Holy cow, I’m 37 Years Old!
I’m not sure how it was that I woke up this past 10th of March only to realize that I was turning 37. I definitely feel and look closer to 40 than to 30. Ouch!
Actually, I’m incredibly happy and grateful for each birthday that I’m blessed with. I feel really great!
Many of my friends up north are probably wondering what it must’ve been like to celebrate my birthday in the middle of total sunshine and perfect temperatures…just kidding! The truth is that this was my first birthday since I can remember, away from home and my family…not counting the time I was in London and was serenaded at lunchtime by Bill Nighy. There’s a story for you, but I digress!
Anyway, back to my most recent birthday in Guadalajara. Well, it was strange. Not just because I’m in a foreign country and I’ve had most of my new friends for just a few months but, also because my grandpa died in the D.R. I was unable to attend his funeral and I definitely had my sad, teary moments knowing that the old man was being buried on the very day that I’d be blowing another birthday candle. After work, around 3PM, I went to a local park to enjoy a bit of nature and to reflect on my grandpa’s legacy. I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful setting to do just that.
I was most disappointed by the fact that I couldn’t see my mom. She had planned to come down and spend two weeks with me to celebrate my birthday season but alas God had other plans and instead she went to the D.R. to be by her dad’s side as he took his last breath.
So, how did I celebrate? You may be wondering…I friggin’ milked it! It was awesome. I tend to
celebrate for about two weeks and indeed, I did – no one stood in my way. Between several cakes, many libations, and quite a few dinners and lunches, I felt really loved in this land. I enjoyed how my friends and students (English and Yoga) were not shy in demonstrating their affection toward me. One of the funnest experiences was a night of dancing "Banda" at a very typical (and huge) restaurant. You can see me getting down with my friend Chely.
In all honesty, sometimes I get down on Mexicans for being a little too distant, perhaps “indifferent”, in the day-to-day but when it’s time to express heartfelt emotions, they have no problem doing it and they do it well…I swear I can feel the warmth in their hearts.
I am completely humbled by the experience and perhaps I’m learning a bit more about “true” sincerity. No one had to be nice to me because it was my birthday instead they simply insisted on making me feel great not just because of the occasion but because they might’ve thought how hard it must be to spend your birthday far from home.
Moments like these make Mexico a bit more of “home” to me; especially as I get ready to celebrate my first anniversary of living here in April. Hmmm, sounds like another opportunity to celebrate a la Mexicana! Andale! Arriba! Arriba!
I’m not sure how it was that I woke up this past 10th of March only to realize that I was turning 37. I definitely feel and look closer to 40 than to 30. Ouch!
Actually, I’m incredibly happy and grateful for each birthday that I’m blessed with. I feel really great!Many of my friends up north are probably wondering what it must’ve been like to celebrate my birthday in the middle of total sunshine and perfect temperatures…just kidding! The truth is that this was my first birthday since I can remember, away from home and my family…not counting the time I was in London and was serenaded at lunchtime by Bill Nighy. There’s a story for you, but I digress!
Anyway, back to my most recent birthday in Guadalajara. Well, it was strange. Not just because I’m in a foreign country and I’ve had most of my new friends for just a few months but, also because my grandpa died in the D.R. I was unable to attend his funeral and I definitely had my sad, teary moments knowing that the old man was being buried on the very day that I’d be blowing another birthday candle. After work, around 3PM, I went to a local park to enjoy a bit of nature and to reflect on my grandpa’s legacy. I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful setting to do just that.
I was most disappointed by the fact that I couldn’t see my mom. She had planned to come down and spend two weeks with me to celebrate my birthday season but alas God had other plans and instead she went to the D.R. to be by her dad’s side as he took his last breath.
So, how did I celebrate? You may be wondering…I friggin’ milked it! It was awesome. I tend to
celebrate for about two weeks and indeed, I did – no one stood in my way. Between several cakes, many libations, and quite a few dinners and lunches, I felt really loved in this land. I enjoyed how my friends and students (English and Yoga) were not shy in demonstrating their affection toward me. One of the funnest experiences was a night of dancing "Banda" at a very typical (and huge) restaurant. You can see me getting down with my friend Chely.In all honesty, sometimes I get down on Mexicans for being a little too distant, perhaps “indifferent”, in the day-to-day but when it’s time to express heartfelt emotions, they have no problem doing it and they do it well…I swear I can feel the warmth in their hearts.
I am completely humbled by the experience and perhaps I’m learning a bit more about “true” sincerity. No one had to be nice to me because it was my birthday instead they simply insisted on making me feel great not just because of the occasion but because they might’ve thought how hard it must be to spend your birthday far from home.
Moments like these make Mexico a bit more of “home” to me; especially as I get ready to celebrate my first anniversary of living here in April. Hmmm, sounds like another opportunity to celebrate a la Mexicana! Andale! Arriba! Arriba!
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