Happy Birthday to Me!
My goal is to post every Sunday as I enjoy curling up with my laptop and a soothing cup of green tea after taking the dog for a walk. I missed last weekend as I was in DC on business. Sure, I had my trusty laptop with me, but last Sunday also happened to be my birthday. I turned 49. I was in DC and I was alone, most of my convention-attending colleagues having travelled back home. I wanted to stay an extra day specifically because it was my birthday.
I woke to glorious weather and a day of possiblities. I wanted to celebrate the beginning of my 50th year on this planet - what to do? Well, I started with room service, said to hell with my healthy diet plan, and ordered crispy bacon and home fries. Mmmmmm. I then set about Googling the Smithsonian. Interestingly - but not surprisingly - I browsed through the Washington Post while I ate and discovered a whole section on museums and what curators are doing to encourage new patrons. I had already decided even before I left home to visit the Smithsonian but with limited time, which exhibits to see? The universe really does provide what we need when we need it - we only have to ask. I laughed out loud when I spotted the special section of the paper outlining three museum routes. Deciding on the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of American History if I had the time, I dressed myself in comfortable (but fashionable - see my blog subtitle) touring clothes, and grabbed a ride into downtown DC.
Ukla, my longtime boyfriend (Google Ukla the Mok - he’s a ringer for my guy), had potentially planned to travel with me but it didn’t work out. Disappointed at first, I trusted that this is the way it should be. Interestingly - but not surprisingly - it turned out to be so meaningful that I was alone and here’s why. First, this journey of self-discovery is just that. It’s mine and no one else can do it, or even share in it, with me. It’s wholly internal. Second, being entirely on my own meant that my experiences were potent and personal. They were not watered down in any way by others’ opinions or input. I didn’t have to consider or accomodate. I could focus entirely on my own feelings and reactions. That was my birthday gift to me.
One of the exhibits in the Natural History Museum was the Sant Ocean Hall. Towering above fascinating and well-laid out displays, is a full scale model of a North Atlantic Right whale. Her name is Phoenix. She is beautiful and breathtaking. Gazing up at her, I felt tears in my eyes at her sheer beauty and magnificence. I could have looked at her all day. But there was so much more to see. Another highlight occurred at the entdomology display. A stoic, very patient and knowledgeable entomologist had three specimens on display. One of those bugs which looks like a leaf, some huge, rainbow-coloured grasshoppers that miraculously didn’t jump away, and a trio of hissing cockroaches. I watched as fearless children gently held and squealed at the insects. I’m not afraid of bugs but I don’t go out of my way to have dinner with them either. But, as this is the year of taking risks and self-discovery, why the hell not? And so I put the large, inquisitive beetle on my forearm, and filmed as he walked up to my elbow. He tickled. I called him Jeffrey. And then I carried on, quite happy with myself that I did something where my first instinct was to pass on the experience. I then visited the Museum of American History where I thoroughly enjoyed the exhibit on sea travel (hmmmm, do you see an ocean pattern emerging?). Next it was off to the Washington Monument where I simply sat and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Neon spots of colour buzzed throughthe sky as giggling children ran here and there with kites. And I enjoyed the fact that I sat alone, taking it all in, and making it my own.
The whole day was a rejuvenating and empowering experience. Today I am heading out to run errands and I will pick up a photo album. It will be my “50th year” album where I will record and document the journey of this year, culminating with my 50th birthday in October 2010. The first entries will be the Washington Post museum story, as well as pictures of Jeffrey.
What will you do for yourself today? What private experience - big or small - will you make your own?