Birthday Dreamin’ — by Robin

What have you dreamt about doing that you wish you could make happen?

A friend raised the question this week, as I pondered how to celebrate my birthday this summer. This summer? – you’re probably saying. I know…I’m thinking WAY ahead, but time goes fast, and it is important to me. I want to mark this particular occasion in a way that feels as satisfying as possible.

Why? Because I’ll be hitting yet another milestone. Reaching another decade. And, while I’m grateful, it is a bit hard to swallow, I must admit. I can’t quite say it out loud yet. February 11 will be my half birthday…not that I’m counting. :)

So, what to do? How to make it a super cool occasion? One where the excitement outweighs the fact that I feel like I’m aging.

One friend suggested I consider a retreat or spa visit to Tuscany. Sounds tempting.

Another gal mentioned Prague and Berlin. I am interested in Prague. Don’t know much about Berlin.

I, myself, am curious about a retreat I had read about in Sedona. But, it will be scorchingly hot there in August.

So, I bought the book 1,000 PLACES TO SEE IN THE USA AND CANADA BEFORE YOU DIE….and I’m perusing it nightly. (I should buy an edition re: overseas as well, if there is one.)

I read about an annual art show in August in Laguna Beach, CA that struck a chord. But, do I really need to go to CA for an art show? (one friend pointed out.)

The same friend suggested I might look at the website Homeaway.com where you can sublet someone’s residence, thereby making it a more authentic experience than staying in a hotel. And, maybe I’d want to do that and get a place in Manhattan? she said. I had shared with her that I always regretted not having had the experience of living in the city back in my single days, and perhaps and this would satisfy that urge and curiosity?!

So, I started browsing the site and came upon on a couple of apartments that readily grabbed me. What part of town would I want to stay in? And, what’s it like to sleep in someone else’s bed? I’d bring my own Egyptian cotton Ralph Lauren sheets, no doubt. And, I am picky about my mattresses. I hate memory foam. I’m a pillow top kinda gal, but I wouldn’t be toting my own feather bed, so I’d have to be accepting. The older I get, the more I appreciate my own creature comforts. Would I want a terrace? A gym? What else? Air conditioning for sure, in summer.

It would certainly be an adventure, and I could use that.

There are so many neighborhoods in Manhattan, each with a distinct feel. Do I have a favorite? Depends on what you want to do I guess.

I like Chelsea. I love the West Village. But, how would I want to spend my days and nights, aassuming I’d be there alone? I’d have to arrange child care with Marc, my husband, for Seth….if we can swing it. No doubt he wouldn’t be entirely thrilled, but hopefully he’d respect and somewhat understand my need for this experience.

I adore theatre. I’m thinking I might want to be in the Times Square area and see lots of shows…..though some shows play downtown too….and I’m not wedded just to Broadway.

I’d like to consider taking a class. Definitely shop. Eat out. But, if I were to act as if I live there, what would my daily existance be? Certainly I’d bring my computer, as I’d want internet access. But, I wouldn’t want to be on the web as much as I am now because then I’d just be in the apartment all the time and defeat the purpose of being in Manhattan.

Would I plan out my activities in advance? That would make sense. How long would I go for? A week?

It’s something to think about. And, it does kinda get me excited, which is the whole idea.

Is it crazy, though, since I live in NY? Would I wish I went overseas once my birthday passes? Maybe I can just celebrate the whole year and take various trips (if we could afford it)? Now, that’s a thought.

And, how would it feel if I’m in the city (or anywhere) without Seth and Marc? The point would be to reconnect with myself and a desire I’ve always had. I’m sure I’d miss them…but it could be a good growth experience….and hopefully we’d all appreciate each other all the more once reunited. That’s not a bad thing.

Who knows?! One day, when we’re empty nesters, Marc and I might get a place in the city. I do think about that. Though, there is something to be said for having a lovely community summer pool and being surrounded by trees as we are in this neighborhood. But, life in the suburbs isn’t always stimulating (to me). I suppose there’s no one entirely perfect place, which is why some people have summer homes.

In the meantime, one can dream, and I’ll be doing a lot of that between now and August.

Stay tuned. And, feel free to share any ideas with me! Or you own personal experiences about how you’ve marked birthdays to make them feel extra special. I’d love to hear them.