I've heard that some dread reaching the age of 40. For me, it is a milestone. A moment to evaluate where I have been, where I am now, and where I want to be. I haven't completed several
tasks that I have set forth to do. Some hindrances have been out of my control, but others have not. I take this moment in life to affirm my commitment to my goals and to myself and to my family. It's understandable that it won't be easy and a huge sacrifice of my already little "me" time, but the rewards of accomplishment will be worth it.
Onto softer conversation, my birthday weekend was great. Starting the day (Oct 2nd) with flowers and a balloon from Hubby when I woke. On-site co-workers from our consulting company took me to lunch. It was odd that it was the first time in the years we've worked there just the four of us had lunch together. It was Mexican.
My birthday coincided on First Friday Macon. An event where business owners in downtown Macon have several events to attract consumers to the area. Since Hubby had to work night shift, I spent the evening there with Mom, son and a girlfriend who also works with me. It was a lovely evening great for outdoor entertainment.
Saturday's plans were for us to have dinner with Mom, sis and niece at Golden Corral's. Dinner was actually a surprise party for me. I had no idea. It was a great feeling NOT being involved something. We arrived BEFORE many of the surprise guests. That was great also having to focus on a few at a time instead of everyone.
I saw first my mom sitting with a family friend which we've regularly shared family events. Once fully entering the room I saw one of the guys I had lunch with the day before sitting next to my girlfriend who hung out with me the night before. Payback will be later.
Within minutes, my brother (from metro Atlanta) and his three sons (7, 5, 1) came in. It was nice seeing my brother, but having my nephews there added a special touch.
Moments later an old friend arrived with her mother and her daughter. Their family used to live behind my mom. We both grew up together and used to be best of friends. They were definitely a surprise, she currently lives in metro Atlanta with her family. I hadn't spoken to her since New Year's and maybe a year since we've seen each other. My sister and niece arrived much later, but before some had to leave.
There were more invited but were unable to attend for prior commitments. It was fine. If all had attended, the room would have been crowded and maybe uncomfortable. The kids enjoyed the space; they had fun running around and playing around and under the tables. A tremendous joy was the cake. My mom had made and decorated it. Mmmm, pound cake birthday cake, yes!
Sunday was supposed to be dinner for just me, Hubby, and son, but I was too tired from working all week and trying to get weekend chores done early, then the Friday and Saturday events. The dinner was not cancelled, just postponed (I'm not crazy!).
Monday was back to normal. Before lunch, the same corruptible girlfriend asked if I wanted to go for Mexican for lunch. Needing to make a run to Home Depot (a long story), I told her I might not make it. Then she remembers that she needed to go also and so she tagged along with another friend of ours. Quickly finishing, we had a quick sitdown lunch at Zaxby's. Arriving back to the office, I noticed folks had been busy. There were posted fliers of me announcing my 40th birthday on two sets of the entrance glass doors, below the elevator button, (upstairs) security doors to the hallway to my office area. I began to wonder how much damage was done to my cubicle. I saw what was done to the guy who turned 40 last month, I began to cringe.
It wasn't as bad as I expected, but really funny. It's nice to be loved.
Listening to The Michael Baisden Show (10.14.2009) after work the other day, the topic was 'Dumb It Down'. It was heartbreaking to hear about kids being tormented for getting good grades. After picking up son, before letting him hear the show, I asked him if anyone bothered him about his grades. He said 'Yes'. With this kid, we had to immediately talk about it. While in preschool, he thought his name was 'Benjamin Is Smart' because he heard the phrase so many times from his teachers. In first grade, he once wore my mother's eyeglasses (with bifocals) to school because students were calling him a nerd and he thought nerds were supposed to wear glasses. I made him feel better by informing him that I, along with my friends, were considered nerds and we all NOW are doing quite well.
