Another Year Older

This is the year where blowing out the candles on a birthday cake is a scary event with potentially virus-contaminated droplets being spread to each delicious piece. This is the year where family and friends are reduced to less than ten for the sake of social distancing OR no one at all, if you were unlucky enough to be born in March, April or early May. At this point, a hug is a dangerous, precious gift and a kiss is a daring expression of love. I've seen the drive-by birthday parties and I cry every time. It is a sweet gesture, putting a positive spin on the sadness of being alone for the anniversary of one's birth. We decided to do something different for our son's 'pandemic' birthday and we had him driving from one end of town to another to see people who signed up for a visit. It was presented as a Car Rally which I thought was a genius idea when Kevin suggested it. In hindsight, it might have been a little over the top and the whole point was to give Josh something fun to do. A special memory amidst the chaos of 2020.

Personally, I don't have any expectations for turning 34, it's not considered a big birthday and it would be easily forgotten had it not been for the star of the show; COVID-19. Since I will always remember this birthday, because it is the first time (and hopefully the last) that I am under quarantine, I do want to make a request from my readers... I ask that you tell me, in as much detail as possible, what you did/ate/went/received/gave/said/wore/saw on June 30th, 2020. Consider it a time capsule of sorts, tell me what you have planned for today OR message me at the end of the day with how or what happened to you and around you. I am dead serious, let me live vicariously through you; even if the most interesting part of your 24hrs is the color of poop in your baby's diaper OR the forgotten Amazon package that finally made an appearance OR the Tim Horton's line that is shorter than usual. I'll accept Birthday wishes as well, but you could really take it to the next level, put a smile on my face with a description of your regular routine. Tell me how much/little you slept or your dream/nightmare from last night - I'll take anything... ANYTHING!

👇 Here's a preview of the smile I'll be wearing on Tuesday 👇

(NOTE: the photo (above) was taken pre-pandemic;

unfortunately, it is not indicative of my current appearance)