Friday, October 09, 2009

Let the Birthday Extravaganza Continue a.k.a. I'm a Lucky Girl

This week was my birthday and I was not too happy about facing another year olderwhen the week began. I was reflecting on the past year on Monday and was just feeling like I hadn't done everything I had wanted to. Lunch with a friend on Monday helped change my attitude a bit, but then I went into a melancholy lull with the weather.

Tuesday flew right by (not without a lovely card and gift from my boss -- so nice)and before I knew it, it was my birthday on Wednesday. I learned that no matter what I have done over the past year, I am loved and appreciated. I have achieved a great deal in connecting with some amazing people. Wow! I am still overwhelmed by the week...the kindness, the care, the pure love that surrounded me.

I woke up in the morning with a gift and card from my sweet sweet husband, with morning rain and a rainbow outside to tell me "good morning." I then met two coworkers at a local coffee place and was treated to a delicious cappuccino. The hugs that greeted me were just so wonderful and genuine.

At work, I was welcomed by a bunch of balloons, an orchid, a gift bag and card. My staffperson, who is also a friend, had wanted to make my day special and she certainly made it so. At noon, I met a good friend for lunch and then when I came back to the office, my other staff person presented me with a blanket she had hand knitted -- she had chosen colors so the blanket would look like the ocean. So sweet!

Ry and I met my parents for dinner and we spent the evening talking and laughing -- they are the best parents. Before dinner I was elated to talk to my two sisters and my nephew.

The birthday celebration is continued with lunch today with a friend and then dinner tonight with two other friends. Tomorrow I will get to spend the day with one of my favorite people at the movies and lunch. And, then dinner tomorrow night with a whole group of friends -- many of us celebrating an October birthday.

Sunday is a relaxing day with my husband -- massages and brunch at one of the most beautiful resorts in town. I am not sure I will be able to start back to work on Monday after such a fun-filled week.

I have been very humbled by the love and affection that has been shown to me this week. I am a lucky girl with truly fantastic people in her life. I am blessed and so very grateful. The birthday extravaganza has shown me that I have achieved a great deal over the last year. I am looking forward to a new year of more friends...and wonderful people in my life.

Monday, October 05, 2009

It Must Be Autumn

It must be Autumn. I am sitting on my patio this evening with a cool breeze brushing against my cheek. There is a wonderful wrapping quiet outside with smidgens of the football game on the TV inside the house slipping out to lick at my ear.

It must be Autumn. I am having that lovely heaviness that hits me when it becomes cooler outside. I become reflective on my life at this time of the year and more apt to listen to classical and folk music (better for thinking). It is a time of renewal for me...almost like my own New Year. The time when I want to take on a new skin. It isn't just because it is my favorite season, but because it is my birthday.

It must be Autumn. I am facing my successes and failures head on and wondering what the next year will hold for me. Already, I was lamenting the confusion I am feeling about who I really am and who I want to be. Wouldn't I have this figured out at 33 (34 in only a few days)? I won't lie, there was a deliciousness to feeling the tears on my cheek become cold in the wind that blew through my car window, a tangible release.

It must be Autumn. I am beginning to smell apples and cinnamon in the air. I am longing to buy a pumpkin for carving. I want set off on a hiking trail lined with oak and ash, leaves changing into crimson, umber, and yellow. The Halloween decorations are calling my name. The orange and black, spiders and skulls, bring to me such wonderful memories from childhood. I can't help but smile while I am brilliantly torn on the inside.

It must be Autumn. I hope this season slows to a simmer for me to sip it up; savor and swirl it around among my senses. I think I'll sit out here on my patio a little longer and stare at the yellow moon that is telling me to prepare for a beautiful Fall.