Humans can be the most wonderous beings sometimes. Sitting here on a Monday morning after my birthday weekend, I’m reflecting on the power of people. Over the past few days, there have been so many words and gestures, actions and thoughts from so many different people that have lifted my spirits, that it is difficult to know where to start.
The number of people wishing you a happy birthday on Facebook has become a modern measure of, well I don’t know what, popularity perhaps (65 if you’re wondering). I had some beautiful messages from around the world. Some meant more than others, that is true. It was nice to read through them all, and think about the last time I saw them, or what they are up to in life. My sister wrote me the most beautiful poem and posted it on my wall, it was so touching, personal and heartfelt, I am reminded of just how important she is to me.
In my mission for fun and to expand my boundaries I had signed up for a 5K running event on the morning of my birthday. It was exhausting and satisfying all at the same time. It gave me some points to work on: my breathing is one, and getting new running shoes is another. My feet have never been so hot as after that race! Not only was completing this run the first step towards completing a half marathon, but in it I found inspiration.
The run was the first Annual Live Like Coco Fun Run. Coco was the daughter of Kate and Erin, who are with Heidi’s Team in Training running club. Coco tragically died last year in a car accident, and her parents have spent every day since making sure her life was not wasted, making sure their lives are not wasted. Through their actions, they remind you to examine your life and make sure you are on a path that you are proud of. They remind you to Live Like Coco.
After our run, it was party time. And what a party it was. The party celebrated Heidi & Jay’s engagement, it was a house warming party, and, not to forget, it was my birthday. Now, Heidi & Jay have many wonderful and talented friends, but Roxy and Tim are the people to know during party season. Tim barbeques at competition standard and Roxy makes the most amazing cakes. She whipped up a magnificent creation combining all three celebrations into a chocolate, strawberry and cream filled delight.
I was also so touched by how many people bought me gifts, and cards and wished me happy birthday, many of whom I had never met before. If someone had walked into that party friendless and alone, they would have left with an entire support network of loving, caring people. Hashtag Blessed.
Sunday was downtime day, and we did it in California style: we hit the beach. A day on the beach in Capitola is not about tanning oil and sun bathing. There was paddling boarding (by both humans and canines), body boarding, surfing, kayaking, fort building in the driftwood, BBQs. You name it, they had it. And even though the sun was scorching hot, the water was freezing. I’m not quite sure how they managed to get in the water, let alone stay in it. I braved the sea all the way up to my ankles. Also playing on the beach that day was Operation Surf. Volunteers taking war veterans with various disabilities out and teaching them to surf. Just incredible to watch.
The beach was the perfect setting for climbing another rung closer to becoming a beer lover. Heidi created a beer & apple juice mix for me, which went down suprisingly well. It was refreshing and sweet. Maybe I’ll just drink one of those a day, slowly increasing the beer to apple ratio.
I musn’t forget to mention my pre-birthday trip to San Jose with Gail, who managed to coicide her trip to California with my birthday, and then postpone her trip to Tokyo just long enough to celebrate with me on my birthday. We had a fab day of shopping and pampering, pedicures and sunglasses. I also managed to add just one ice-cream to my list. A Dairy Queen vanilla soft-serve dipped in chocolate. I was a happy bunny that day.
My original title for this post was Birthday Weekend, but that doesn’t quite cut the mustard. It was so much more than that. It was love and light, people and power, kindess and care. It was being wrapped in my snuggle blanket (my present from Heidi, Jay, Maddie and Ally) and hugged until my heart glowed.
Mission: Playtime 