Month-Long Birthday Fun!!

My birthday month is finally coming to an end, and it was quite eventful! Trying to plan something for every day was a big challenge and I learned that it is not easy having fun. You have to work at it. And, boy, did I!

As of Wednesday, I became “in my 60’s.” Yikes! That sounds so much older than “in my 50’s.” Considering that I never thought I would live past 30, I’m pretty impressed with myself that I actually doubled down on that prediction. Unlike other milestone birthdays, this one has me feeling excited and terrified at once. I am excited about the possibilities in front of me like retiring, possibly moving somewhere warmer, early-bird specials (just kidding) and what that would all mean. I am also terrified because sixty seems so old; I don’t know how much time I might have left – but it will certainly be less than what I have already lived.

I was speaking with a doctor yesterday about the experience cancer patients’ go through and the ways it changes them. He said, “There are two types of patients. The one that wakes up every day fearful of a recurrence and an untimely death. And, the one that wakes up and says, I have another day in front of me and I am going to make sure that I live it and enjoy it because it is a gift.”

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I really did live each day in February. As I am sure you saw from my social media posts, I ate out frequently for lunch and dinner with friends. I also had a field day with all of the birthday coupons and specials I received from brands to celebrate my big day. I loved having free pancakes on my birthday at IHOP! I spent my birthday money at DSW and bought some cheetah sneakers! I picked up my free necklace from Helzberg diamonds (no other purchase necessary). It’s very pretty! I got a free drink from Starbucks and I used my $10 Macy’s birthday cash towards a pair of jeans. I strongly encourage you to download the aps for your favorite eateries and shops and see if they have a birthday freebie. Most companies ask that you register 30+ days prior to your birthday in order to get the free coupon. I felt like a queen with all the attention and free “stuff” I received!

Speaking of attention…since my birthday fell on a Wednesday, we made plans to go out to dinner with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, plus our son to a local pub (my daughter was away at college). We were going to schedule a weekend dinner out later in March with my usual group of friends. I was looking forward to going to this pub and had intentions of ordering their French Onion Soup (since it was Ash Wednesday). Imagine my shock when we arrived to pick up Barb and Don and there was a house full of people yelling, “Surprise!” Totally got me. Never in a million years did I think we’d get a group together on a Wednesday night during a typical work week. I definitely have the most amazing friends.

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It was a fabulous birthday/birth-month for many reasons, but most of all because I made the decision that I was going to embrace and celebrate turning 60. I am so glad I did! Yes, it still gives me the willies when I think that I am this old but, I do not feel old. I feel like waking up every day and making positive choices to enjoy what’s ahead of me for as long as I can.

I am also looking forward to reading the AARP Magazine to see where I now qualify for Senior Discounts. Well, not really, but it might be fun if they “proof” me because they don’t think I look sixty. Do you have a milestone birthday approaching? How will you be celebrating?