Thursday, March 11, 2010

A Very Ambivalent Birthday to Me

B'day Cards 

We've always had a tradition at The Yellow House of displaying greeting cards on the mantel. So here are some of mine. 

My lunch with Stuart and the girls at his office on Tuesday was great fun. We had Mediterranean food, followed by oatmeal-raisin cookies from Edgar's. We also had good conversation and a couple of rounds of hugs. Friends are the best--online or in person.

After lunch on Tuesday, I stopped by Michael's just for fun. I didn't need anything, but I did buy a couple of magazines. Like fabric, magazines are an addiction of mine. I've been wanting to cover my two office chairs (one in my office and one in my sewing room) but wasn't sure just how to go about it. So look what I found in my new copy of Cloth Paper Scissors Studio. I've read through the instructions and it sounds pretty simple. So here's another project to add to my list.

Chairs
 

Andy is taking me to see "Alice in Wonderland" this afternoon. I'm really excited. I have always loved anything Alice, and I also love Johnny Depp--so I know this movie with be great fun.

On my birthday last year, Vann took me to Outback. I remember that we almost had to cancel because he had some kind of episode just before we got there (tunnel vision and rapid heartbeat). I had my cell phone out to call 911, but he kept telling me to wait a few minutes. And, sure enough, in a bit, all his symptoms went away, and he insisted we go on to the restaurant. He brought the subject up with Dr. L who told us it was probably a reaction to the chemo. At least, I think that's what he said. 

I'm missing Vann so much today. I don't want to grow old(er) without him. But, as he would say, that's the hand I've been dealt so I have to play it. I'm almost mad at him right now for leaving, although I know that's completely irrational. I think I'm just going through a bad patch right now. My fatigue symptoms have turned into sheer exhaustion, and the reorganization around here has come to a hault. 

But the rain has stopped and the sun is peaking out, and I'm going to see "Alice" with one of my favorite daughters. And I am blessed with the wonders of good friends and family. Thank you, Abba, the lifter of my head.


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 03/11/2010, Ruth said ...

A very Happy Birthday to you Susan. Today will be a hard one without Vann. Your anger with him is part of the grieving process which I'm sure you know. I know that Vann will be celebrating with you , and he knows that you have the stength to go on.
Have a fun day: looking forward to hearing about Alice.
Hugs Ruth


On 03/11/2010, Nancy said ...

Happy Birthday to you....

Happy Birthday to you....

Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday...

Happy Birthday to you..................

Glad you can't hear the dog howling...

Have a wonderful day with your daughter ....I want so to see Johnny Depp and Alice In Wonderland..


On 03/11/2010, Teresa/MarieSews said ...

Happy Birthday!!! I am so looking forward to your comments on Alice. I haven't seen it yet but may have to drag DH and a son or two to see it if it is good. Take care.


On 03/11/2010, alexandrine said ...

Happy birthday !!!!


Hugs


On 03/11/2010, CarlaH said ...

Susan, my very best Birthday Wishes to you - may your health improve in the coming days/months. Enjoy the movie and, hopefully, a good meal afterwards while you and Andy rehash what you've just seen.
On another subject I see that you've read Shutter Island - I did too and like you am anxious to see the movie - especially how it will treat the ending.


On 03/11/2010, Diana said ...

Happy Birthday Susan. My wish for you is to start feeling better and for the sun to shine a little more often. That makes us all feel better, I think.


On 03/11/2010, mom2fur said ...

Happy Birthday, Susan! It does sound like a mix of sweet and bittersweet, but feeling angry is not irrational at all! I don't know that each birthday can get easier, but I hope that it does. And I wish you a big wish: to be pain free. Please rest and take care of yourself--all the 'stuff' will still be there whether you lay back a bit or not.
I'm glad you stopped by my blog. The idea to make broth from a roti chicken is one of those 'bolt out of the blue' things that hits us all once in a while.
Enjoy the movie--I agree, Johnny Depp rocks! (My copy of "Sweeney Todd" might just wear out, LOL.)


On 03/11/2010, Barbara Anne said ...

Happy Birthday to you, Susan dear!

These firsts holidays and special occasions without a loved one are hard, as I know you know. Given his druthers, Vann would still and forever be with you if only he could. Sometimes the hand we're dealt isn't much fun. Wish I could be there to give you a hug.

