Have you ever been excited over something - a trip, party or someone's visit - that you count the days, the hours, even the minutes before its/their arrival?

You mark the days off with a Sharpie - half an X at lunchtime, the rest of the X at the end of the day. It can be agonizing.

The build up, the anticipation, the flutter of your insides as you wonder about the fun that's to come. Your stomach literally does flip-flops when you think about your big event.

The day before your adventure, you can't focus, and the day flies by.

You're unproductive because you're mind is visualizing scenarios of what may unfold. Will this happen? I wonder if we'll do that? Or what does he/she/they think about this or that?

Last minute preparations must be made - there are errands to run, items to purchase, responsibilities to fulfill.

On the day of your party, trip or event, you're up early, you can't sleep and begin performing the last minute duties necessary to make your party, trip or adventure a huge success.

The excitement that is sure to await you is almost more than you can bare, but the time is at hand, and you prepare yourself for the big day, big night, big event.

And then it's finally here, but it flies by...fast! A whizzing blur of anticipation and expectation is over, now just a memory. And photos on your cell phone.

Now what?

To my niece, whose Sweet 16 birthday weekend is now a thing of the past - we have next year to look forward to!

Or at least next weekend when I take you and your pals to the movies!

Happy Birthday, Riley!