Monday is sort of a lousy day for a birthday because, well…. its Monday. That’s why we celebrated my big day a bit early by going out to an amazing Italian restaurant for lunch yesterday, and spent the rest of the (hot) afternoon in a food coma, napping and lazing around the house.
I spent this evening doing one of my favorite things–playing tennis. Unfortunately, our opponents were not feeling very generous (even though I TOLD them it was my birthday). It was a close match; my partner and I had several opportunities to close it out after eking out the first set; but unfortunately, we lost a nail-biter. Playing indoors due to the threat of rain, it was incredibly hot with no air movement. We had many long rallies, points and games, and towards the end of the match I was struggling– although the three other players (all twenty-something singles player) on the court seemed to all be fresh as daisies. Hey – I bet I could beat their mothers!
By this time, my kids have all checked in,and I have a ton of bday greetings FB. I took the obligatory bagels to work and my loving hubby presented me with a certificate for a hot air balloon ride; however, I am a bit concerned whether I will meet the stated ‘agility’ requirement for getting in and out of the balloon basket. In addition to being very short, I have the approximate flexibility of a telephone pole. I may need a boost.
All in all– a very satisfactory birthday. Something not to be taken for granted. I share a birthday with the husband of a friend of mine, who is spending this birthday in the hospital after a horrific head-on auto accident a couple weeks ago. His body was essentially shattered, and he continues to be in critical condition. His wife keeps us posted with the ups and downs of his condition. He faces a long and painful recovery.
This puts the loss of a mere tennis match (and my diminished aerobic capabilities) into needed perspective. It is cliche, but still true, that we need to seize the day because we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Today, I celebrate one more successful trip around the sun.