I hope you all had an awesome Easter! 

After I shared the “Happy Easter” post, my computer decided it had had enough and started acting up. I walked away from it for the rest of the day and went on with my life. Instead of fighting with it on Monday, I chose to format the whole system. I’ve always refreshed my computers every couple of years – it keeps them running smoothly – but I’d let this one go for almost five years. It was overdue. Now it feels like I’m sitting at a brand‑new machine!

No worries, I saved everything first on my external hard drive, which is almost full now. 🙂 I spent some time yesterday re-installing some software, but there is still more work to do. I like taking my time to get it just right.

I’ve mentioned before that I’m a techy person. Technology is something I got into since I sat in front of my first computer in the 80’s!  Back in the mid‑90s, I took a computer repair course and earned my certification. For years, I built my own systems from the ground up, and I loved the hands‑on work. I built systems for others and was the family computer repair person. Yes, I even used my skills in the workplace!  But spinal stenosis has changed what my hands can manage over the years. I got used to it, though sometimes I do miss the work.

These days, even holding a pen long enough to sign my name can be a challenge, never mind working with tiny components inside a tower. So I adapt, the way I’ve learned to adapt in many areas of my life – still capable, just in a different way. I still work on my own computer, and inside work is done by my hubby these days. I love my desktop and prefer it to my laptop.

Concert!

Hubby and I went to see Chris De Burgh last week, and it was an incredible show – an early birthday gift that couldn’t have been more perfect. Chris De Burge mentioned right at the start that he was dealing with a throat infection, but didn’t want to cancel. Even so, he sounded wonderful. I could hear the strain toward the end, but his commitment to the audience was clear.

The concert was held at the Jag Soundhouse, a new venue for us. Aside from the three flights of stairs – yes, I managed them – we really enjoyed the space and the atmosphere. It felt good to be out together, taking in live music. I love Date Night, and I don’t mind the late nights, as it doesn’t happen often.

 

Life

Between getting my computer back up and running – it always takes a while to reinstall Windows and then the Office Software- I ended up doing a full house clean. And I mean gutted. I took plenty of breaks, parked myself with my laptop, and watched a bit of YouTube in between rounds, while I waited for my computer to do its thing.

I really enjoy it when life settles into a quiet stretch, and I can focus on my own needs. Moving at my own pace feels good. My thoughts have been very quiet these past couple of weeks, and I’m appreciating that more than I can say. No remuneration!

Last night was rough with night sweats (menopause has its own agenda), so I gave myself a long, hot soak this morning. A small reset. I needed that!

Birthday!

My 60th birthday is on Friday, and I’m genuinely excited to step into another decade. Hubby is taking me to a new place for dinner, and my son and daughter‑in‑law are joining us. Afterward, we’ll head back to their place for the birthday cake my son made – he’s baked me one every year since I moved back home, and it’s become a tradition I treasure. It also gives me a chance to dress up again, which I enjoy.

There’s something pretty incredible about reaching this age and being retired from the working world. Even with a few health issues that slow me down, nothing truly stops me. I’ve simply learned to do things differently – more slowly, more intentionally – and everything still gets done in its own time. I don’t rush anymore. That old sense of urgency and hypervigilance has faded.

To me, that is growth, and I’m grateful for it. I am at peace.