I went to work yesterday and was greeted almost as soon as I got in to the office with a card and pressie from Miss T. I had a meeting after lunch and when I returned, I found a card on my desk with my name address written in handwriting I recognised - my Aussie Mrs! In my excitement I opened the envelope, without it clicking that it was a birthday card. I quickly realised and saved it to be looked at later. Then, near the end of the day, by boss came out of her last of back-to-back meetings all day with another gift and present. I was really pleasantly surprised that they were all so thoughtful. To be honest, the presents were almost immaterial; I was pleased enough that anyone had been thoughtful enough to get me something.
When I arrived home, I felt absolutely shattered. I chilled out at home and randomly got caught up at about midnight playing a game called 'Honeycomb Expansion' (don't ask, lol) online. Fast forward to 3am and I am goggle-eyed, starting to fall asleep and nursing the beginnings of a throbbing headache. I decide I shouldn't really see in another year of my life in this state and go to sleep, waking 6 hours later, not quite as goggle-eyed but still with the headache.
My haircut was booked for 12.30, a birthday present courtesy of Big Sis, so I spend the morning pottering. I have some breakfast, talk to Bro-in-Law who has a dentist appointment in the afternoon, listen to some music and have a nice soak in the bath. It was lovely and sunny out and despite the headache (which I took care of with a small dose of painkillers), I was actually feeling good and kind of content. I had my mini stash of birthday cards but delayed opening them until later. I checked my emails and had a lovely birthday greeting from a dear friend (hi, KM!). When I got out of the bath a little later, I had missed calls and voice mails from the Mrs, and another close friend, whom I have very little contact with despite our fondness for each other. She started her message with, "You may not remember me, but I thought I'd reintroduce myself..." I giggled at our lack of contact and the fact that despite this, we still consider each other to be a good friend and never feel hard done by that the other hasn't called. I got texts throughout the morning from other friends, sending their wishes for an enjoyable day.
I got ready, still listening to songs and singing along, put on an outfit I really liked and spent a teeny bit more time than usual on making myself look presentable. I got to the salon in good time, nearly fell asleep as the girl washed my hair and massaged my head (I would pay just for that alone, it's the most enjoyable part) and got my hair cut exactly as I like it. I left feeling much lighter and like I had stepped out of Dynasty; my hair felt unnaturally bouffant, probably because I rarely style or blowdry it. I took my coat to the drycleaners to be altered (sleeves too long), went to buy some fabric dye to make a cute cropped blazer I have just bought dark grey (instead of checked cream and grey) and almost skipped home in the sunshine.
When I got home, I noticed another call I had missed while at my hair appointment. My Mrs in Oz had called! She left a message wishing me a lovely day and telling me to send her an email when I get a chance. It was so nice to hear from her and was so sweet of her to call. I've really missed that girl, she's an utter gem and I can't wait to visit her Down Under some time soon. Bro-in-Law had gone to his appointment, so I took advantage of the empty house and recorded myself singing a couple of songs (one by request from the Mrs) and sat down to open my cards and presents (which included an extra one that arrived just after I got home). I got some yummy-sounding bath goodies from Miss T and a book of cupcake recipes from my boss (cupcake porn!), which were really lovely. My Aussie Mrs had also sent a lovely card (also with cupcakes on), wishing me lots of wonderful stuff and updating me on how things are going for her back home. Big Sis and Bro-in-Law gave me a cute little card with lovely messages from both and my Auntie Betty (my Dad's only sister) also sent one, which was the first to arrive as always (she is so good at remembering everyon'e birthdays). Bigger Sis sent the following fabulous card:
I burst out laughing. I can always count of Bigger Sis for an antidote to cheesy emotion. :o)I got my stuff ready to take to the rents' for the weekend (clothes, toiletries, laptop) and did some long-overdue washing up. By the time Bro-in-Law got home, I was almost ready to leave and still hadn't eaten lunch. Not wanting to delay any longer, I left for the rents', hoping to just avoid the rush hour masses. I arrived at the rents' feeling famished, but was revived by the cup of tea waiting for me on the table. Also on the table was a birthday card, a small present (a nice china mug for the perfect cup of tea) and a lovely iced chocolate cake decorated with a purple ribbon, complete with a single candle.
We had a quiet but filling dinner, so much so that I couldn't even manage a slice of birthday cake, but was compelled to cut it anyway by Dad, who insisted that one's birthday must be cut on one's actual birthday. Mum didn't break with her usual tradition and insisted on marking this pointless exercise (lol) with her paparazzi-like photograph-taking. We talked, laughed, chilled and then eventually went to sleep after a relaxing evening. It was one of those days where I didn't really do anything, but I felt more content that I have done for a while.
I am truly thankful to God for another year, another chance to make more progress and get things right, another year to get a little further on the path to contentment and achievement, another year to experience life and love, challenges and rewards and everything in between. I am also thankful for one day a year that reminds me exactly how many fantastic people I know and am blessed to have in my life. All I hope for next year is a little more of the same.
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