Help me make it through the ... day!

I got off a little easy last Wednesday night's class/rehearsal, using my birthday as an excuse to not push quite so hard. Again, I'd already put in a day at the (dysfunctional) firm, followed by teaching two ballet classes, followed by 20 minutes of trying to squeeze my car into the nearest available space to Loyola University -- no small feat, since ongoing street repairs have sorely limited how close anyone can park, and I wanted to do so within a relatively close distance, so that when I left a little early (I was thinking ahead), I could do so without fearing for my life and limb as I walked back to my car.

We had a somewhat skeletal crew. Most dancers arrived late due to parking issues. John, our managing director, is in Africa, and Cheryl gave character class as more and more company members began arriving. We then did some Hungarian port de bras in center, after which they began the highly athletic Romanian suite. At this point, I opted to sit in front instead and watch and take/give notes. There will be time enough for me to put myself through the wringer on this dance in weeks to come. After that, I resumed rehearsing with the troupe during the Paso Doble, and at about 9:10, said my goodbyes, stating quite plainly that I wanted nothing more for my birthday at that point but some time to visit with myself and just chill. I did not arrive home until a little after 10, had a glass of wine, watched a little TV, and then to sleep.

It has been three years in a row that I've had pretty much of a non-birthday. That began to hit me the following night, and I think that from now on, I need to at least just take the day off. It felt so ... overlooked, despite emailed and snail mailed well wishes. It just seemed like something was missing, but at the same time, I do feel fortunate that I was able enough to rehearse with my former dance company at this stage in my life, so maybe it wasn't quite so uneventful after all.

Tomorrow -- traveling across the lake to teach two classes of pre-schoolers followed by a couple hours of break, and then 3-hour rehearsal. Give me strength.