I’ve now made 32 trips around the sun, riding along this bright planet. Had the most wonderful birthday. If this year has begun as it will continue, I’m in for one of the best years of my life.
The day started with sleeping in late, a hot shower and a delicious breakfast. A decadently large number of my days lately have started that way. Living with grandparents is The Best.
My morning also featured many people saying Very Nice Things About My work, and the publication of my triumphant “Quitting My Day Job” essay on Get Rich Slowly.
I had good conversations with several people I love, some near and some far, far away close to home. Then my mother-in-law offered to buy me a birthday present in the strangest way possible: she called the boutique near her house and told them I was coming, that they should help me pick out whatever I wanted and she’d pay for it on her way home from the supermarket.
I went down to the shop alone, was buzzed in by happy salesgirls who fussed over me in Spanish and spent several minutes trying to figure out how to say “mother-in-law” in English. I tried on half a dozen dresses. Of course none of them fit because, as my kids like to say, “Hello! Boobies!” I did find a PERFECT sweater though. It’s a cut that I’ve never seen in the States but is very fashionable here. I’ve been literally craving a sweater like this since I saw women here wearing them. I will live in this thing come fall, and you will envy me.
For my next trick, Martin and I went and got Tattoos! The whole story of our tattoo adventure probably deserves it’s own illustrated post. Skipping ahead a bit: we got home late for my own birthday party, but not too too late.
I was given small thoughtful gifts by all the relatives. I love the way they’d each noticed something about me over the past few weeks and reminded me of it with a present. The sister who saw my cold feet gave me slippers. The one whose lipstick I borrowed at the wedding party gave me a tube of that shade. The aunt who saw me patching my stocking with nail polish gave me a pair of footless leggings the same color as my busted tights. It’s like they were paying attention. I feel very loved.
My mother-in-law made me a special cake that was a) delicious and b) contained nothing I’m allergic to. That’s not easy to do. I felt yet more loved.
Then everyone kissed and hugged and shouted affectionately in Spanish, as is the way of their people. And to end the day we all had a big glass of whiskey by the fire place and read stories aloud to the children.
Do days get more awesome than this one? I didn’t think so.
Somewhere in there I also managed to eat several meals and write a few paid articles. I will be more than content to have ever day of Being 32 feel a lot like this one.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I often hear so many people denouncing their birthdays as they get older- good for you to embrace it!!! I love the idea of celebrating YOU.
It sounds like a delightful day please do post about the tattoos too!
~Deirdre
What a WONDERFUL birthday!
Wow. It hadn't even occurred to me that turning 32 might be anything but a cause for celebration.
nothing better than having loved ones really pay attention to the details. sounds awesome!!!!!!
Exactly