Birthday Week!

I had pretty much resigned myself to having a usual birthday, not doing anything special but enjoying a sunny Monday.  I love October, as I can usually count on it to bring sun and warmth, without the swelter and the sweat.  I had expected this year to be difficult because regardless of how the day was going, my sister always made sure to call me and to bug everyone else in the family to do the same.  If nothing else, I got an early morning "Happy Birthday" song whether I wanted it or not. I expected this first birthday without her to be difficult.  Boring is fine, sad is another.  I woke up thinking of her, but I quickly got rolling with this daily thing I do called "life".  I am taking care of my mom now, so there's not much time to sit around and be sad.  

My big plans for the day included getting my drivers' license renewed and not much else.  I did wear an awesome thrifted skirt and boots that I didn't get a picture of, but it involved tie-dye.  I have been waiting a really long time to get a new DL picture and while I hated having to change my weight (it's been wrong for about five years!) and didn't like not being able to pass the eye test without my glasses, I liked the picture.  It's one that I can live with.  It's a happy picture and my hair was super cute and I was wearing pink and orange.  All kinds of good stuff was going on there.

I indulged myself and made a "quick" stop at Village Thrift.  I found some good stuff there, including tiki mugs, bracelets, and this amazing vintage dress, still wearing it's 1970's price tag:

I found bracelets--of course.  Tortoiseshell, another fuchsia bangle, and this one from Huppke Woods: 

I also found this vintage sweater vest.  I love vintage labels.  This one is Van Dyke Sportswear and it has low belt loops to belt it around the hips.  My daughter tried it on for me, but my niece came by on Sunday and happily took it home:

My daughter took me out to dinner and we took my mom along.  Later, we were joined by two of my friends and we had a great multi-generational meal.  The restaurant owner "flirted" with my 90 year old mom and her sarcasm was on full display.  She also appreciated the gourmet coffee after a month of drinking instant at my house.  The food was good and the laughter was even better.

On Tuesday, I received these gorgeous flowers delivered to my door, courtesy of my kids:

Thursday was my daughter's birthday so we decided to celebrate on Friday.  My "niece" decided to take us both out, so we agreed on tapas.  She made the reservation and I added Blue Man Group tickets to the evening because I had never seen the show.  I had a wonderful time with the two of them, reminded again of something that I often observe.  The age of your friends doesn't really matter as long as you can be yourself.  I tell this to my daughter often because her "peers" aren't always open to her friendship, but older people love her sincerity, intelligence and compassion.  Never let anyone shame you into not spending time with the people who make you happy.  

I got more flowers:

And bath and body goodies from Sabon:

It ended up being a really great birthday week, and it wasn't over yet.  I volunteered at a community event, setting up games and activities for the kids.  I planned to set up and leave, but of course I stayed the entire time, had fun with the kids and cleaned up.  No complaints--I love kids!

My daughter needed a "bowler" hat for a class presentation and we found one at the first store we went to.  That was a bonus.  Being close to Halloween definitely helped out there. I finished out the week by making a huge pot of chili (good thing since company dropped by) and got outside for some Sunday pics.  I couldn't get away with the dots and flowers, but Birthday Girl #2 is killin' the pattern mixing game!

It turned out to be a great week after all.  I miss my Sis but I'm letting myself be happy.