CZ Design

45

45

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It's my birthday.

It will be my birthday for the next 24 hours.

I am 45 years old today.

I am of the belief that sitting and suffering in silence on your birthday, hoping people will remember, maybe call, or send you a card or even an e-mail, is a complete and utter waste of time.

I believe you should tell everyone you know.

Birthdays aren't necessarily magical the older you get in terms of goodies, and prizes, and general silliness.

But being alive for one more year? I can't think of anything better. Not one single thing.

45

I've been on the planet for 45 frickin' years.

I am beyond grateful to everyone and everything that has come together to allow this to happen.

Thanks, Universe.

Love, Cathy

Seeyounextyear46

Reader Interactions

Comments

  6. judi says

    Enjoy your day, Cathy. You share your special day with my twin girls, so I’ll toast you with a slice of their cake 🙂

  8. Gina says

    Happy Birthday!! You have the best attitude about numbers before years and numbers on the scale. You share your day with my first born. It’s my son’s 10th birthday today. Bye bye to single digits!! Hope you have a wonderful day.

  10. Deborah says

    45…now there’s a number that looks great on you! Wishing you lots of birthday blessings!

  11. Julie S. says

    Happy Birthday, Cathy! I am getting ready to celebrate the big 4-0 this month and have a similar attitude… bring it on!
    Wishing you a fantastic day, an even better year and an iPad 2!

  12. Deyanira says

    Happy Birthday!! =)You…You Are awesome! (I’m sorry I looked validation again afew days back)… and look awesome too.

  15. Tracie Claiborne says

    Your pictures are adorable. Is the 2nd one, top right you waving to all the neighbors, “Hello! It’s my birthday!” I can picture it. You are too cute.

  21. ommu says

    My husband turned 58 last week and it was so hard for him, so it’s wonderful to see you celebrating your 45th! Happy birthday and enjoy it fully!

    BTW I love your block and your scrapbooking style!

  23. Tracey says

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY…YOU LOOK 35 NOT 45…..STOP STRESSING ABOUT WHAT THE SCALES SAY – AND GO WITH HOW YOU FEEL…
    HAVE A FANTASTIC BIRTHDAY.

  25. Lynda says

    Happy birthday Cathy! 45 rocks!! I know I have been here for 51 weeks!!

    Your new porch looks awesome – what a wonderful spot for your birthday pics 🙂

  31. Deb says

    Happy Birthday – hope you have a most fabulous 24 hours!!! I’m six months behind you, so I’ll be 45 in September. Love the pics.

  33. Alex says

    Happy Birthday from Luxembourg 🙂 Here`s to another year of fun and inspiring the world like you do 🙂

  34. Helen says

    Only just seeing this… HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CATHY!!!

    Hope 45 is an amazing one!! 😀

  35. Jean D says

    Happy birthday to you – have a wonderful day and I hope that you get some nice surprises.

  36. Becca says

    Happy Birthday, Cathy! I hope you enjoy your 45th. I have my big four-oh next week! What’s a number anyway, right? BTW, I love your new porch 🙂

  37. Barbara says

    Happy Birthday Cathy … Félicitations pour tout ce que tu entreprends et nous montres … ce sont de grands moments de partage. Merci

  45. Tilda says

    You are not kidding. Being alive for one more year is a blessing. There is much to celebrate about getting older and having a loving family to share that with! Here’s to a whole lot more years for you Cathy. Happy Birthday.

  46. Tanya says

    Happy Birthday!! I agree completely with you – tell the world it’s your birthday. I hope you have an awesome day.

  50. liza says

    So, Happy Frickin’ Birthday!!! I have been reading for awhile now and want to stop by and tell you that you have inspired me to get into the gym and lose a lot of unwanted weight. Although, I am terrible in journaling my weight loss. I feel great, though and have been using my inhaler a lot less because of those initial ten pounds that I have shed. Keep up the great work. You’re wearing 45 very well!

  53. Dawn F. says

    Happy Birthday! I hope I look as good as you in 2 years! Plus your porch is awesome! Have a great day!

