Turning 60 in Isolation

Today is my 60th birthday.  I’m looking forward to my 60s.  Is that weird?  I’m retired, I’m healthy, I have a ton of hobbies and interests and the time to enjoy them.  Sure, I have some aches and pains and Brett says I look pretty funny when I run (its true), but in general I’m happy and healthy.

I remember a couple things my mom said to me about getting older.  She said that she really enjoyed her life, even with its limitations, and said it was a very happy time.  At the time, I think I looked at her like she was nuts, but now I understand.  She also said that it was shock when she would pass a mirror in a store or someplace and see herself, unexpectedly.  She said she’d think, “Who is that old lady?” And then, with a shock, realize it was herself.  I’m starting to experience that now.  I get it.  I saw an ad for a swim suit the other day and thought, oh, that would look cute on me.  And then paused and added, back when I was much younger.  I forgot for a moment that I wasn’t 19 anymore and constantly on the hunt for a swim suit that would flatter my skinny, short waisted, flat-chested body.  I am no longer skinny, that’s for sure.  Short waisted, yes.  And saggy, instead of flat-chested.  It’s a 60 year old body, well used.

It really bothered Brett that we couldn’t have a party for my birthday.  We had a big party with family and close friends when he turned 60 and I guess he’s been thinking we would do the same for me.  We just had a big party for my retirement, a few months ago, so I’m good.  I am not a party girl.  At all.

Today the sky was grey and low, and it was cold outside.  However, the couch by the hearth was very inviting.  So I spent time there reading all my birthday wishes on Facebook and relaxing.

I spent most of the day in the kitchen.  When I was younger, it would have bothered me that I made my own birthday dinner.  Not anymore.  The way I see it, I can make/bake whatever I want and not worry if everyone doesn’t love it.  In this case, it was just me and Brett — and he’s happy with most everything I cook.  Dinner was shared with my kids, via video chat, which worked out great.

Brett barbecued a nice rack of lamb and some plump asparagus for the main course.  This morning I baked focaccia that I had started yesterday.  It was amazing. We ate a ton of it, dipped in good olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

I also made a cardamom pistachio carrot cake.  I didn’t have pistachios on hand so I substituted walnuts. The recipe was a bit daunting, but since I had the whole afternoon in front of me... I figured, why not give it a shot?

I had fun and it worked!  I was so happy.

All-in-all, it was a very good birthday.