It's my party. I'll cry if I want to.

So today is my birthday.

I am sick with a sinus infection and an upper respiratory infection (apparently two different things). My doctor yesterday gave me an antibiotic and told me to go home, go to bed, and sleep all I could.

My husband won't be taking me to dinner and plans with friends later in the week likely will be postponed. It is not the end of the world, but I'm not happy about it. Fortunately, I tend to celebrate my birthday all month. Why not, right? You're only going to have that particular birthday once.

Friends have already sent me nice cards. My father sent a gift card. My brother gave me an Erector set! (I'm coloring and playing with kid toys; apparently a full-on reversion to childhood is underway.) Another friend gave me a harmonica (though I won't play that while I'm ill - who wants a harmonica full of germs?) and a book, too.

A girl should be well on her birthday. A girl should not spend a beautiful day in bed.

But a girl will.