I’m not even a week into my latest decade and I feel really good about it- and it’s no wonder why.
My birthday has reminded me of the love that surrounds me- both my friends and my family, and some of those people overlap because they are so close that they really are my chosen family. I know it sounds silly, but getting over a hundred Facebook birthday wishes makes a girl feel good. I know it doesn’t take much effort to write two words on someone’s wall, but still, the simple thought that was given by each of my FB friends was so lovely. And the text messages too. My phone never stopped chiming all day. I think my coworkers were annoyed, but they got over it.
My dear friend, Missy had a baby 3 weeks before my birthday. She is a new mom- at home all day with her baby boy. She admitted to me a week or so ago that her 4th of July plans consisted of going to Walmart for diapers. She and her husband Tim have been totally enthralled in new parenthood- all the while entertaining guests that show up to visit baby Corey. It’s been busy and quite sleepless at their house. Nonetheless, Missy proved herself to be among the most thoughtful people I know. Not only did she send me a gift and card, but it was a few days early. I did not in any way expect a gift- I assumed her shopping time and ability was pretty limited, but her heart of gold proved itself again, and I found myself overwhelmed by her kindness.
My friends spent this weekend celebrating with me. Friday night Steve reserved space on the patio of Selwyn Pub and even despite inclement weather, my friends were all there- huddled under their umbrellas and toasting to the big 3-0 and eating my purple polka-dot cake with yellow candles. Saturday was spent aboard a pontoon boat with 10 fabulous people- honoring the birthday of myself, Katie, and Allison- who all turn 30 this month. We floated and frolicked and spiked snow cones with vodka J My friends were super generous in so many ways- with gifts and the most kind expressions I could ask for- both in words and in their presence.
And last not but certainly not least, Steve was on his game. And I say that with a lot of pride. For all of his strengths and talents, he can sometimes be a little lackadaisical on the planning front, which can sometimes frustrate me as I am such an over planner. But he didn’t disappoint. In fact, he impressed me. From surprise dinner at the McNinch House, to a gorgeous bouquet of flowers sent to my desk, to gifts that I adore, to hiring his interns to make me pineapple upside down cake, to arranging the party at Selwyn Pub and funding the entire week he was a fab planner- and the work he put into making my week special was amazing. I feel beyond blessed to have a partner who has shown me such a special birthday. I look forward to spending many more with him- I just hope the stress of planning for the planner doesn’t drive him crazy.
Normally, after my birthday I feel the same letdown that comes on December 26th. You know- the fun is over, the magic is gone and here we are, back to the mundane life- with a few more sweaters. This year I am feeling differently. Perhaps its because August is shaping up to be interesting- with vacation to Pittsburgh, Charleston, and fast approaching surgery that I am looking quite forward to. Part of me knows that these reasons have some part in my continual state of happiness, but I also think there comes a sense of contentment with where I am in life. It’s not as if this happened overnight on July 5th, but I am way more focused on what I have in front of me- and the importance of living in the moment than I have been before.
Yes, my planning side would love to fixate on the next steps in life- afterall, there are some possible milestones around the corner. But, I’m really not. I’m really enjoying today- Monday. I’m thanking God for this moment right now. I am happy thinking about eating dinner with Steve and living our pretty uneventful life together- with Mabel and Cody. I’m happy thinking about the simplicity of now and taking in each day of 30 one at a time.
It was and is a very happy birthday.
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