Birthday
Last year I had a rough day. I was at home and dad was here. We went out for lunch at an all-you-can-eat sushi place and my cell phone was stolen.
My job was at a particular low point. K was 7 months old and was quite demanding all day. I remember feeling totally worn out doing endless laundry. When V called I cried about it being a rough day, but was relieved that I felt no pressure for it to have been any better of a day just because it was my birthday. R&C called and chatted with me for an unusually long time, making me feel much better.
This year, I woke early to a call from J. And then spoke to my aunt N. K sang "Appy Bavamadavai" to me. She knew that the second word had a few unpronounceable syllables in it, and attempted it anyway. Very lovely.
Colleagues dropped out of previously accepted lunch invitations excusing themselves as too busy, but it evidenced their lack of interest and care. Two of them were spotted sheepishly having lunch with others. I was observant and grateful that this did not bother me in the least. I enjoyed my cafeteria meal with the two colleagues who did carve out time to care.
My productivity at work was affected by increasing pain (it's getting pretty old), and then countered by my painkillers, making me dizzy and intoxicated. When the pain started to wear off it was good, except I still wasn't working very effectively. Other colleagues who cared stopped by to wish me. Good people whom I am glad to have the respect of.
At home I hadn't bargained for the number of people calling me to tell me that I was useful to the world and meaningful to them. It was really nice. Both sets of grandparents got to Skype with K. I managed to have a productive Asha phone meeting, and talk to some more people who matter to me. I emailed one person and asked for his time, requesting that he call me on his return commute.
"What's up ?"
"Nothing. It is my birthday and I wanted to talk to you".
Facebook was awash with birthday greetings. One message made me feel special and smile: "Hope u always shine and shower love and happiness on all around u as u always do"
One more call is pending. A few people called and left messages. I look forward to the excuse to talk to them all soon.
DH surprised me with something I had expressed interest inwhile at the Strand - an 83 year old NYC phenomenon. Don't know when I'm going to have the leisure time for it, but I'm glad to have it on my shelf. Although it was while I was on calls, we still managed to enjoy a lovely simple candle-lit dinner of salad, soup and bread.
There's more work to be done yet. Sleep is yet elusive. Can I have an extra few hours for a birthday gift please ?
This year I want to write my exams. I want to be a licensed architect by next year. I want to keep up my fitness level and improve my discipline all around.
My job was at a particular low point. K was 7 months old and was quite demanding all day. I remember feeling totally worn out doing endless laundry. When V called I cried about it being a rough day, but was relieved that I felt no pressure for it to have been any better of a day just because it was my birthday. R&C called and chatted with me for an unusually long time, making me feel much better.
This year, I woke early to a call from J. And then spoke to my aunt N. K sang "Appy Bavamadavai" to me. She knew that the second word had a few unpronounceable syllables in it, and attempted it anyway. Very lovely.
Colleagues dropped out of previously accepted lunch invitations excusing themselves as too busy, but it evidenced their lack of interest and care. Two of them were spotted sheepishly having lunch with others. I was observant and grateful that this did not bother me in the least. I enjoyed my cafeteria meal with the two colleagues who did carve out time to care.
My productivity at work was affected by increasing pain (it's getting pretty old), and then countered by my painkillers, making me dizzy and intoxicated. When the pain started to wear off it was good, except I still wasn't working very effectively. Other colleagues who cared stopped by to wish me. Good people whom I am glad to have the respect of.
At home I hadn't bargained for the number of people calling me to tell me that I was useful to the world and meaningful to them. It was really nice. Both sets of grandparents got to Skype with K. I managed to have a productive Asha phone meeting, and talk to some more people who matter to me. I emailed one person and asked for his time, requesting that he call me on his return commute.
"What's up ?"
"Nothing. It is my birthday and I wanted to talk to you".
Facebook was awash with birthday greetings. One message made me feel special and smile: "Hope u always shine and shower love and happiness on all around u as u always do"
One more call is pending. A few people called and left messages. I look forward to the excuse to talk to them all soon.
DH surprised me with something I had expressed interest inwhile at the Strand - an 83 year old NYC phenomenon. Don't know when I'm going to have the leisure time for it, but I'm glad to have it on my shelf. Although it was while I was on calls, we still managed to enjoy a lovely simple candle-lit dinner of salad, soup and bread.
There's more work to be done yet. Sleep is yet elusive. Can I have an extra few hours for a birthday gift please ?
This year I want to write my exams. I want to be a licensed architect by next year. I want to keep up my fitness level and improve my discipline all around.