Sunday, February 21, 2010

My Birthday Confession

Today is my birthday. That's reason enough to reflect on the past year, the past decade, or my entire adult life. Here I am at age 7, a good year in childhood because I was always looking forward to being age 10, which seemed sooooo mature. Believe it or not from this photo, I was a tomboy.

In many ways I'm not a very good adult. If I don't have to get up, I sleep late, especially because I stay up late. Way too late, actually. If there are "bad" foods to eat around the house, I will usually eat them. If there's a way to put something off, I'll find it. And don't even get me started on how I avoid exercise.

I think I just never developed any good discipline, which is ironic because I had fairly ordinary, motivated, depression-era parents who did get up early, worked hard, and served balanced meals.
Please don't tell my granddaughters, but their "Mimi" is a slacker. She would much rather run around the backyard, hide Easter eggs in January, go out for pizza, create something artistic, go for a drive or ride a carrousel than do laundry, clean house or run errands. You might say, "Well, of course. Everyone would rather do fun things than work." The problem is that I actually DO the fun things instead of work! (This is especially a problem when I'm on deadline for a book, which I am now, and I have to read eight more romance novels for the RITA first round judging. Oops.)
That's my big confession for my birthday. I'm hoping that I can finally improve over the next year. As of Feb. 21, 2011, I will reach one of those milestones that get you discounts at movie theaters and Early Bird Specials at restaurants. Doesn't it seem as if I should grow up sometime before I grow old? I think so, and I'm going to work on it. But only if it seems like fun.
Thanks for reading my confession, and if you're around or online, lend me some of your fortitude and encouragement this coming year. Best wishes, Victoria.








12 comments:

Carrie Tripp said...

Victoria,
Based on your definition, I, too, am a bad adult! I have been taking steps since January to remedy that, though. Until then we ate out 3 meals a day. I have found that by simply telling myself that I have to cook dinner and do dishes I am slowly changing my own mindset. I also have had to back down from making so many commitments of my time. Good luck in changing your status, however, if it isn't affecting anyone else, I'm not sure I'd worry about it! Happy birthday! :-)

Pamela Stone said...

Good for you, 'Mimi'. And Happy Birthday. Sure you should make deadlines and take care of your health. Within reason. But never give up the fun. The laundry can wait. I'm working to let go of things that really don't matter and get back in touch with the exuberance I had as a kid. The other night I was out with a friend and bought a vase of brihgtly colored gerber daisies and a crystal vase. I told her I was focused on HAPPY this year. You go, girl!

Dawna Rand said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Victoria!!!

We first talked because you noticed some particular bumper stickers on my car... remember? :)

And girl, please! If these are the worst of your confessions, you'll be OK!!! If I wrote MY confessions, I'd probably be arrested :)

It's nice to know that there are other Night Owls like me out there!! Most times I feel like I'm a lonely Night Owl, in a world full of morning people, and I'm just trying to get by...

Congratulations on all your successes, and on another great year!!!

Bestest,
Dawna

Marin Thomas said...

Happy Birthday Victoria! Every birthday is special no matter the number :-)

Marin

Liz Lipperman said...

Happy Birthday, Mimi. I keep thinking it gets better. I'm closing in on the senior discounts, too, and I just signed my first book deal. How much better can it get?

And as for you being a bad adult, let me put that to rest. I have a friend going through chemo as we speak and she has taught me that life is too short to worry about the small stuff, housework included. Dance like there's no tomorrow, sing like nobody's listening and do something you've always wanted to do but was afraid.

How appropriate I just got an email joke about a man telling his grandchild he was 62 years old. Her horrified response was, "Did you start with one?"

Have a great day.

Linda Warren said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Vicki!!

I've already reached senior citizen status (as I typed that my brain went OhmyGod!)and it's a little hard to believe. I have learned, though, not to sweat the small stuff. Have fun because that's what life is all about.

Linda

Estella said...

I have been a senior citizen for a number of years--don't sweat the small stuff. Life is short--eat dessert first.

Gary Turner said...

Happy Birthday Victoria, if i were able i would cook you a nice slice of Kentucky country ham, and some cheddar cheese grits for your big day. Then i could help you with some of your household chores. As you can see i'm into sci-fi. Have a great day, really.

Nicole's Book Musings said...

Happy Birthday Victoria!!

Unknown said...

Hope you had a great day Victoria!

I'm a bad adult too! I always do the fun things and my house is a mess. My only domestic quality is that I live in a house. You however have published several books while I'm still working on the first one. Best wishes for 2010!

Dale

Linda Henderson said...

I hope you have had a wonderful birthday.

Rox Delaney said...

We must be twins...who don't share the same birthday. Happy birthday, Victoria!!!

(I already get those discounts and am not to shy to use them. You'll love it!)