Tomorrow will be my 60th birthday and celebrating began today. I’m not the first to turn 60 among my friends, but compared to past birthdays, it feels like an enormous number. BUT it is JUST a number. I promise to make the most of this new decade.
I treasure that today I was treated to lunch by my father at Pomeroy Pub. I love talking with him about life, good books, medical breakthroughs and investing. He is one amazing and smart Dad and a great role model of health at 88 years. I like to think I inherited those healthy genes. He gave me the fun card with instructions to party like two 30-year olds.
My passion for long days, sunshine and heat probably results from my aversion to the season of my birth. Yet this year, I’m finding that being outdoors in winter isn’t so bad, mostly because I have my spunky little border collie, Serena, prancing at my side. Just watching her makes me grin with appreciation for her contagious love of life. She’s making 10K steps a day easier than ever. Serena is a gift who will help keep me young.
My body is strong and that is a true blessing. It’s been 2 full years since my foot & ankle reconstruction surgery. Finally, I am working out at full tilt once again. Tomorrow, I will complete my 25th Jazzercise class in 27 days in spite of taking a 5 day vacation this month. I consider this a wonderful breakthrough for my fitness.
Following lunch with dad, my next stop was Massage Envy at the Strongsville Mall to use gift certificates from the basket I won last summer at a charity auction. I rarely choose to have a massage, mostly because I don’t suffer from any pain. Having the certificates provided a good excuse to do it anyway. I melted into the experience and relaxed deeply. Ask for Talon the massage therapist and esthetician Brandy if you book services at this location.
The day just kept getting better. When I returned home, my beloved George was there with a big hug, had already taken Serena for a good walk and was ready to do something fun. Since we both had 7PM commitments, we decided to head to Triv’s for the early bird dinner. Our timing was perfect for a quiet table in the bar area. You can’t beat the $6 appetizers, especially the olive hummus with veggies and the signature “bocce ball” meatball. As a true senior citizen, my early bird dining skills will surely continue to improve.
Back home again by 6:15, we had plenty of time to practice obedience skills with Serena before heading out for her AKC Canine Good Citizen class. Tonight was to be the final exam and I was anticipating her success would be splendid birthday gift. Unfortunately, our instructor Denise called at 6:40 PM to cancel class because she has the flu. We will get a chance to pass that test next week. I’m actually glad to snuggle up at home and relax instead.
Tomorrow, my real birthday, promises to be lots of fun. I’ve invited a few special friends to meet me for lunch at the Macaroon Tea Room. I can always count on George to make me feel like a princess too.
How blessed it is to have work I love, supportive relationships, excellent health and a comfortable home. There’s no better time than the beginning of a new decade to pause to celebrate the beauty of today.
