My first sober birthday!

Back from school

Brothers reunited



Last year my actual birthday was a bit of a washout. I'd had a party the night before as it was the big 4-0 and so was ridiculously hungover I just lounged on the sofa most the day. I have to confess I don't remember a lot about the party. I'm sure I had a good time but 2 things I do remember were feeling super anxious beforehand and during the party swapping my glass for a bigger one so I didn't have to keep filling it up so many times. Of course there were good memories too but I do remember feeling overwhelmed by anxiety about how I looked, whether everything would go ok etc etc. 

This year could not be more different. It's a birthday in lockdown so could easily have been challenging, but I really am having the best of days. It was Harry's first day back at school and it was lovely to walk him to school in the sunshine and enjoy a little 1:1 time with him. Then home for an hours nap as William had decided to elongate my birthday and get me up at 4am 😴😴😴

After a little rest Tim & I ventured off on a 14 mile bike ride through the Oxfordshire countryside. It was hot, hilly and bloody hard work at times but thoroughly enjoyable! We had a picnic lunch of sunblushed tomatoes with mozzarella (very posh) and pork pies (not so posh!). Tim had a beer and I had an A/F cider and it felt great. When we got back, our lovely au pair had made me a birthday cake so we had cake, cards & presents and a glass or 2 of A/F sparkling wine. I wondered if I would feel deprived not having an alcoholic drink, but I'm actually enjoying the lack of alcohol more - I know I don't have to worry about losing control, ending up with a hangover or falling asleep on the sofa before the end of the evening. 

As I sit and write this, my husband is cooking a BBQ, whilst I enjoy a glass of A/F fizz in the sunshine and the boys play in the garden and do you know what, it feels perfect. Surrounded by people I love, relaxed and happy. 

Tonight I'm meeting some of my best friends for socially distanced drinks and rather than sitting here worrying about what to wear or if I will make a tit of myself I'm really looking forward to it. If this is what a sober birthday is all about then here's to many more 😊

SMB xx

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