Birthday proceedings

Happy belated birthday to me. It was an interesting birthday. I am now on day 13 of a raging case of bronchitis, and so the birthday proceedings were tainted a bit, but otherwise it was a good day. We all went to El Torito Grill for the big brunch buffet, which was really good. (By some miracle, I did not weigh more this morning). Then Chris surprised me with a Segway tour. This is not something I ever expressed an interest in doing, but he has joked about it on several occasions, and it sounded kind of fun. So I went on the Segway tour (of the Canal Walk area in Indianapolis) while Chris and Marcus putzed around the park/canal. I didn't even know that area existed - it's pretty cool. Oh, and after several cooler days, I think the temps reached the low 80s. The weather was perfect!

We had nice weather today too (not quite as warm), and Marcus helped me weed a patch of the front garden that I want to cover in mulch. The last time (or two) that I did gardening/yard work, I paid for it for days afterwards. I really hope that this will not be the case again...but if so, I may have to accept that doing this kind of work just isn't possible for me, unless I can find a way to beat the FMS into submission. I'm kind of depressed about the whole thing...but what can I do. Not much.

While I've been sick, I've generally done even less than usual with Marcus. Sure, we've gone to a couple of playdates (although I feel guilty coughing so much - like I'm sure everyone would prefer I stay home). And we've done a couple of things outside, like today. But generally, I've been very inactive, and he's spent a lot of time watching movies/cartoons. I feel guilty about this. Am I a bad parent if my child spends a large portion of the day watching shows? Am I rotting his brain? He just isn't inclined to find things to do on his own for very long. He needs attention. I can't even read books out loud very well at the moment; it just causes more coughing. Surely I'm no worse than the parents who plant their kids in front of the TV for hours a day - but I don't think very highly of such parents either. Maybe it's just a matter of M's age, and the fact that he's an only child. There will come a time when he can find more to do on his own than electronic amusement. Right? Tell me it is so! ;)

Birthday goodies...Amazon gift certificate from my MIL (gotta love those), a Starbucks card from Mom (feeding the latte habit!), cash from Dad, yummy soap from Allison (from Herbaria soap), fun day out from Chris, lunch today from Anna, birthday cupcakes from Danielle (the only cake I got!), a Target gift card from Amber, and something yet to be received (most likely a book) from the Beckster. Woot!