I will admit that I was a little concerned about my 36th birthday due to the fact that P just had back surgery and I knew there would be no dancing involved in my birthday celebration. Not that we’ve ever gone dancing to celebrate my birthday, or really any other occasion, but at least it’s always been an option. (Well, except for 4 years ago when Caroline was only 2 weeks old and I was on the verge of a sleep deprivation breakdown. Not even dancing could have helped me back then.)
But thanks to all your comments and well wishes and e-cards, it was a wonderful birthday indeed. Yes ma’am. Y’all made it special. Thank you.
So, here’s what the big day involved. And seriously, keep drinking some kind of caffeinated beverage, you’ll need it just to stay awake.
I woke up this morning to the sound of little feet pitter-pattering across the bedroom floor and opened my eyes to a little urchin in a Disney princess nightgown staring at me and then ordering me to get up and make her some breakfast. P convinced her that maybe they ought to sing me Happy Birthday first, and so they did. However, no sooner had the last notes been sung before I was being dragged out of bed. This was our conversation all day:
“How old are you, Mama?”
“I’m 36”
“OHHHH, 46!”
“NO! 36. THIRTY-SIX.? THIRTY! SIX!”
The phone began to ring about an hour later, which is when most decent people get out of bed. It’s funny how some households wait for the sun to come up before beginning their day.? What a novel concept.
Friends and family called to wish me a happy birthday and it made my day to hear all the different ways Happy Birthday can be sung over the phone. I have some seriously talented friends.
Then, Gulley called with an offer for a birthday lunch with the kids, after which she would take Caroline for the afternoon while I went and got a pedicure or shopped or sat and stared off into space. That is why she is the best friend a girl can have. I didn’t even play the “are you sure?” game, I just said, “GREAT! Is it too early for lunch RIGHT NOW?”
So, my toes are now a lovely shade of Essie South Hampton pale pink, and the color really sets off the black and blue tone of my baby toe. There is nothing quite as entertaining as trying to explain a broken baby toe to a pedicure technician who doesn’t really speak English. “THIS TOE? DO NOT TOUCH THIS TOE. HURT. BAD. NO TOUCH.” And yes, I spoke louder, because that totally bridges the language barrier.
I came home and spent the rest of my free time taking a nap because I live on the edge. Especially considering the reason I took a nap was so I wouldn’t be too tired for Bible Study later that evening.
Washing towels, taking out the trash, heating up chicken nuggets, napping, and Bible Study. It’s really just a matter of time before I have my own MTV reality show.
As for birthday presents, I got some cash money, which is always a safe bet. Well, except for the fact that I will need to hide it from myself to keep from spending it prematurely on something important like a burrito from Chipotle. I’ve had my eye on a sweater coat from Anthropologie, so the birthday money may go towards the sweater coat fund.? Of course, I’ll also have to quit buying things like food for my family, but sometimes you can’t put a price on fashion.? ? Plus, nothing says I’d sure like a sweater coat like? shopping in 108 degree temperatures.
I also got a gift certificate to Banana Republic and another one for a local spa. Don’t think I won’t spend a day tirelessly shopping for just the right shirt at Banana and then getting a massage to help me work through the exhaustion of the decision making process. It will be a? day of everything I love.
Also, when I arrived at Bible Study last night, the lovely and talented AG had made some delicious chocolate cupcakes that were artfully arranged on a platter with a candle stuck in the one in the middle. Everyone sang Happy Birthday and it was just so sweet. It made me so glad that I had taken that nap because I was well rested and able to enjoy the celebration.
And best of all, I mentioned to P weeks ago that I would love a pair of really cute cowboy boots, because cowboy boots are the gift that keeps giving to a girl that lives in South Texas. It doesn’t matter what InStyle says, boots are always in style here and thus, I wanted a really cute pair to replace my old ones. So,? yesterday morning,? P and Caroline ordered these for me.
They’ll be here in 5-7 working days. It will be like my birthday all over again.
? So far, 36 totally rocks.