HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Today is my 61^st birthday. It has been a day not unlike many days in my life. This one started in San Ramon where I took my father to a doctor appointment this morning then drove home to Sacramento for my birthday party with Lou’s family.

Me blowing out the candles on my Boston Creme Pie!

I have a “Life’s Little Pleasures” list and at the top of it is to take my “O” Magazine and treat myself to lunch at Taco Bell (I LOVE Taco Bell!) And since today was my birthday, I thought what better way to celebrate? I ordered my usual bean burrito with no onions and a crunchy taco, then opened my “O” to an interview by Maria Shriver of 75 year old poet, Mary Oliver.

Mary was commenting that she has really come into her own recently when Maria interjected, “We live in a society where people think they are too old at 55 or 60 to do anything else. And you’re 75! I find it fascinating that you’ve become happier, you’re braver, you’re more excited…” Maria’s observation continued but what made me stop in mid-burrito bite was the “too old at 55 or 60”. Wow!

I suddenly realized that I’m just getting started at 61 years old – how cool is that? On my drive back home, my head was spinning with thoughts of all the adventures and blessings the coming years will bring. I'm actually looking forward to next year when I can collect social security AND get my senior National Parks pass for $10 that's good forever!

I share my life with a wonderful, supportive man who will be 56 years old in a few weeks - doesn't really qualify me for cougar status but he IS a younger man. He is sweet and handsome and sexy and I still find him extremely attractive after nearly ten years together. We share a passion for travel and have no intention of slowing down anytime soon. On our Europe trip last year, we met a couple from Michigan. The man was 90 years old and still fascinated by every experience. That gives me 30 more years at least!

Both my amazing son and beautiful daughter-in-law are smart, talented and successful. I am extremely proud and adore them beyond description. If I am blessed with a grandchild that will simply be icing on the cake – just to be prepared I’m making a list (literally) of all the things I want to do with him or her.

At 82 years old after surviving a stroke, two back surgeries, MRSA infections and brain surgery to insert a shunt for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, my father is holding his own and his mind is sharp as a tack. Yes, I have to spend at least every other weekend taking care of him and his household, but that’s okay. One good thing to come out of all this trauma is that my sister and I are closer than we have EVER been in our lives! She has listened to countless hours of whining, bitching and venting – all of which has helped keep me somewhat sane.

I have "in-laws" whose company I enjoy, several good friends who I know I can count on when the chips are down and I am fortunate to have a part time travel agent job where I can basically make my own hours. I'm semi tech savvy and have Facebook and Twitter accounts - I'm finally able to pretty much work my touch screen phone, too.

All in all, being 61 ain’t half bad. I’m healthy. I feel good. Most of my mind is still in tact and functioning. Sure, when I look in the mirror I see a few more pounds than I want or wrinkles where there used to not be wrinkles – and for god’s sake don’t ever look down into a mirror if you’re over 50, you’ll see your grandmother! I’ve gotten used to the never-ending hot flashes and can always hope that someday they will disappear completely. We still hike and play tennis – some days my feet hurt or my knees ache, but not that bad. Age is just a number and I’m done worrying about it. So, Happy Birthday to me!