Birthdays call for a time out for brief reflection, for a momentary pause to assess growth and count blessings. What a year this has been.
* I left one restaurant job, accepted an offer for another at a hotel–which led to the need to buy an actual suit at Banana Republic–only to have the economy tank and watch the offer be suspended in indefinite limbo. I have yet to wear the suit.
* I traded high-rise luxury apartment living on the Intracoastal in Fort Lauderdale for cute-house living surrounded by water in the Keys.
* I discovered I can trade event planning for slinging eggs and make a ton of money in season doing so. I just wish I had saved more of that money in order to make it easier to get through the off-season.
* I re-learned how to tend bar after many decades, although the nature of my bar demands only that I mix the most simple of drinks and pour buckets of draft beer. Hence, I don’t feel like a “real bartender” because I still feel uncertain about making crazy-named shots and fru-fru martinis beyond a cosmo.
* I have come to realize that I worked for one of the best managers in the industry in Fort Lauderdale, and I often laugh at what passes for Keys work ethic in all types of businesses.
* I have worn flip flops and nothing but flip flops since I moved to the Keys. I recently sorted through all my big-girl shoes and laughed at the image of me trying to shove my foot into the pumps and dressy sandals.
* I believed, a year ago, that the Day-At-a-Time boy was sincere and in love. He probably was–just not with me. Funny, I know if I were I to meet him today, I’d hardly notice him.
* I had several girlfriends whom I thought were supportive and kind. I have lost touch with one, which saddens me, and I subsequently learned the other two are certifiably insane, especially when they periodically drunk text high-school-esque trash to me.
* I now know I had to wallow with the players and the liars in order to recognize the very, very good people who currently are in my life.
* I celebrated milestone moments in my children’s lives. As happy as these times were, they also reminded me how little I see my “babies” in between these moments, and how much I miss them every day.
* I have settled into a relationship with a great guy who, four months ago, refused to accept my insistence that romantic love was most definitely not going to be part of my realm.
* I have been given a second chance, which I thankfully recognize.
Comments
15 responses to “Birthday Pause”
And they say Thanksgiving is in November. Congrats on another circle completed RG.
congratulations, sugar! all the best now and always! xoxo
Happy Birthday! 🙂
Good for you! It’s sounds like you’ve found your way to a good place. I’m really happy for you!
I have worn flip flops and nothing but flip flops since I moved to the Keys.
So is nothing but flipflops your birthday suit?
It still sounds pretty nice down there.
I’ve been thinking about you all day- Wishing I had it more together to send you the surprise bday wishes I had in my brain- but, such is life- still – I’m thrilled to read you recap- which proves what I’ve always known about you- you are a strong wonderful gal! :). Happy day friend!
happy birthday! it’s always such a pleasure to read you! i don’t comment often but i read every word. 🙂 congratulations!
Happy B-Day, RG! Although, some of us don’t really celebrate them so much as breathe a sigh of relief that we’ve made it through another one. 🙂
Heartfelt happy wishes to you on your special day. But then again, every day with you is special. All the best.
Thank you, thank you everyone for the birthday wishes and nice thoughts. I tried to post a longer comment responding to each person, but alas, my computer is taunting me on a daily basis as to whether or not it will limp though another 24 hours or just implode on my desk. If I win any money in Vegas, a new computer is on the list!
Happy Belated Birthday Wishes to you ! Thank you for insight and stories – they have helped inspire and brighten some really low times for me.
Happy Belated birthday wishes. Sounds like you’re having quite the journey.
Have fun in Vegas!
Came by from Kim’s blog. I think I’ll stay for awhile… if you don’t mind 😉
Happy birthday.
Happy Birthday RG! I loved the post.