Birthdays, as birthdays go for most people, are not something we like to discuss unless you’re in grade school or about to be able to get a driver’s license or be allowed to drink legally. After that birthdays are not well-received. The first feared birthday is the 30th one. This one leaves childhood far behind and signifies real adulthood. (Pop song chorus – “Don’t go cryin’ to your mama ’cause you’re on your own” Ain’t It Fun ~ Paramore). By the 40th you have your own kids and are too busy worrying about their birthdays. The 50th makes you stop and realize just how fast time flies. The 60th is the one where you begin to realize growing old is a reality and now is the time to invest in health and exercise (you think you really should’ve thought of this twenty years ago).
I never minded my birthdays as much as most people do. Each decade held new and fascinating periods of life. Today I turned 61 and driving home at the end of the day the thought crossing my mind was It was such fun turning 61 today!. It was fun because I work in a fabulous place surrounded by wonderful, lively, positive people who boost the energy a 61 year old covets. Today my members and co-workers made my day super fun with cards, warm wishes and hugs . We were also doing the “bucket challenge” for ALS that’s sweeping the internet. I knew this challenge of dumping ice-water over my head wasn’t going to escape me for long, and sure enough I was called to do it on my birthday. Another fun thing to begin my new decade with. See? Each decade holds new things. I wonder what they’ll think of in these next ten years. Check us out at the Mashpee club:
The one speaking is Melissa my dear friend and fellow fit-coach. The one putting the ice in our buckets is our manager, Rob. He manages all 5 Koko FitClubs on Cape Cod. He’s a great guy and not only a wonderful manager, but an awesome dad to his little girls. The other three people are just a small example of our wonderful members we work with everyday.
A Bucket For My Birthday
The best thing was Koko donated $10 for every person that showed up today. This challenge is only for ALS awareness and no money is required to participate, but the members gave me money all day long to donate anyway.
I ended the day by getting my nails done, then returning to the club to workout. I left the parking lot about 6pm feeling blessed and lucky to be 61 and be able to do all I did today.
Once home, I relaxed with a Panera salad and the cookie they gave me for my special day. I found a lovely card from my friend of more than 40 years in the mail. Thank you, Karen. Then I sat reading all 104 Facebook wishes. Thank you all for your lovely messages – each one of you makes my life joyful. A special thank you to my daughter Erin for the picture collage of my life she created and posted. I love it! Then my husband texted me and promised a celebration this weekend when he gets home. And to think some felt sorry that I was alone on my birthday because he is away all week. That just means my birthday lasts until Monday! Lol!
And so, as another birthday goes by, here I sit, loving my life, and knowing it is what it is because of all of you, my dear family and friends, thank you for being you, and…I have written.
PS – Brandon you better be filling three buckets and have your parents out on that deck tomorrow! I’ll be looking for the video!!!!!
Appreciate what you have before time teaches you to appreciate what you had. ~ Unknown
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