What a girl wants

I have a birthday coming up. A numerologically significant one at that. So DH asked me this evening what I'd like for my birthday, since it seems that well-meaning relatives want to know.

And I couldn't think of anything.

I mean, I've got a great husband, two terrific children, a nice house, a Prius, a PhD, a job I really enjoy with promising career prospects -- not a bad place to be at not-quite thirty.

So I got to thinking, if I could have anything I want for my birthday, what would I want? Well, in no particular order, here's a list:

• Time to just sit and read.
  
• Time to just sit and knit.
  
• The opportunity to go see Revenge of the Sith and Hitchhiker's Guide while they are still in theatres.
  
• A tenure-track job. Or even better -- tenure!
  
• Or at least a few more refereed publications.
  
• A baby girl... ?
  
• The chance to sing something other than lullabies to an audience more appreciative than cranky children.
  
• A trip to Boston to visit all the friends I miss so dearly.
  
• Playing a game intended for double-digit ages without worrying about choking hazards.
  
• A good long family vacation that doesn't involve a visit to well-meaning relatives.
  
• To lose a good 30-40 lbs or so.
  

Don't get me wrong, I feel pretty content with my lot in life -- and really, even if I get nothing for my birthday other than dinner out and a little cake and ice cream, I'll be happy enough.