☐35-45 ☐Over

The candles extinguished, only crumbs remain of the double-chocolate, double layer circle of sweetness. The dust has settled on the weekend of celebratory events and it was fine. The first gift to myself, an entire weekend free of work; no schedules, reports or recruiting responsibilities. I even managed to snag seven full hours of sleep on Thursday night, signaling a mighty fine start to the Over celebrations..

The principles in my life, having different schedules and styles, each devised their own tribute to me this weekend.

On Friday, YL invited me to join her and co-workers, along with their chargees at KiddieLand. Hanging out with 3-5 year olds, some experiencing inner-tube, lazy river rides for the first time was more than worth the price of admission.

Later that evening I had a date to go dancing with YM. He took me to Chicago's Summer Dance event, featuring East Coast Swing dancing. We, along with many others, were taught some basic jitterbug steps by top instructors. We were then let loose to dance our happy feet away to the music of the Rhythm Rockets. After a sangria or two, it didn't even feel like 90 degrees in the shade. It was a blast.

I played tourist on Saturday. Mom treated me to lunch at a favorite spot, Lone Star and then a trip to Navy Pier. We saw throngs of people, a very large Ferris Wheel, cruise ships, speed boats, a lighthouse and fantastic views of the Chicago skyline. I don't normally have time for this kind of folly and haven't been to the pier in a few years. In spite of the crowds, it was peaceful.

Mom did have me running errands and had a chore of two for me beforehand, but that was to be expected, really. I tried to relax and let the day unfold; eventually, it did.

Sunday, my birthday, began predictably enough, with a phone call from mom at 6:30 a.m. (she'd forgotten I was not working this day) with a Happy Birthday wish, several questions about facts and figures not yet in evidence (mom has a 20 questions approach to conversation) and further wishes for a good day. I tried in vain to go back to sleep.

Ah well, up now and with the household asleep, I prepared and ate a leisurely breakfast, took a couple of loads to the laundry-mat, returned home and took a nap. YM was up and about when I woke and while preparing to go on another audition, told me funny stories about his Saturday night. YL arose and we made plans to go out for a meal and a movie. I had Chicken Piccata, it was divine. We saw, The Devil Wears Prada, finally, it ws a gem.

Much later, we all had cake (and ice cream for me) a cocktail or two and then it was done. It's official, one more Over is added to the check-list. The 46th birthday is booked. Now it's back to work, to diet, back to routines, recollections and expectations.