The days when I used to write an overview every Sunday of the week just gone have been few and far in between lately - life is either too hectic to write those posts or too mundane to bother. I turned twenty-one last week and decided that for a milestone birthday and after living with ME for another year, it was suitable to have a whole week of celebrations! And what better way to welcome the weekly posts back than with a 21st Birthday Edition?
On Sunday my family and I packed our weekend bags and headed to Sprowston Manor, a hotel and country club just outside of Norwich. With a spa that my mum and I could relax in and a golf course for my dad and brother, it was the ideal retreat for us all. Shortly after we arrived my illness got the better of me and so we left the boys to tee off and hotfooted it up to our rooms, where we found the world's comfiest beds. It's always a shame to have to get into bed when you've paid to use the facilities and should be heading for a swim or a massage, but resting to gain some strength for the evening was the most sensible option.
That evening we got dressed up and popped some champagne in one of our rooms before heading to the restaurant, where we had a three-course meal booked. The food was just superb and it was so nice to be all together and in a grander setting with silver service, which made the evening feel a bit more 'unique' than your usual dining experience.
The following day - and after a night of almost no sleep, despite the world's comfiest beds! - we enjoyed the huge breakfast selection, that offered literally everything and anything that you could possibly want for your morning meal. With my dad and brother playing another round of golf my mum and I decided to be spa bunnies, and swanning around in white fluffy robes all afternoon suited us just fine. When I asked on Instagram what I should do for my birthday the resounding answer was, "spa day!" and you were all right - even though I felt weak with a flu-like ache, being pampered and then falling asleep on a lounger next to a calming blue pool was a lovely way to make the most of things.
My actual birthday was a couple of days later on Wednesday, but I had such an extra special and extra cute day that I'm saving it for a separate post - stay tuned for that one!
On Thursday it was my older brother's 23rd birthday - I was born the day before he turned two years old! - and Will arrived, as did Ruari's girlfriend Hannah, so there were smiles all round. We had a really chilled out evening with a meal made by our fantastic cook of a dad, a few glasses of champagne and present-opening; always a winning formula.
On Saturday evening my brother had a birthday meal planned with his girlfriend and friends, and despite a ME-induced mini-meltdown whilst we were getting ready, Will and I were luckily able to join them. After the meal - which was amazing! - we went out for a few drinks in the city. There were a few wobbly moments but I'm beyond happy that I made it as it was lovely to celebrate our birthdays with everyone and turn 21 with a bang. I didn't get many non-blurry photos but have plenty of funny memories, which is fine by me!
All in all, I had such a memorable 21st and am incredibly thankful to everyone who made my birthday so special. Watch this space for a post about the 22nd!
If you also suffer with chronic illness, how do you celebrate birthdays?
Meg
