38 is

– one very long engagement and finally a date locked in to become Mr and Mrs

– 3 incredible (and incredibly crazy) kids who make this family complete

– Coke-free and 3 kilos lighter for it

– a new respect for my body and what it has done, what it can do and what it endured for far too long 

– a new determination to lead a healthy life

– exercise endorphins and learning to run without stopping

– trying on clothes and feeling okay about it

– trying on clothes and sometimes feeling actual HAPPINESS

– even in bathers

– sleep broken by a 2-year-old who's lucky she's cute

– friendships which both ground and buoy me at once

– laughter every day, even on the really shitty ones

– dying houseplants – WHY?? whyyyyyyy????

– general overwhelm and to-do lists for days

– mad juggling skillz and the occasional dropped ball

– so much pride in my baby daddy as he completes his engineering degree

– the feeling of standing on the precipice, on the cusp of a new phase of life for our little family

– abundance, if only I would look for it outside of my bank account

– scope for greater bank account abundance going forward

– making sure the universe hears my financial abundance affirmation

– DEAR UNIVERSE, ALL THE MONEY PLEASE, LOVE ANGIE

– low level chaos

– downsizing stuff and focusing on accumulating experiences instead

– connections, so many connections with people who read my words and make me feel like I have something worth saying 

– plans to write more words and over different formats

– two new (absolutely necessary) pairs of heels

– not enough places to wear them

– crossing fingers this beautiful breastfeeding caper will come to a peaceful close very soon

– wondering if a mortgage deposit would be better spent on a new pair of tits

– exhausted, a bit frazzled but ultimately grateful for this life