Wrapping Up Birthday Week

yes, I like to celebrate a lot

The world has been good to me this week. Birthday presents arrived apace, so each day I had a card or gift to open (at least it seemed that way). My friends and family have been so thoughtful in providing me with exactly what I asked for, as well as some surprises I didn’t know I wanted. And now I have so many books to read that I’ll have to eliminate all other pastimes—which I’ve pretty much done lately anyway. The pandemic provided me with the perfect excuse not to socialize, and I’ve become accustomed to taking care of just me.

Yesterday was a bit of an exception, though. I attended an absolutely heartwarming Celebration of Life for a friend who left us rather unexpectedly. Her sons provided just the event she had wanted, and we all shared memories of our different interactions with her. It was a change of pace for me to be with many people, some complete strangers, and others long known by me, but it was so good to hear more about our mutual friend. We shared a meal as well, and the whole event was very well orchestrated. Her sons did her proud.

Then because I had a bit of time to wait for my bus to take me home, I got to put my feet in the sand and water for the first time this year. Our local beach is a jewel, and yesterday’s clear blue sky accented the white sand beach and gently lapping waves. And to top things off, I found out that local City residents over the age of 62 get into the beach for free. With my reduced senior bus fare, I can have lovely days at the beach more often—and of course, swimming can be paired with reading for a real treat.

While I have never been religious, it does seem good to take Sunday as a day of rest and reflection. And besides that, the bus doesn’t run my way today. I’ll be using the bus a lot more soon, so I want to practice getting my shopping done that way among other daily requirements. The City provides other transportation options for us seniors too, but I’ve never explored them. Sometimes I want to make my life as simple as possible in an increasingly complex world. I should probably start by cutting back on the number of print subscriptions I have, but it is difficult for me to let go of things (to put it mildly). I’ve been a Ms. subscriber since its inception, so that has to stay; and The New Yorker is already paid for through at least 2025, I think. And of course, where would I be without my daily paper with its puzzle page. I do manage to toss the paper after I read it, but I keep the magazines. I’m working on my clutter a bit at a time, although friends want to come in with a dumpster which would be terrifying.

One thing I am sure of these days. I’m enjoying life one day at a time and managing to maintain the positivity with which I was born. It’s a joy to have a fellow optimist on her way to the White House!