe that is why I have always enjoyed a good party.  It turned out for the best as I was the only baby in the nursery and got all the attention.  The nurses called me “Peanut” because I was only 6 lbs. 4 oz .  I was pretty cute too and bald.

My name “Janet Lynn” comes from my mother’s sister, “Jeanette”, and my mother, “Elinore”.  My Dad always called her Lynn for short. It was the 50′s, what can I say??

Through our younger years, my brother would tease me and say that our parents always held back a gift from Christmas so that I would have one to open for my birthday.  I never believed that although I now know that it was one more thing that my mother would have to take care of during the holiday season.

Anyone with a child whose birthday is during the Christmas week knows this to be true.  It’s not the best time to have a birthday.  A lot of kids feel ripped off.

As I got older and partied in the bars (yes, I used to do that), I would always say that everyone was either too sick or too broke to celebrate my birthday.  It might have been an excuse that I felt comfortable with.  I had many sad birthdays over the years.

When I got a little older still, I always made sure that I had the day off from work so that I could take myself out for some shopping, lunch and a show.  Everyone else was working so I partied alone.  Here’s a hint:  The early part of January is the very best time for bargains and I’m a great shopper!

This year is a little different but definitely not sad.  My 89-year-old mother is home for the day.  Generally, she is in a VON Day Programme that has been absolutely wonderful for us.  Today, they are closed to give the staff an extra day off.  They deserve it.

Any plans that we have made for “my day” will have to be postponed until next weekend but that’s okay.  I am just grateful that my mother is still with us and healthy, albeit forgetful.

Since I have time on my hands today to reflect on this new year and my new “number”, I want to give YOU a present. 

Everyone I know is struggling with some type of “issue”.  It might be related to their health, finances, family or work.  Although I have ideas for all of these, I can specifically help with the health aspect.

As a result, I have 2 gifts for you in honour of my birthday:

1.  For the month of January, I am offering a 2-hour session in-person for $99 (regularly $125).  This will include a comprehensive questionnaire, live and layered blood analysis, blood typing, recommendations and a detailed report emailed to you for your review. 

2.  For those of you who live outside the area, I am offering a one-hour health coaching session.  We all have the natural ability to correct our own issues.  I can help you to go within to come up with your own solutions.  Cost:  $45 for one session or $179 a month for multiple sessions by phone and email.

With my support, you can jumpstart 2011 to make it your healthiest one yet.  Just because you too are getting older doesn’t mean that you have to go downhill.  Let’s put the brakes on before we all get to the bottom.  I have the treadmill ready to go tomorrow.

If 2010 has left you plumper, a little under the weather or lacking in energy, I can help.  Call 705-743-2755 now or email info@janetwoods.ca to book and get back on track for 2011.

Happy Birthday to me and all the best to you.  Thank you!