  55. Sarah says

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Hope you have a GREAT DAY! By the way, I am LOVING your super cute 45 photoshoot…. GENIUS! 🙂

  56. Claire says

    Happy Birthday from Singapore – I will have a Singapore Sling in honour of your 45th Birthday – hope you get spoilt rotten 🙂

  58. dawn says

    Happy Birthday Cathy!! You have had an amazing year and hope this one will be even more so. I love these cute pictures of you, the outfit works for you!! Who took these by the way, must have been laughing at your funny self. Love the porch, looks great. Hope you have a wonderful day with your loved ones and celebrate in style.

  62. Mary Kay says

    Happy day! My mom always said she didn’t mind getting older, as it sure beats the alternative.

  64. Kendra B says

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Hope its an AWESOME day!!! I love reading your blog. You are truly wonderful and inspiring in so many ways . . . Here’s to you and many more years of blogging 🙂 (the porch looks beautiful!)

  68. LaurieS says

    Happy Birthday Cathy! You make a lot of people happy just by sharing your everyday earthly experiences of the past 45 years. Enjoy!

  72. Jen says

    I’ve said Happy Birthday on Fbook but I’ll say it again here 🙂 Loving all the pictures. As for the sentiment, well I second that – having had a ruptured brain aneurysm 3 days before my 50th birthday I very nearly wasn’t alive to see it…. but here I am a year later, back at my heaviest but ALIVE 🙂 Have a great day!

  75. mary says

    I knew it. I kept telling my friends.

    We’re twins separated at birth.

    Same day. Same age.

    I told my friends it didn’t matter that you were born on March 8th and I was born on April 8th.

    Oh. and a year apart.

    Like I said, we’re twins separated at birth.

    Rock the day, Cathy!

  77. Sandi D says

    Happy Birthday! I turn 45 in September. I like the chalk board idea. Those pictures are great. I will have to take some of me in September and when my hubby turns 45 in December.

    Have a wonderful day!

    Sandi

  78. Barb M. says

    Happy, happy birthday, Cathy. You look rockin’! BTW, the porch looks amazing! Beautiful craftsmanship.

  80. Holly says

    HaPpY BiRtHdAY!! I hope you have a super fantastic, wonderful day:) BTW: Love the porch!

  81. Juju says

    “…sitting and suffering in silence on your birthday, hoping people will remember, maybe call, or send you a card or even an e-mail, is a complete and utter waste of time. I believe you should tell everyone you know.”

    Roger that! Enjoy your day!!!

  83. Leora says

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!! Time to celebrate. You look FABULOUS by the way. Enjoy your day, your birthday season and the year ahead!

  85. RobynS says

    Happy Birthday. Have a beautiful day. You are loved by so many…and so many that you do not even know. Awesome new porch. Peace Out!(Because when you are in your fourties you can say cool suff like peace out and make your kids roll their eyes.)

  86. Nancy McM says

    Happy Birthday! I hope you have a wonderfuly, awesome, scrapdalicious running day 🙂

  87. Christina says

    Happy Happy Birthday to you Cathy!! Think of all you’ve done in 45 years — isn’t it amazing?! (I think I need to be a bit more grateful and appreciative of what I’ve done in my life when my birthday rolls around.. thank you for the reminder.) Have a fantastic day!

  94. amanda powell says

    Happy birthday Cathy! I always remember yours since it’s the day after mine! 🙂

  95. Sharon says

    Happy Birthday Cathy! I love to read your blog. Make it a wonderful, memory filled day! You’re just 20 years younger than me! HA!

  96. Bridget in Minnesota says

    Happy Birthday!

    I am already 46-and-a-half. If you need to know what is on the horizon, I’m your go-to girl!

    Have a great day. You look terrific!

  102. margaret in AZ says

    Happy Birthday, Cathy!! Best words of advice from my sweet, late mother-in-law: After 40, it’s all maintenance. You’re doing such an inspiring job on the maintenance bit; keep it up!!!

  105. Frederique says

    Happy birthday! Happy birthday!
    This is my first ever post and I thought I could not miss on your birthday!!!!
    I’m from the Netherlands (French actually but DH is Dutch) and have to say I love reading your blog. It just gave me te kick I needed this week to start running again (after a break of 4 months). Thanks to this, I am walking down the stairs today in terrible pain: muscle pain that is…I guess it is normal. Let hope I’ll be able soon to bend over to pick up my shoes again!
    Have a great 24hrs birthday!

