Day 58: To Infinity and Beyond

D really wants to take me on a 50th birthday trip and is growing increasingly desperate as the date draws near and I can't seem to make a decision as to destination. Despite the fact that I'm portly and wear ugly pajamas and am half-crazed, he still seems to want to spend time with me -- go figure.

The thing I really want to do for my birthday is have a family dinner, something that's increasingly difficult to pull off as the kids get older. Originally I was set on doing this the evening of my birthday, which falls on a Wednesday, but A now has a conflict with an activity that she's required to attend at school. It's probably just as well, since homework would put a damper on the festivities. So I've settled on the Saturday night before, in the city, with my husband and my children. It will be more relaxed and more fun, just what I'm aiming for. It'll probably take me another month to decide upon a restaurant, as is my way, but whatever. Just as long as we don't end up at The Cheesecake Factory...

In terms of a trip, my birthday falls right at the height of early decision deadlines for many colleges, and J may choose to go that route. I'm uncomfortable going away then because I guarantee he'll wait until the last minute -- it's in his DNA. Antarctica was my first choice but it's just too long of a trip. I also had dreams of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro on my 50th, but D isn't interested. Strenuous exercise isn't his cup of tea. I guess I'll have to be like Amelia Earhart and do that one solo or with a friend.

I finally decided today that I'd like to go to the Galapagos. I really want to see a blue footed booby. A's third grade teacher did a rip-roaring imitation of one that I'll never forget. And, like the melting snows of Mt. Kilimanjaro, I understand that the Galapagos are being adversely affected by climate and man; ideally we'd take this trip with our family, but we can't put it off much longer. Like D says, if we wait for the perfect time we'll never do it. There's a trip leaving right after Thanksgiving, so J's application will be in (hallelujah!). It'll also force me to do my Christmas shopping early, which is something I've always aspired to and always failed at. Typical.

The only thing that's making me hesitate is the questionable health of our dog C, but we ought to know in a day or two what her issues are. Please, keep your fingers crossed and say a little prayer for her. She's not just a dog. She's a beloved member of our family and I can't bear to think that there might be something seriously wrong with her... That's not the birthday present I was looking for.