I am now a card carrying member of the Forties club.
My celebration was nothing fancy. Nothing to the current, required standards, expected by social media. It was chilled. It was fun. It was actually pretty great.
It is unfinished…
I was and am still very ill. I am also, too stubborn to quit, so on the day – we pushed through.
My husband, ended up taking his exam on my birthday. He was gone by 8am. Every spare moment, in the run up to my big day, was study time. A harsh reality but we made it work.
With one of the worst colds, I have had in years, I hit the road. Visiting my folks first. Even on my birthday, they still couldn’t bring themselves, to darken my doorstep. After tea, cakes and gifts a plenty; I am back in my car. In-laws are up next. A lovely lunch and my husband arrived, mid afternoon, with the exam success we all hoped for.
Back by 5pm, to get ready for my night out with the girls. Despite my new blonde ombre hair and an outfit that featured, an almost non existent, black leather skirt – there was no mutton here. No mid-life crisis. I looked and felt great. Mummy was going out out!
The evening started with Prosecco, tequila and some of the most beautiful gifts. My friends know me, more than I realise. More wine. More Prosecco. A lovely restaurant. Discretion was not on the menu, to mark my milestone, my helium balloons could be seen from space! I laughed. I cried. I felt loved. I was also, home by 11pm with a cup of tea! Not really sure how that happened but I was able to take stock of the day. Read all my cards. Embrace what I had been dreading. Realise the many beautiful people, I have in my life. Recognise the people, who went the extra mile, to make my day special.
The following day was part recovery; then another restaurant and an evening, in the company of one of my favourite girlfriends. My birthday weekend, was then rounded off nicely, with a little Bohemian Rhapsody.
Unfortunately the second weekend of celebrations, has been postponed as my illness took hold… that’s another story.
Despite being ill. I feel the same. Aging happens in the tiniest measurements everyday. The expectation to feel older, look older or be somehow changed forever, on the first day of my forties, never materialised.
Some of my oldest friends missed the day completely. That’s ok. Some don’t know. Some weren’t told by Facebook, as I am no longer on there. Some friendships have changed, with the passing of time and no longer see an occasion to celebrate. That’s fine too.
I am looking forward to resuming my birthday celebrations, as soon as I am well enough. I have a Spa day and High Tea, to indulge in with another favourite girlfriend.
So with a happy heart and strangely calm mind, I bid farewell to my thirties! Thirty, flirty and thriving was fun. I am now entering the Naughty Forties. I have no expectations. No idea what will happen or what I am doing. Despite that, I am totally ready for the next chapter. I worried for nothing.