Well, I've finally made it; today is my 50th birthday! I never thought I'd get this far; especially in my 20s as I was convinced my liver would give up the ghost. This was exacerbated by becoming a commissioning engineer and drinking on expenses.
Survived I have, however, and am now firmly in the land of the middle aged. I don't feel middle aged though, I still feel young even if my knees are knackered and I play golf.
I'm still in Milton Keyes training and will be here for a couple more weeks, with time off for good behaviour at weekends. Yesterday, though, I had the best surprise of my life. Trying to lose weight, I have been staying in my hotel room in the evening and eating salads from Asda. I finished my repast and retired to bed for a splendid evening of televisual pleasure, it was 10 past 7 of the evening clock. There were knockings on my door; I got out of bed and hastily dressed. The hotel duty manageress presented herself and said unto me that, as it was my birthday, I had been upgraded and a bigger and better room awaited downstairs. She then offered to help me move my stuff. My inquiry as to how they knew it was my 50th birthday went unanswered but I went along with her to my new room. We entered and I placed my suitcase down on the extra bed (yes, extra bed, this room was much bigger than my hitherto residence). I caught a glimpse of movement in the corner of my eye and looked around to see Michelle coming out of the ensuite to give me a kiss and a hug!
I was speechless; this was the best birthday present I could ever have. Michelle had come straight up from work and had planned this in advance. After fetching her car and suitcase, she changed out of her work clothes and we went to the pub for a steak and much beer; so much for the diet
We had a wonderful evening and, ahem, birthday celebration. Unfortunately, due to her running a Slimmimg World group on a Wednesday night, and having to be in Waterstones in Petersfield, Michelle had to leave right after breakfast.
This evening I went out for a splendid curry and some marvellous beer in the pub opposite. All in all, I've had a brilliant birthday; certainly a lot better than I thought it was going to be.
Saturday evening we're off out for a meal with friends to round off the week.
My liver still has a lot of work to do.