  111. Amie says

    Happy Birthday! Hope you have a great day! You look great! You are a big part of my motivation for moving more and eating less!

  118. Betsey says

    Happy Birthday, Cathy. So happy to have discovered your blog a long time ago. I look forward to it every day. Now…..can you do something about this winter!! From your next door neighbor in Iowa.

  122. krys72599 says

    Already wished you a Happy Happy Day on FB, but MUST tell you how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE your front porch!!!
    Can’t wait to see more home renovation photos!!!
    Happy Birthday, Cathy!!!

  123. DawnS says

    Best wishes for a year filled with love & laughter. Happy 45th! And just in case you were wondering…life just keeps getting better & better 🙂

  127. Maureen says

    That porch kicks ass – and I will be 45 on Friday, usually I have your attitude towards it, but for some reason this year I don’t…..I’m gonna try though! Have a great great day!

  131. Jan says

    I would say you look great for 45 – but you look great period! Happy birthday, Cathy and thanks for being you.

  136. Dawn G says

    Have a super awesome birthday Cathy! You are a true inspiration! You are real and honest. Thanks for sharing your “move more, eat less” journey and the REALITIES that come along with it!! 🙂 🙂

  137. Michelle says

    Happy Birthday Cathy!!

    I love this post. It’s EXACTLY the way I feel about birthdays. People look at me like I’m crazy….but it’s only a number & it only has as much power as I give it. And heck, I’m happy to have been on this planet with the people I love for the last 43 years.

    So celebrate..it’s all about you today & make sure everyone knows it!! 🙂

  138. nicole prather says

    Happy Birthday !!

    Cathy you look so awesome !! You are such an inspiration to everyone..I ran my first half marathon in October and watching you loosing this weight gave me that “i can do it too attitude”. i hope your day is wonderful and the best ever !! age is just a number !! ~best thougths and blessings Nicole 🙂

  140. Cynthia Friese-Hassanein says

    Happy Birthday!!!!!! Oh you fabulous B_DAY GIRL!!!! and Thank you universe for Cathy Z:) and her cute little chalkboard:)

    P.S. Still no Cigs today on this front:) And lots of Sugar-free Orbit:) Thanks a million for that advice. The root beer hard candy barrels were a bit too much:)

  143. Jan B says

    Well, happy frickin’ birthday! 🙂 I trust you’ll do something especially fun and special today. Live it up! (and I’m not saying this just because I’m a wee tad older than you – but because I am I CAN say it – the best is yet to come!). 🙂

  144. heidig says

    Happy Birthday! Love the renovation, love the jeans, love the hair (wish I had gobs of hair like that!). You’re lookin’ great! Enjoy your day!

  145. Joanne says

    I join everyone else in wishing you Happy Birthday Cathy! SO, SO glad you were born 45 years ago – who knew you would have such an impact on my life!

    BTW…you look fabulous – so skinny! Congrats on keeping it off and just living a good life!

  146. KarenF says

    Happy Birthday!!!! Hope you have a wonderful day filled with everything you love. I too will be 45 this year (in December), and can’t agree more with your thoughts about birthdays. Always grateful for another year with the people I love. Celebrate and have a blast!

  152. Julie Finch says

    Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!! “this is your birthday song….it isn’t very long….HEY!”

    enjoy!

  154. Connie says

    Happy Birthday Cathy!!! I will be 49 in 49 days and could care less. Age is a state of mind – think young!!

  155. Karen Neder says

    Happy Birthday, Cathy!! I just turned 48 on Sunday and now that the snow is (almost) gone I’m back on my bike moving more and feeling like I’m…uh…45! Have a great day!!

    Karen

  156. Betheroo says

    Happy Birthday, Cathy! I agree with you about birthdays. Celebrate yourself and the gift of life!

  159. Catherine says

    Happy Birthday, Cathy! You rock! I love reading your blog – you are incredibly funny and an inspiration to me. Have a wonderful day!

  160. Juliann says

    Happy Birthday! I loved 45 – in fact, I have loved them all up to this year – 56 just sounds weird to me. I am thinking about skipping right up to 57. Guess I like odd numbers best. enJOY!

