Hey look it’s August! If I were a kid again, I’d be getting ready to go back to school and picking out my new school supplies (literally my favorite part of going back to school ever year!) Then of course I’d also be thinking about the stupid awesome “What I Did On My Summer Vacation” assignment we would have to do.
Would we have to write about the raddest thing we did? Would we have to stand up and tell the class in a few words the most memorable part of the summer? Would we have to show pictures? Create a diorama?
If I had that assignment, it would read something like this…
My birthday comes during the summer months. I turned 45 years old.
How wild is that? I’ve been on this planet for 45 years, just bumbling around without a plan and I have managed not to die. How insane is that?
To celebrate this fact, I went to dinner and the beach with Dan & The Parents. We had Peruvian food at a fancy restaurant that had fantastic deserts and fancy mocktails.
Another memorable event was going to my friend Teresa’s wedding. We’ve been friends for so long now that it’s getting into the double digits. Her wedding was at the Madonna Inn and it was just as fancy and fantastic as T is. There was a lot of pink involved. Of course, the Bride designed and made her own dress.
I also was gifted a pair of tickets to see Sublime with Rome at the Midstate Fair. Dan and I really aren’t fair folk but we went early to check out the food and vendors. We took pictures in a photo booth. Serendipity allowed us to meet up with my Forever Friend Megan and her husband Grant and we saw the show together. I also got to hug two of my other favorite people at the show, my friend Jo and his girlfriend Monica.
I watched the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics. I got to see Gojira play a song from Les Mis with a beheaded Marie Antionette introducing them. I got to watch Snoop Dogg have the time of his life. I got to watch Simone Biles continue to be the GOAT. I got to watch some Americans get their pants in a bunch over the French being creative and artsy in that Opening Ceremonies. I had to watch some Americans basically bully and spread lies about a Female Boxer, you know because Racism, Transphobia and the male gaze.
I ordered a pair of Chuck Taylors when I heard Kamala Harris was going to run for President. My mouth dropped open when her first campaign ad dropped with music from Beyonce. BEYONCE. I fell in love with Tim Walz when he was introduced to America. I enjoyed watching the internet explode with this new enthusiasm about voting this year, voting FOR something instead of AGAINST something…
I worked of course. I worked a lot. I worked on my birthday. I worked on the 4th of July. I worked 6 days a week, 48 hours a week for a long stretch. I got better at my job. I got better at managing my mood when people weren’t at their best. I learned how to dig even deeper for more patience and more grace when dealing with situations where maybe someone just needed some more guidance. I also learned how to keep my personal life and opinions out of the check out line. I just laugh or just go straight faced and say NO, whichever the situation calls for.
I read a lot. I’m currently reading a book called “The Coffee Maker,” by Jack Grisham (yes that Jack Grisham from T.S.O.L)
I still haven’t cut my hair. I have no idea when I will cut it or if I will. It’s to my shoulders or slightly past it. I haven’t dyed it. I haven’t seen any major gray hairs.
I am staying sober. It’s my default. I don’t really think about it anymore. It’s just who I am. It’s as much a part of me as being allergic to bees or loving cheese. I am a person who just does not drink. I wear all black clothes and I don’t drink. I love Rice Crispy treats and I don’t drink.
My Summer has been seriously low key and easy, it’s how I like to live now. I like to live within my means, to keep the drama to the minimum, to keep the pressure to an acceptable point, to keep my goals achievable and to thrive and not just survive anymore.
This was lovely, I really enjoyed reading it. I’m 68–my oldest son is your age—but I related to your appreciation of the important things in life: family, friends, simple pleasures, fun, hope in the future (go Kamala!) and being comfortable in one’s own skin.
Love this, love you! Your writing is both delicious and mellifluous ~ More please! I love you Beautiful Girl, you continue to inspire Xx