Today was Day Two of Epic Shari Week, which just also happened to be my birthday - the ol' 4-3. (I think. Let me do a quick calculation here. Yep, definitely 43 now.)
I have a tradition of trying to start my birthday with a trip to the gym. For some reason, I just feel like it starts the year off on the right foot. Especially given everything that my body has been through in the last year, it's time to treat it right and give it what it really needs - love and attention. Not too much stress. Nourishment and the occasional treat. Less worrying and self-loathing and more compassion and lessons learned. So today started off on a good note, with a good sweat!
After the gym, it was off to a pedicure appointment. Finally using the gift card that my friend Deb had given me for my birthday two years ago! (I am notorious for hoarding my gift cards. I enjoy the anticipation of using them too much to actually use them some times. I am the kind of person retailers designed gift cards for - the irredeemable folks.) I had a lovely time getting pampered and tidying up my feet, which tend to get quite calloused and - let's be honest here - disgusting from running.
After the pedicure I popped into Wal-Mart to pick up some more jars for canning. (Prepping for Day Four of Epic Shari Week, which will involve making mustard and relish.) I also picked out a watch for myself. This is a birthday tradition that I started last year - giving myself the gift of time, which is ultimately the only thing that I really truly want. It's a reminder that no matter what, I'm still here. There is still time in my hourglass.
After that it was home, where I gathered up my little boo bear for a car ride to my parents. Dad watched his little buddy while mom and I went off for a late lunch. After lunch, what else - shoe shopping! I had a coupon for 20% off as well as a gift certificate for $15 at Naturalizer, which has been my go-to spot for shoes lately. They were having a great sale. I managed to find two pairs of shoes for $50, normally retailing at $220. Happy birthday to me! Here they are:
I have a tradition of trying to start my birthday with a trip to the gym. For some reason, I just feel like it starts the year off on the right foot. Especially given everything that my body has been through in the last year, it's time to treat it right and give it what it really needs - love and attention. Not too much stress. Nourishment and the occasional treat. Less worrying and self-loathing and more compassion and lessons learned. So today started off on a good note, with a good sweat!
After the gym, it was off to a pedicure appointment. Finally using the gift card that my friend Deb had given me for my birthday two years ago! (I am notorious for hoarding my gift cards. I enjoy the anticipation of using them too much to actually use them some times. I am the kind of person retailers designed gift cards for - the irredeemable folks.) I had a lovely time getting pampered and tidying up my feet, which tend to get quite calloused and - let's be honest here - disgusting from running.
After the pedicure I popped into Wal-Mart to pick up some more jars for canning. (Prepping for Day Four of Epic Shari Week, which will involve making mustard and relish.) I also picked out a watch for myself. This is a birthday tradition that I started last year - giving myself the gift of time, which is ultimately the only thing that I really truly want. It's a reminder that no matter what, I'm still here. There is still time in my hourglass.
After that it was home, where I gathered up my little boo bear for a car ride to my parents. Dad watched his little buddy while mom and I went off for a late lunch. After lunch, what else - shoe shopping! I had a coupon for 20% off as well as a gift certificate for $15 at Naturalizer, which has been my go-to spot for shoes lately. They were having a great sale. I managed to find two pairs of shoes for $50, normally retailing at $220. Happy birthday to me! Here they are:
In the evening the festivities continued! (Because I may be old but I still like to party.) Dennis surprised me with a gift certificate to People's. I wasn't expecting anything so I was delighted and very touched that he got me a gift. We headed off to Bon Temps Café for an early dinner. (Work night for Dennis of course, which meant needing to get tucked in at a reasonable, nursing home hour.) After that, it was presents and cake at my parents. All in all - a lovely day. More than I deserve, as usual, but that didn't stop me from enjoying it all!