  162. Cameron says

    Happy, happy birthday, Cathy! I hope you have a wonderful day and that it’s the start of the best year yet for you! 🙂

  165. Beth says

    Happy B’day Cathy!! Fit and Fab at Forty-Five!!!!

    I’m 50 this year and really looking forward to
    my B’day celebration!!

  168. Melissa R. says

    Happy Birthday! I totally agree. I share this birthday month! My husband told me on the 1st, “hey, it’s your birthday month”. I love it! It’s a good thing I don’t get hung up on numbers because I thought all year I was 41 but I’m 42 as my mother gently reminded me one day when we were on Skype. But I proudly say I will be 43 in a few weeks! Life is good!

  171. Cynthia says

    Happy Birthday, Cathy! Hope you have a wonderful day.
    (and on a side note: wow! Your porch is awesome!)

  172. hchybinski says

    Happy Birthday girl! 45 ain’t nuthin but a number! =) At least that is what I keep I telling my 43 year old self!

    hugs –
    Hillary

  187. cathy says

    One thing to keep in mind too, the cravings pass. And Im talking about the several cravings that might come in a day. If you sit down, chew some gum, and take some deep breaths, they will pass.

    Every day just gets easier. Slowly, slowly, but surely. Also, every minute you dont smoke, your lungs get to rebuild themselves. Thats pretty cool stuff.

    You. Can. Do. It.

    xo

  189. Nicky from Canada says

    Happy Birthday – you share your special day with my hubby who is 47 today.
    Have a great day – your deserve it!!!

  190. Kropster says

    Have a great day (and year!).
    And BTW, you are looking very skinny in the “45” photos!!
    Happy Birthday … wishing you many more.

  193. Jewel says

    Happy Birthday Cathy! Way to own that birthday girl. 45 never looked better. I hope you have a wonderful day.

  195. cathy says

    Yes it is! We still have to varnish, and paint some trim. That all comes when the weather gets over 40 for good!

  196. Shari Rohde says

    Happy Birthday to a woman who has been a huge inspiration in many aspects of my life. May you enjoy a peaceful, simple, healthy and happy day.
    Shari

  197. Sue in Grapevine says

    Happy Birthday, Cathy! Thanks for writing a blog that makes me laugh out loud on a regular basis. Blessings to you in your new year.

  200. Laura says

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR CATHY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

    YOU LOOK AWESOME AT 45!

  201. Jenny says

    Happy Happy Birthday to you! Congrats on the 45 years! Us blog followers rejoice! Enjoy your day!

  207. daney says

    Cathy – I hope this is the beginning of the best year ever. and I agree – I tell everyone my birthday is here and how old I am. I think that fear of age and fear of seeming to call attention to oneself is unnecessary. Hoorah! It is a day to celebrate!

  208. Laura A. says

    Happy birthday Cathy! You are amazing, hilarious and add to my day! So, you are a real gift to all of us!

  213. beckykay says

    Happy birthday, Cathy! And, yes, I totally believe in letting EVERYONE know it’s my birthday. I usually start a couple weeks before my big day! 🙂

  215. ErikaB says

    Amen Sister (although a few small tokens of others’s affections are always welcome)! Have a very happy bday because you deserve it. You are here and you are a gift! Shout it to the mountain tops! I think CZ’s bday should be a national holiday for scrapbookers, whadda ya think?

  218. Kim says

    Happy Birthday Hot Mama! One more year on the planet, now that’s a number you can get behind.

    Have a great day.

  220. jen smith says

    i whole heartedly agree that birthdays should be celebrated!!! considering the alternative we should all be happy to have made it another year.

  222. Liz Brown says

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! shouting to you all the way from Connecticut! I hope you have a great day! 🙂

  223. Roberta says

    Happy Birthday to one of the greatest Scrapbooking Queens in the WORLD! You ROCK! Thanks for your daily inspiration! Hope your day is GRAND!

  227. Rhadonda says

    Happy Birthday! And make the celebration last longer than 24 hours. I say the whole week at least. Looking good!

  229. Lourdes Q says

    Happy birthday, Cathy! You have a place of honor since you are the only person I don’t know in person that I actually have a birthday reminder for. 🙂 You see, you ARE special!!

