Well, there have been better birthdays, but this wasn't terrible. Just a bit down, and I know that I am letting myself go there - at least it was at bay for most of the day. Both kids had gotten small presents for me at the mall yesterday while they were with their father (a pisces tattoo-art bracelet and a small mexican sculpture). Had a great day at work. Home to begin the running around.
D10 is doing the 30 Hr famine this weekend, while S and I are at the Ball tomorrow night. Her father is taking her. I had emailed him asking if he was getting her things with her from his house, or just getting her from here. He emailed back and said I should bring her stuff over today instead of tomorrow, while I was picking S up from school (it is still 15 min more to his house from school; certainly not on the way - and packing everything a day early - not to mention my birthday). Rather than start an argument, I just let it go - I would drop her things off today, since I had also promised friends on the same street the dinner (their S is recovering from surgery).
On the way down there, he called my D to ask where we were and if I was bringing the things for her Famine retreat - yes, we are already in the car. He met us there and said Happy Birthday as I was struggling with big boxes out of my car (she is sleeping outside in a cardboard-box-city). He took the boxes and I just said thanks and got back into the car. He hugged D, then we went across the street to deliver dinner, then off to get S. I never looked him in the face, let alone the eyes. I don't think he looked at me, either. Picked S and his friends up, dropped friends off. He balked at going to the mall, so I dropped him off in the rain on the way home. More pissiness from me. Went to Macy's, got confirmation that I have gained about all the weight back and grossed myself out in the triple mirrors, found something not too disgusting, paid $90 and went home.
By this time, I am exhausted. I couldn't help but think back to the time about 5 years ago, to the 40th party my ex threw for the gf...making sure that her friends and everyone in the neighborhood came, took her out on his motorcycle while we set up the rest, surprising her. All of us, friends, kids, playing and relaxing down the hill. He did it because he accused her H of being an a$$ who wouldn't do anything for her. I probably did most of the shopping for that...
Went back and got S, took the kids out to Chinese buffet. Now we are home and in PJs. S wanted a friend to come over to shine shoes - no, I don't think so. I don't even feel like lighting the candles on the cake tonight.
Hope the rain lets up. Or turns completely to snow so there is no school tomorrow. It will be another crazy, long day tomorrow for this ball. And I know that I will be in the small minority who goes on their own.
On the other hand, TONS of well-wishes from friends and family (a few cards and emails, lots of FB). In spite of the hassles, happy to be with my kids.
