Friday, January 15, 2010

Long weekend


It's going to be my natal birthday on Sunday. My wife asked if I wanted a party, but I just wanted something low key. The best thing that I could think of was to go on the boat. The weather is supposed to be relatively warm which will be a welcome change from the below freezing temperatures of the past two weeks.

We did a birthday party last night for my father-in-law whose birthday is today. And I opened some of my presents last night as well. It was nice to spend some time with my in-laws. They are nearing 90 but seemed to be doing well. They live in their own home, still drive, and take good care of each other. As with all of us, it is one day at a time.

We are leaving today for an island up the coast where there are hiking trails and a good beach for walking. I can't think of a better way to celebrate my birthday. I'm grateful for a lot of things but here is what comes to mind today:
  • Getting wiser and more comfortable with who I am as each year passes
  • Talking with sponsees who are making progress with the steps. They remind me that patience, humility, willingness and hope are wonderful traits.
  • That some help is getting to the suffering people in Haiti. I felt a strong urge to go there to help.
  • Mindful of all that I have and what I sometimes take for granted.
  • How disasters rally everyone to lend a helping hand. I wish that mentality would persist with normal everyday life.
"They say that pain is inevitable but suffering is optional. If I learn to accept that pain is part of life, I will be better able to endure the difficult times and then move on, leaving the pain behind me." (from Courage to Change: One Day At A Time in Al-Anon II, page 83).

"He who sees the calamity of other people finds his own calamity light.” Arabian proverb

31 comments:

  1. Enjoy, relax and don't eat octopus.

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  2. Happy sailing and happy birthday!

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  3. Happy Happy Birthday! Don't eat too much cake! ;-)

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  4. happy birthday for sunday!!! you birthday plans would be just what i would choose, something low-key!

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  5. That's how I would want to spend my birthday too! Have a great one!

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  6. happy birthday, sounds like a lovely weekend plan!

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  7. Happy Birthday and fair breezes for your journey.

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  8. loving things to be grateful for. Happy Birthday, I wish you a wonderful day.

    You share your birthday with my husband, my gift to him is time alone in the car, long drive in the cottage country we call it here, away from the city life,

    HUGS n Blessings

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  9. I like the proverb, Syd.

    Happy Birthday and many, many more!!

    Love, SB.

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  10. Happy birthday, Syd. Something tells me that it's going to be a great weekend.

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  11. Happy Birthday, Syd!!! Enjoy your time on the beach doing what you love! Many hugs and warm wishes!

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  12. Happy birthday.

    Blessings and aloha...

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  13. Happy Birthday. I hope you enjoy your time away. I like your grateful list.

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  14. Happy Birthday Syd, sounds like a lovely way to spend it, on an island, hiking, relaxing in nature with someone you love. Have fun!

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  15. Happy Birthday Syd! I'm so lucky to "know" you in the blogosphere.

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  16. Happy Birthday Syd. Have a wonderful weekend!

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  17. Happy Birthday Syd. It's a pleasure and a privilege to read your blog. Enjoy your time on the boat. Sounds great.

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  18. Happy Birthday and have a wonderful weekend.

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  19. Enjoy them walks syd,I bet its so beautiful on the beaches..
    I know we need to suffer to learn but God only gives us just the required lessons
    Hard week for me this week and as I sit here my back is aching from too much exercise

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  20. Happy Birthday to you
    Happy Birthday to you
    Happy Birthday dear Syyyyyd.....
    Happy Birthday to you

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  21. Happy Birthday to you my friend.a week from today is my real birthday as well.I'll be a greatful 58 years young.

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  22. Happy, happy birthday Syd. I can't imagine a better way to celebrate a birthday than by doing something you really love. Happy boating, trail hiking and beach walking.

    PG

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  23. Sending warm wishes for a Happy Birthday!

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  24. Loved the proverb at the end: I see the calamity that happens to others, and my own calamities pale in comparison. It was a gorgeous photo too. Have a happy birthday.

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  25. Happy birthday Syd -- and I like the gratitude list

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  26. It's a pretty darn good life when the best thing you can think of doing on your birthday is what you do throughout the year. I just want to know the streets your 90 year old in-laws are driving on. We took the keys from my precious mother in law and sold her car to save lives. Happy Birthday.

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  27. Happy Birthday, belated. You are an inspiration!

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