    I love the chalkboard and you are right, nothing is better than having lived one more year. My grandfather turned 93 in January and is a newly wed. Yup, he is! When I called to say happy birthday he answered the phone by saying “Hey, I lived another year and it was Great!!”

    Have a great day and I love those jeans!

  232. Lori P. says

    Cathy, I LOVE IT!!
    Why shouldn’t we be proud and excited of our Birthday’s and how many “frickin” years we have been on this earth.
    I love the idea and I think I am going to do that this year – which I will be “48”!
    Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

    Oh yes, “Happy Birthday”! and I would also add “have a great one” but… I know you already are! :O) ENJOY!!!

  233. AbbyS says

    Happy Birthday Cathy!! You look FABULOUS at 45!! 🙂 I COMPLETELY agree that everyone should know…I share the same belief. Seriously! I love my birthday!!! I’m turning 37 this year and on my day, if anyone calls me…be it a telemarketer or a relative, I answer the phone “Hello! …Its my birthday!…Abby speaking”. It’s hilarity, I tell ya! But I just love the sound of Happy Birthday!

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY CATHY!!!!

  234. Dawn Morgan says

    Happy Birthday sweet Cathy! I hope your 45th year is all you hope it to be. I will be celebrating my 40th birthday in ten days. I am excited! I think we just get better with age, kinda like REALLY good wine or cheese! 🙂

  235. Nancy Barnes says

    Happy birthday, Cathy! The world is definitely a more fun place with you in it. Hardly a day goes by that i read your blog and don’t get at least a little chuckle.

  237. Andrea says

    HaPpY bIrThDaY! It’s much better to have your birthday on Mardi Gras rather than Ash Wednesday!
    Enjoy your day and forget the scale. Go for a nice run – one that you can just savor!
    And will there be a photo spread showing your completed remodeling project soon?

  239. Tammy Morales says

    Happy Birthday Cathy – you share this day with my awesome son – who today is 18. I can’t believe you are 45 – you don’t look a day over 30 my dear. And I can’t believe I am a mama to an adult.

    Will wonders never cease.

    Have a fantastic day!

  245. Wendy says

    How cool to have this medium to wish you a happy birthday! Hope it’s a great day and a happy and healthy year!

  247. Maria says

    Have an AMAZING birthday CZ. I love the photos. Nothing better than having your own awesome photographer in-house!

  251. inkygoddess says

    You say it’s your birthday! dah dah dah dah dah dah. Happy Birthday to You! Love the porch, love your blog! Hope you have a great day!

  252. Sharolyn says

    Happy Birthday Cathy! Hope all your birthday wishes come true! Tomorrow is my 49th Birthday and I can’t wait!

  254. Deb says

    Happy Birthday you goddess of Moving More Eating Less Scrapbooking Perfection!! Hope you have a fabulous day, because hey, it’s YOUR birthday! All the best!

  255. Karen in Brookville says

    Happy Birthday Cathy. And by the way, you look HOT. 45 agrees with you. Keep up the good work and the attitude of I am enough.
    Best wishes

  256. Jules says

    Happy Birthday!!! Thanks for blogging. Love visiting everyday. Isn’t getting older grand? 🙂

  257. KellyB says

    Happy birthday Cathy! Love the photo of you kissing the blackboard and embracing your age. Thinkin’ I might need to take one like it. Have a super fabulous day.

  258. Sony says

    Oh, you know I had to get in on this one, having just had my 55th birthday a couple of weeks ago! Happy Birthday, Cathy! The world is a better place with you in it!
    Love,
    Sony

  259. Jenny says

    Happy Birthday! May you celebrate your birthday with the enthusiasm of a 10 year old. My birthday always seems to disappoint me each year. I need to find a way to celebrate it like my 10 year old wants to–However jumping around at some kid place just doesn’t work after having 4 kids!

    God’s blessings!

  260. Lynn M says

    Happy b-day, Cathy! Love the pics and thanks for the idea for my “big” birthday this year.

  262. Heidi says

    holy crap! Do I love that entry or what?!?!?! Looks fantastic Cathy. And to think you thought I was going to say something about your age after that…pshaw.
    Only other things I have to say:
    Love that last photo. Classic.
    Love the sign. Awesome.
    You’re looking pretty darn good for 45 if I do say so myself. I’m thinking you may say so too!!!
    Happy happy day!
    Heidi in Guelph, Ontario
    PS – by the way..are those your Lucky jeans? Love those.

