A week ago, I had a BIG birthday. I turned 50. I have been on this planet for half a century. Reword that – I have had the priviledge of living on this planet for 50 years – so far.
And a weekend of celebrations were planned. Meals, walking, drinking, retail therapy. Various activities fitting of a big birthday.
I was looking forward to being 50 – seeing it as the start of a new chapter to try new things, or even find old favourite things.
However, the universe decided things would be just a little different…
I mean, it didn’t start well… a few days before my birthday, I had an opticians appointment. I knew my eyesight was getting a little worse, so wanted to get that checked out. I’ve worn glasses for reading and drawing for quite a while, but i’ve noticed I’ve needed them more recently – and don’t get me started on trying to read labels on things in the supermarket.
Now – don’t get me wrong, there is nothing seriously wrong with my eyes. It was the way in which the deterioration was described to me that got me…
Picture it. There I am, sitting in that huge seat, looking at the blurry dots ahead that are, alledgedly, letters. The young optician is typing into their computer and checking your details. They look across. They look back at the screen, presumably to check date of birth…
They look back and say….
“I think perhaps you are at the age where you need to consider varifocals”.
AT THAT AGE!
Well, how very rude. (Forget the fact that they were right
)
Anyway…. a few days after I got over that reality check, I packed up some clothes and hubby and I headed off for a lovely break to the Cotswolds. We planned lots of fresh air, walking, a few drinks and a lot of good food.
And it started off well – arriving at our lovely hotel, we enjoyed a couple of drinks and a lovely meal.
That night though – I didn’t sleep well, I couldn’t get my temperatire right, one minute hot, one minute cold. Didn’t really think anything of it – hotel heating can’t suit everyone right?
Next day, a little tired, but looking forward to the day, I headed down for brekkie… and it looked lovely, but I just couldn’t eat much (not like me at all, as you know…). Within the hour I was suffering with awful stomach pain, and more of that feverish hot and cold milarkey… I ended up back in the hotel room moving between lying down and needing a wee every two minutes.
This went on for a few days. For those few days I hardly slept as, typically, that’s when the efever was worst (not to mentioned, getting up to go to the loo at least 6 times every night).
This went on for a few days. For those few days I hardly slept as, typically, that’s when the efever was worst (not to mentioned, getting up to go to the loo at least 6 times every night).
Yep. For my birthday, the universe got me…. a urine infection.
So – the weekend away was much slower and quieter than planned – with a lot less food and drink. BUT we did enjoy it, and I was able to stroll around some shops so there was a little retail therapy.
My actual birthday, rather than being out and about, eating cake, drinking coffee and taking part in a new activity out of my comfort zone (not saying what yet – as I hope still to do that), was instead a very cosy Netflix and chill day. I napped and I watched whatever I wanted.
Oh – I got lots of lovely pressies. (For example, the lovely hubby bought me the 2 DVD collection of Top Gun, perfect for sofa viewing, so maybe it was meant to be!)
And on that basis it was actually a really nice birthday. And all the things that I had planned are all still doable – and will be done (so watch this space for further adventures and shenanigans).
It may not have been what was planned – but, as they say, when life throws you lemons – make lemonade. (And I may have reserved a few for G&T’s when I recover…).
Oh – And I now have my lovely new glasses, so I will see clearly through all the new adventures 
