Big Birthday Break

Gifting myself some offline time, among other things

We’re almost halfway through November, and you know what that means? It’s my birthday soon!

I’m one of those people who takes their birthday very seriously. I wasn’t always that way, but over the past few years (since probably 2020/early Covid), it’s become really important to me to make this time of year special for myself.

When I was younger, I wished someone would throw me a really cool surprise party or that my parents would get me that one impractical/overpriced/unnecessary gift that I really wanted. Once I got older, I realized there wasn’t anyone in my life that was going to throw me a surprise party. (Let’s be real — it’s a lot of work.) And even though my parents got me nice gifts, sometimes there’d still be something I wished I could buy for myself.

Now that I’m an adult with Big Kid Money, I’ve realized I can just buy whatever I want (for the most part). I can get myself a stupid amount of presents, take myself out to dinner at a fancy restaurant, or buy the biggest cake in town. No one is stopping me from throwing a big ol’ party for myself.

And every year, I make a point to do so because I want to. It makes me feel special, and helps me mark the years so they don’t simply slip by. However, the kinds of birthday celebrations I’ve chosen to create for myself are usually done solo or with one other person instead of a big party. They generally have to be exciting, relaxing, and allow some space for reflection.

This year, I decided to gift myself a few experiences for my 27th birthday. I did get a few physical things for myself, but going out and doing cool stuff is the more important focus.

I went to the spa with a friend yesterday to kick off the celebration. Spending six hours lounging in a liminal space (and getting a much-needed massage) soothed me back into my body after what’s been a really stressful few weeks.

Later, Ryan and I have a fun trip planned to Eau Claire. That’s the place we got engaged and we love visiting when we can. It’ll be just the two of us staying in our favorite hotel, going to our favorite restaurants, and visiting our favorite shops.

I took this photo in a bathroom at an art museum. When I think of the word “party,” this is the kind of image my brain conjures up.

When I got home from the spa today, I realized there was one more thing I wanted to gift to myself. Lately I’ve been craving more time offline. I think that’s largely due to the chaos of last week. Between the election, work, and planning for next year, I was completely glued to my phone and computer almost every waking hour. My shoulders turned into concrete and my ambient headaches came back — likely caused by my stiff, sore neck.

So, I am gifting myself a week off from this newsletter. I realize this is kind of a silly time to peace out, since I just got an influx of new readers (hi y’all!) but I owe it to myself to make the most of my birthday season. After all, it only comes once a year.

If you’re new here (or just want something to read), here are some of my favorite newsletters I’ve published. Read them so you can get to know me better! And leave a comment if you feel inspired.

-The Great Grillmaster in the Sky

-The Magic of Chili's

-100 Miles Later

-In the Right Place at the Right Time

And with that, I will be back in your inbox on Nov. 26. Byeeeee!

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