  263. Cynthia Friese-Hassanein says

    Ah they do get better:) thank you. Yesterday afternoon I was flipping through the channels. I saw Archie Bunker smoking a Stogie and That started one crazy one. I hate cigars LOL! I just went into the bedroom and chilled out!

    I will so try the breathing thing:) And will visualize those lungs of mine rebuilding!

    Happy B-day again!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  269. Danette says

    Happy Birthday, Cathy! You are an inspiration in many ways! (I have lost 8.5 lbs this year so far! 4.5 on ww!) You look fantastic and I’m always grateful for your sense of humor! Have a great day filled with as many good things as you can imagine!

  272. Michelle910 says

    I love that you announce it to the world…I do the same. Enjoy your day and remember how much better you feel than you did at 44!!

  277. BarbInCA says

    Happy Birthday, Cathy! Hope there’s lots of laughter coming your way…you always bring a chuckle to me, and I hope there are many, many more for you in your 45th year! congrats!

  280. Liz says

    I love these photos. I agree with you…if I don’t get excited about my own birthday, how can I expect anyone else too? =)

  282. char says

    Happy Birthday Cathy! I LOVE your attitude, always be grateful for another birthday. Hope you are having a good one!

  283. Sarah MacKenzie says

    Happy birthday to you! I am so with you on sharing it with the world. My very special day is next Tuesday (turning 35) and I have been very sure to prep all my family and friends as to it’s impending arrival. That and I booked myself an afternoon at the spa. I have told my husband that I expect cake and balloons. I am not sure if he realizes I am serious… LOL.

  285. Julie Mitchell says

    I knew it was today, I have your birthday in my Outlook calendar!! Bonne fête! Lookin’ good!! It’s my turn to turn 45 in a couple of months.

  289. cathy says

    My birthday used to disappoint to, but a few years ago, I decided to just let it be a day of no expectations, and simply to be thankful to be alive. Its working pretty well thus far!

  290. cathy says

    Photojojo! I gave it to my daughter for Christmas. Now she wants to do a photo shoot like this when she turns 15 at the end of the month!

  295. o-girl says

    Happy Birthday Cathy Zielske! Welcome to 45! (mine was in December.) You look hot as Hades & your house re-do is looking mighty fine!

    Have The Best Day E.V.E.R.

  297. Stephanie says

    Happy Birthday to you! It is my daughter’s 9th birthday today too. I am also of the mind set that one should celebrate their birthday…especially as we get older. I had one crap birthday wallowing in self pity when I turned 35 (I was also pregnant) so since then I’ve ALWAYS organized a girls night to celebrate my birthday and now I love it!

  298. Jenny says

    Hoping this adds to your day–I’m rebuying some scrapbooking things since we had the fire and just yesterday I listed some of my scrapbooking books that had smoke damaged and wondered what I would need to do to replace them, so I clicked on your link and went to Amazon and saw them, but didn’t buy yet. Today I went to Michaels and there was your first book. I was so ecstatic! I immediately bought it! So Happy Birthday to a woman who made me extremely happy today on her birthday!

  299. Jenny says

    That is so awesome! Kudos to you! I also commented about your book below. So have an awesome day!

  301. Amy P. says

    I am in complete agreement on letting the world know it’s your birthday, and your legs look miles long in those pictures!

  303. Patsy says

    Yes! Your take on Birthdays is Great. In fact I learned to celebrate my ‘own self’, with thanksgiving, for my entire birthday month! Happy Birthday to you – Again and again!

  310. DonnaC says

    Happy Birthday to one cool mama with just the right attitude!

    p.s. love the chalkboard

  311. emily ruth says

    happy happy birthday!
    you are on the top of my blog list & have been for years…
    i appreciate your words & attitude so much. so so much <3

  314. Jana says

    Happy 45th Birthday Month Cathy! (that’s how we roll 🙂 make it last!!) Great photo shoot by your daughter – they look pro and you look so young!

  318. Louise says

    Happy Happy Birthday, Cathy.

