So awesome

Video of a friend reacting to a birthday surprise I helped orchestrate, and seeing how excited it made her. 

Scavenger hunt

As part of a friend's birthday celebration, I was a clue in a scavenger hunt (and directed him to another person who would direct him to another who would, eventually, lead him to a birthday present).

I thought it was such a neat idea and the long text conversation was so nice to have.

Birthday party

Sitting in a park today with a nice breeze and three other people, celebrating one of their birthdays from across an open field.

Letters

I've been sending letters lately, because why not? They're wonderful, and it's felt really awesome to put stamps on things and put them in the mail.

It's been equally nice to learn that they've arrived! And one friend -- whose birthday is this week -- told me she planned to save the "happy holidays" card (who just has a stash of appropriate cards laying around?) as a memory of what weird times we're in.

It's meant calls and texts and maybe some pen pals to be? We shall see!

Smash cake

At an online first birthday party today (my second of quarantine), the guest of honor was presented with a lovely cake, covered in sprinkles, for eating and smashing and smearing frosting (in this case whipped cream) all over everything.

So what did he do? The first thing every child does when presented with a cake, of course. He stuck his foot in it.

It just made me giggle. He figured out the hands part, too. Eventually.

You're never fully dressed

You know, I din't go very far these days. So the temptation to work in pajamas wins out ... quite a bit. I think I do feel better when I'm wearing real clothes, but that doesn't stop me from not doing it.

Today, I took a mid-afternoon hot shower (which was also pretty wonderful) and then pulled a dress from the back of my closet. It's not the fanciest dress -- it's the kind that I'd wear to a casual brunch wedding (and have!) but haven't put on recently. Maybe it's out of fashion. Maybe it's not the most flattering. Maybe my style has changed. At home, it's the right outfit for the occasion!

I'm going to a (Zoom) birthday party tonight, too. So I'll look a little fancier that my PJs.

Slippers

My freshman year of college, a friend got me these adorable, ridiculous Winnie the Pooh slippers. (They're not exactly like that, but giant heads are the point I'm trying to make.)

I like Pooh! They were really sweet. And I wore them very occasionally because they're juvenile and cumbersome and it's easier to slip on flip-flops or walk around barefoot. Y'know?

But in working from home -- windows open, a cool breeze -- I have worn them so much more than I used to. And they are snug and warm and I see a giant yellow head every time I stretch my legs. So great.

Happy birthday!

Sure, it's a weird time to celebrate. But what a nice distraction to get an email from my cousin suggesting we gather online to celebrate his son's first birthday (a month late)?

Some of us ate cake, we all sang, we argued about things we have no control over and most people failed to notice my sister's friend popping in and listening for a few minutes. Just like any other family party!

A weird way to celebrate turning one, perhaps, but at least we got to celebrate.

My favorite thing today

I've been meaning to post about several things that have been making me happy: unexpected Honeycrisp apples, having options and the ability to make choices, baked goods, delicious chocolate, time with friends, celebrations and making new connections among them.

But for now, I want you to know about this.

It's the latest hashtag-of-wonderfulness, about the Muppets. And Communists. And, just click (on the "this"). It'll make you smile, too.

My favorite that isn't on the list: @owillis: "Just how much of America's tax dollars was used to send pigs to space, sir?" #GOPMuppetHearings

30th Birthday

So, Today is a great day. I ran 11 miles at a 13:16 average pace - Yay!
Also, the Disney Princess Half Marathon in 2012 will be on my 30th birthday. So I will be going to Disney! Yay!

Birthday Fun

It is my birthday! This is enough reason to post, but even more happy is all the birthday wishes I have recieved. I know so many awesome people, and it makes me happy.