43

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I’ve completed another trip around the sun and am starting my 43rd year of life today. I contemplated doing some kind of snazzy post about 43 things I want to accomplish this year but that seems like a great way to be disappointed during a pandemic.

Instead, let’s use math to take a shortcut (4+3=7) and discuss seven things I’ve learned these last 365 days.

1. Never pass on an opportunity to look toward the heavens when there is a sunrise, a sunset or a meteor shower to enjoy. On Tuesday night I spread out a blanket on the ground and laid down, contemplating the beauty of the night sky while the Perseid Meteor shower created a mesmerizing distraction. It was worth being tired the next day.

The sunrise pictured here also required lost sleep but was worth the effort given that I got to see the dawning of a new day and the enlightenment of the world in a way that most others miss.

2. A walk though the woods on a rainy day will cleanse your mind and soul. I’ve always been a fair weather hiker but there’s a real argument for going during a gentle rain. There are fewer people out and rain changes the feel of the air but the forest canopy keeps you mostly dry. Try it and you will feel like a kid again.

3. Self control goes out the window where vintage suitcases for cheap prices are concerned. For real, friends. I bought another one (a birthday gift to myself) even though the existing suitcase pile already meets the ceiling. Hi, my name is Brandi and I don’t know when enough is enough.

4. Working from home suits me. I like the quiet and find that I’m typically smarter, faster and better at my home desk than my office desk. The transition back into the office has been a challenge.

5. Rescuing a kitten from the street and offering him a pampered life is the most rewarding thing I have done lately. Scout was such a scrawny little baby but has grown into a sleek, strong, playful and smart young chap. He has brought much joy to my life and provided companionship during these many months of solitude.

6. I was made for quarantine living. You want me to stay home with my cat, live off what I already own, read books, go for walks and not talk to people? I’m in!

7. Life is only as good or as bad as you allow it to be. Sometimes the unplanned problems, the roadblocks and the derailments are there to bring opportunities for something better. So instead of complaining about the rain, get yourself a cute umbrella and some nice galoshes so you can go splash in the mud puddles! Better yet, just run outside and enjoy it. You may even catch a rainbow!

This calendar year hasn’t been what I wanted it to be. I miss travel and freedom and diners and live music and being able to to shop in stores without carrying hand sanitizer in my pocket.

However, 2020 has gifted me with amazing books, birds outside my window, kitty cuddles, hikes in my own community, beautiful backroads, and breathtaking meteors.

And when you add all that up, it hasn’t been so bad.

Life is short, friends. Enjoy what you have. And since it’s my birthday, I encourage you to celebrate with some cake and ice cream!

29 thoughts on “43”

    • “This celebration was as much about my co-workers enjoying each others’ company as it was about my birthday.”

      That’s a powerful realization for a young person. It took me years to understand as why these small work place celebrations are so important.

      And thank you! The bank gives us our birthday off so there is an adventure planned today!

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  4. Happy Birthday to you….Happy Birthday to you…Happy Birthday dear Brandi…Happy Birthday to you! (Did you hear me singing?) Have a great day!

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  6. Happy Birthday to you, my Friend! I imagine all of us will experience a quarantine birthday.

    I don’t think I’ve taken a walk in the woods when its raining because our rain always seems to come with lightening. LOL

    Those vintage suitcases are so cool. Love them.

    I, too, was made for quarantine living and working from home. I am even totally into wearing a mask. Keeps little gnats out of my nose and mouth. Ha ha.

    Yes, YES!!!! Everything you said about your cutie pie kitten.

    Love, love, love #7.

    I will have some Haagen Daaz chocolate-chocolate chip ice cream in honor of your birthday.

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    • I fear you are correct. It’s Covid birthday cake for everyone!

      Lightening isn’t cool so best not go walking in that.

      I like suitcases but the collection is getting out of hand…. yikes!! I need to start a new stack.

      I don’t love mask wearing but it’s fine. What I really like is the six feet of personal space. I hope we keep that when things get back to normal!

      I’m so lucky he found me. 🙂

      #7 applies to so many things in life!!

      And that’s a perfect way to celebrate!!

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  8. A bleated happy birthday to you Brandi, you youngster you! 😀 (I have three months on you so I can legitimately call you that) 1977 – was an awesome year to born in wasn’t it!

    Another great and thought provoking post – I fully agree with all you say, including walking in the rain. Rains give an atmosphere to a walk like no other can – sometimes quite magical.

    And no, you can never have too many vintage suitcases! 😀

    Cheers!

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