    The world is better place because of you. Please plan on at least another 45 years 🙂

  323. Val from Down Under says

    Happy Birthday Cathy! You WILL have an awesome day! And you are perfect in God’s eyes … and THAT’s all that matters!

  324. MelissaL88 says

    Happy Birthday, Cathy! way to embrace that good number! and love that last photo! A little cheeky, eh? 🙂 I hope your day is filled with laughter and love!

  327. Tammy B says

    I hope that the first day of your next year is treating you right! Happy birthday!

  328. Angela says

    You need to do the Sally O’Malley Cheer. “I am 45 years old” Kick, stretch, kick. 🙂
    (Molly Shannon character on Saturday Night Live)

  330. Julie says

    Well I didnt forget! It’s on my calendar every year lady! You look skinny, your butt is killin’, and that new porch is fan-freakin-tastic!

  333. Noelle says

    Have a wonderful birthday! I, for one am, happy you were born! You’ve been a great scrappin’ inspiration for me for years now & I’ve beeen enjoying your b;og now as well.
    Enjoy your special day!!

  334. Penny says

    Happy Birthday, Cathy! You should be so proud of how fit you are at your age!!!! :^)

  335. Heather H. says

    Happy Birthday! Today is my nephews birthday too! He’s 15. Which is so hard to believe. Hope you have an absolutely fabulous day and the best year yet! Oh, and your new stoop looks amazing!

  336. LorraineN says

    Happy Birthday, Cathy!!! I’m grateful you’re here too – I love reading your blog! Love your sense of humor and honest/frank open-ness. Hope you’re on this earth for another 45 frickin’ years, lol!

  337. Kelly R. says

    Happy Birthday! I’m kind of in the same spot but I’ll be 48 next month, 4orty frickin 8!! I cannot believe it – my 30th HS reunion of which this is the first I will attend. That I’ve known my BFF for 36 yrs from said HS, that I’ve been married 18 years…. I could go on but it’s your day. Have a great one!

  340. Paula says

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY. WAIT TIL 50. I TOOK MY BIRTHDAY OFF FACEBOOK SO THAT ALL THE OLD GRADESCHOOL CHUMS WOULDN’T RUB IT IN AND SAY; WELCOME TO THE HALF HIMER CLUB!

  342. Brooke says

    Happy Birthday Cathy! Hope you have an awesome day.

    Is that the front of your house? Because it’s looking pretty awesome too.

  343. Mariah says

    Happy Birthday. I hope you have a wonderful 24 hrs. Today is my school Grandma’s birthday as well. She’s 83 and she still comes in everyday to help me with my 1st grade classroom.

  345. Jennifer O. says

    Happy Birthday! I’ve been 45 for 3 months now and so far its pretty great.

  348. Barb in AK says

    Love your attitude, Cathy!
    Just wait til you get to say “60 freakin’ years!” 😉

    Good luck tomorrow with the predicted snow storm! So glad it’s NOT on your birthday!! 😀

    Happy birthday to you, and many more to come!

  349. Charlene says

    Happy 45th!!!! Have an awesome birthday. Wishing you great things in the coming year.

  350. Anne T. says

    Hope your birthday is amazing and the beginning of another incredible year on the planet. All the best.

  351. Judith says

    Happy Birthday! I agree that birthday’s are a special thing and that people should use it as an opportunity to truly appreciate the individual that is you. Hurrah! Enjoy.

  355. Sharon in CA and OR says

    Spectacularly awesome. I feel the same. Never shy to mention my age – I turned 51 this year. Firmly planted in the 50’s. The 40’s were fantastic…I expect nothing less of the 50’s,… Love your chalkboard word bubble. Enjoy the entire year!! Wishing you laughter and that your sense of humor continues to improve with age!!

  356. Renee T. (italgal on BPC) says

    Wishing a very happy birthday to one of the best teachers I’ve had…

  357. Heather says

    Happy birthday! I’m assuming that’s your new porch-it looks great! I am so coveting it-ideas are forming for my own porch re-do.

  359. Denise K. says

    Happy B-Day Cathy! We’re almost one year apart (I’m older!) and you are my inspiration. Rock it, girl!

  361. Marianne says

    Happy birthday! You look “mmaarrvveelloouuss” said in my best Billy Crystal voice. I hope you’ve spent it with people you love and who love you!