As messy as my sewing room is, I'd be glad to help a bit (under your direction) with your reorganization or painting. Many hands would make light work.

Enjoy the wonders of Alice!

Hugs!


On 03/11/2010, Nicole said ...

Hugs to you on your birthday! I know you will find Alice hugely entertaining, and I can't wait to hear what you and Andy thought of it!


On 03/11/2010, Trudy Neill of Windemere Farm said ...

I would like to add my birthday wishes to you as well, Susan. What fun you will have with the movie going and Mr. Depp! I hope the change of seasons sets your heart lighter and that you feel better soon.
Trudy


On 03/11/2010, Gayle said ...

Happy Birthday! And "mad" is good..."mad" means progress and pressing through and forward...think of it as your birthday gift from Vann.
:-)


On 03/11/2010, Carla (from Alabama) said ...

Happy Birtday! Hope you have fun at the movies.


On 03/11/2010, Linda J.W. said ...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,Hope that you enjoy the movie
it sounds like you are doing too much YOU need to take it easy and Please don't over do it.
Linda W.


On 03/11/2010, Linda said ...

"last year...." as in only 12 months ago! Not a very long time, at all. Sadness to be expected.

Sending you a hug. As my husband always says, we're glad you were born.


On 03/11/2010, Pat said ...

Happy birthday to you! I know you'll enjoy "Alice!" It was fun - my first 3D movie! Did you see it in 3D? It was also a birthday gift to me! So thankful for every one - birthday that is, for sure!


On 03/11/2010, Debbie said ...

Happy Birthday!


On 03/11/2010, Donna said ...

Happy Birthday! I know your birthday is different this year and I do understand. I didn't even want to think about mine without Amber and I know it is the same with you and Vann. He is watching over you!
I hope you enjoy Alice in Wonderland.
Blessings,
Donna


On 03/11/2010, KAI said ...

I said it all to you privately, but I'm proud to say it here as well: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SISTER-FRIEND! I LOVE YOU! (And please, do a little bit of drooling over Johnny Depp for me, would you? Even tho' he will not be looking his handsome best in Alice, he's VERY drool-worthy! LOL!)


On 03/11/2010, Debra Spincic said ...

Being mad at the person for dying is one of the stages of grief. . . . you are OK to get mad. It helps you move through and then past the grief.

xoxoxo Happy Birthday!


On 03/11/2010, Lavender Dreamer said ...

Happy Birthday sweet friend! I hope you've had a good day and know that we all care about you and want the best for you! Enjoy your evening! ♥ HUGS! ♥


On 03/11/2010, Anna said ...

Hope that the movie was great Susan. It is so nice that you have such loving friends - perhaps its because you are such a loving person. Wishing you a birthday that surrounds you with loving gestures.
Warmest regards,
Anna


On 03/11/2010, Thelma said ...

Happy Birthday!

I hope you enjoyed Alice!


On 03/11/2010, Deb said ...

Happy happy birthday, Susan!!! Hope it was a great one!!


On 03/12/2010, Alison said ...

Happy birthday from a spring-like UK. Enjoy the movie!


On 03/12/2010, Patti Koosed said ...

Happy Birthday Susan!
Big Hugs


On 03/12/2010, ashleigh said ...

When Teddy passed a month or so before Vann the counselor told me I would go through a "mad" phase. I told her that was crazy how could I be mad a my Best Friend. I have yet to go through this "phase" but I do miss Teddy and Vann everyday and think of them and share my goings on with them. The funny thing is since their deaths I talk more to God which I have not done in many years. Even when Dad had open heart. Vann told me I would find a way back to God. Sad their loss is my gain. But the funny thing is that I have a gay man and a Dad/Grandfather figure as the voices in my head now LOL!!!

Sorry I know I made you cry I am too.
LOve you and a VERY HAPPY UN-BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!


On 03/12/2010, Jan said ...

Happy, Happy Birthday Susan! I'm lifting my coffee to you this morning my dear and wishing you many, bright, happy and healthy tomorrows; and it's OK to be a bit angry with your Honey ... I know he would definitely understand. I also know that he wants more than anything for you be happy again :) Big hugs to you!
-----


No comments:

Post a Comment