Everywhere I go single folks are out and about. I see them at the movies, cafes, grocery stores – sipping their coffee, in their own little worlds, all alone.
When I was little, I would see people alone and think how awful it must be to be without a friend.
But the older I get the more I realize that, alone time, sometimes, is the best time. And the truth is, I can be my own friend.
Today, I sit with white wine and carrot cake before me, alone.
It’s not the first time I’ve forced a self-date but I haven’t quite settled in to the etiquette just yet.
My insides shake a little, outwardly I’m fidgety – trying to figure out what to do with my hands – where to look. What to order. For some reason I feel the urge to explain myself….ya know….why I’m here allllllone.
As if I, myself, as one, needs a specific reason to be out on a Monday afternoon.
However, this particular Monday, as luck would have it, I did have a reason to celebrate.
Today, 02/03/2020 is my oldest friend’s half birthday. And tomorrow will be mine. We turn 38 – 1/2 years old – which we easily translate to 40. woot woot!
Not everyone celebrates the half birthday – but summer babies will tell you that you don’t want to miss out on that school birthday celebration.
I mean….cupcakes (back when they were legal), punch – special guests – everyone taking a moment to say “hey, thanks for being born”….the whole nine yards. a built in party fan club. It’s pure gold.
Laura & I were fortunate because Baywood Elementary honored the birthday celebration & made space for those summer birthdays to convene during winter.
For years Laura & I were together during these days of celebration, cake in hand – giggling in the corner. Over the years, as life has taken hold, we have had to find new ways to honor our birthdays.
Today, we are miles apart – but connected & celebrated all the same. And we both know – the real fun is coming soon. Love you from my oldest parts – thanks for ageing so gracefully – it’s inspiring and of course, thank you for always being my friend.