  362. Angie Hall says

    I did the 45 thing five years ago, but I gotta tell you, it was my best year! Have fun, and happy birthday! We love you!

  364. Mara says

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY CATHY!!!
    …and yes, I am shouting it at you.
    Hope it was a great one!

  366. Pinksun says

    I ain’t mad at ya! I loudly proclaim my birthday every year. Happy Birthday Cathy!

  368. Terri B. says

    Happy birthday Cathy! You’re just a kid – my baby brother is the same age as you are! Hope you have wonderful day! Love your blog!

  369. Bea Medwecky says

    Happy Birthday Cathy. Forty five is a great age. Old enough to be wise. Young enough to still look hot. Enjoy.
    Bea

  370. Tamera says

    Cathy, my 5 year old son, Nathan and I are wishing you a fabulous birthday!!! Cheers to another 45 years! Enjoy!!

    Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Enjoy a piece of cake, you can always walk it off tomorrow!

    🙂

  371. Kathy says

    You go girl….. I’m currently 47 going to be 48 this year…. 45 was a breeze… you look pretty darn good for 45!! Happy Birthday and enjoy the day. A good plan to tell everyone, that way you can’t be disappointed.

  372. michele in la says

    Happy Birthday! (I’m just 2 months behind you – I will have to remember to focus on other numbers as you did :)).

    Happy Mardi Gras!!! Tomorrow my ‘move more, eat healthier’ begins. Didn’t do too bad this weekend – especially considering it was a 4-day holiday!

    Thanks for the motivation. Read your post from yesterday…good for you. A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body :). I just have to get to the healthy body now…

  373. Briel says

    Cathy–HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I totally agree with you about sharing about your special day. You are so inspiring to me, and not just on your birthday. Thank you for your generosity in sharing your life with all of us who follow your blog.Here is to a GREAT year ahead. Happy day Cathy.

  377. scrapper al says

    Happiest of birthday to you! Thanks for sharing your life and creative inspiration with us.

  379. Margot/NZ says

    You probably know this one, it’s an oldie but a goodie:

    Yesterday is history
    Tomorrow is a mystery
    Today is a gift – that is why it is called the Present.

    Lots of people go through their lives not realising what a gift they’ve been given – so special congratulations on being only 45 and knowing that you’re lucky to be alive each and every day.

  381. Karen H says

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY! And taking my cue from you, today is my 46th Birthday!! I agree with you. I don’t let my birthdays get me down. I am happy to be alive and healthy and have all my family and friends in my life. By the way, you look great!

  384. Samantha says

    I feel the same way about birthdays. Aside from thinking that my birthday should be a holiday, I would take up skywriting if I could to let everyone know. This feeling has admittedly waned a bit as I get older (I turned 43 in December and my reaction was more of a “huh, 43” than “WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT, it’s my birthday!”)

    But dammit, birthdays are for fun and cake and all things good, no matter what the number

    Enjoy and HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

  386. amyellen says

    Happy Birthday a day late! Though technically it is your birthday week, according to my 15 yr. old daughter, so Happy Birthday Week!

  391. Tinka says

    Love your attitude about birthdays, Cathy! That is exactly how I feel…each and every one should be acknowledged and celebrated, even if the only celebrating is just being grateful for another year of life! My siblings (ALL younger) think I am crazy because I am excited about turning 55 this year…in fact, 2 weeks from today!! Why not be excited about it? Aside from being supremely thankful to be alive, now I can take advantage of the senior discounts at certain restaurants!

  392. Clare says

    Rock on Cathy! Happy Birthday! You are such an inspiration to me and a whole lot of women out there. You go girl!

  395. Dee Cummins says

    Happy Birthday, Cathy! You are soooo young; I was 64 on March 2nd. Use it while you got it, girl!!!

  396. Pam says

    Sorry I missed your birthday (well our birthday) I too turned 45 but I wasn’t as happy to admit it as you so I didn’t post it on my blog at all like you did! 😉 I hope you enjoyed your day!

  397. Susie says

    Happy belated birthday to you –you’re a hoot and a half and I absolutely love reading your journey of Moving more and eating less (junk). Thanks for the laughs 🙂