31
Yep, it's my birthday, folks. 31 isn't so monumental, but I took the day off of work anyway. I considered going to a spa, but decided the best gift to myself is getting out of debt sooner rather than later. This kind of monolog runs through my mind these days: "Do you want to go to the bar and blow $30, or would you like to get out of debt by 35 and be able to make some hope and dream maneuvers again?" I'm not cheap, I'm motivated. And according to my calculations, by the end of next month my net worth will be a positive number. Nice!
More importantly, I set up my altar with the intention of making my spiritual practice a part of my birthday gift to myself. On Sunday I had a few special people from my Buddhist group come over and enshrine my Gohonzon (Japanese scroll with mantra, center of focus during chanting). It was touching that they came out to support me in such a way. It's funny, but once I set up the altar it struck me that it just *belongs* in my home--like it should have always been there. Chanting in front of it yesterday morning was great. I felt so calm, so right. I'm really glad I came to this practice. I had been leaning East for so long; now I guidance and direction. It's not easier than anything else, mind. Last night at study group I got a little frustrated, but my questions were helpful for more than me, and I learned.
Oy. It's a good thing I took the day off, because my monthly visitor was particularly vicious at 6 AM. I vomited a few times from the pain. Luckily, I have plenty of left over pain killers from my last surgery. Soooooo... I'm kind of loopy and slow, but at least I can walk. Morrison is keeping me well loved. It's very sweet. We're waiting for the exterminator to come between 11 and 1. Not a sexy birthday morning so far, but I'm sure rainbows will form, flying babies will sing, and magical animals will frolic about me later on today.
So far a good 14 people have wished me happy birthday on my Facebook wall. That's something. I don't know what. Baffling? It's not really complete until Celeste sings me her annual, ridiculous b-day song. Can't wait!
More importantly, I set up my altar with the intention of making my spiritual practice a part of my birthday gift to myself. On Sunday I had a few special people from my Buddhist group come over and enshrine my Gohonzon (Japanese scroll with mantra, center of focus during chanting). It was touching that they came out to support me in such a way. It's funny, but once I set up the altar it struck me that it just *belongs* in my home--like it should have always been there. Chanting in front of it yesterday morning was great. I felt so calm, so right. I'm really glad I came to this practice. I had been leaning East for so long; now I guidance and direction. It's not easier than anything else, mind. Last night at study group I got a little frustrated, but my questions were helpful for more than me, and I learned.
Oy. It's a good thing I took the day off, because my monthly visitor was particularly vicious at 6 AM. I vomited a few times from the pain. Luckily, I have plenty of left over pain killers from my last surgery. Soooooo... I'm kind of loopy and slow, but at least I can walk. Morrison is keeping me well loved. It's very sweet. We're waiting for the exterminator to come between 11 and 1. Not a sexy birthday morning so far, but I'm sure rainbows will form, flying babies will sing, and magical animals will frolic about me later on today.
So far a good 14 people have wished me happy birthday on my Facebook wall. That's something. I don't know what. Baffling? It's not really complete until Celeste sings me her annual, ridiculous b-day song. Can't wait!