Thoughts on my 42nd birthday weekend!
Tomorrow I turn 42 years old!
I prefer even number ages to odd ones! And 4+2 is six, which is like 26, so I think that’s a sign that this is going to be a good year.
Favorites at 42:
Favorite author: Lisa Joya (So many great thrillers and your writing is amazing)
favorite food: Cheese, especially diced aged gouda
Favorite song: The acoustic version of beautiful things
Favorite movie this year: call me by your name (older one I saw this year)
favorite drink: An old style on a cube
Favorite podcast: Money for couples (Ramit is the best!)
Favorite clothing brand: athleteForever and ever
Favorite restaurant: flower
Favorite Reality Show: Survivor, obviously!
Favorite TV show: english teacher (BJA is a genius)
Favorite personal care: The Keswick Spa – take me there!
Favorite workout: Minute 42 of Saturday morning Cardio Max Or minute 42 of the second half of a soccer match!
Birthday posts are often themed around sage advice written for the younger set, but I’m not feeling as eloquent this year! So I thought I’d share some things I’m excited about this year.
We’re going to Europe!
I haven’t crossed the pond since I studied at Cambridge for a summer in college. And Thomas has never been to Europe! My parents took us to London and Paris when I was in high school and then I traveled around the UK in the summer of 2004, but we simply hadn’t had the time or childcare to take a longer trip… until now. The boys begged to go to Grammy and Pea’s for two weeks next summer. My parents generously agreed to a 10-day visit next June, so I asked them if it would be okay if we left the country. They said yes!
my sister is one experienced travel advisorAnd believe me when I tell you that we spent WEEKS continually discussing where we should go and what we should do! We focused on the Mediterranean because we love the warm weather and the water, and we debated whether to do a week in one place or split it into two or go on a cruise that had more variety. Since travel days consume a lot of time and energy, we decided that a cruise would allow us to see more without the hassle of packing and unpacking. We are excited about the higher-end, smaller ship cruise line that Laura recommended: explore.
We take a seven-day cruise that departs from Rome and ends in Barcelona. Along the way we stopped in Naples, Sicily, Tunisia, Sardinia and Mallorca. We are finishing booking hotels for our nights in Rome and Barcelona.
Flights have also been booked. While we paid for the cruise in dollars, we used points for our flights and nearly eliminated our Chase portal by booking business class for the outbound flight and economy for the return flight. (Learn more about how we accumulate and spend credit card points for travel here and my favorite cards here (these are affiliate links)) I can’t wait!
Dad’s 70
In the near future, next weekend we will celebrate my father’s 70th birthday. My sister and her family, along with my parents, are coming to Cville for a Clifford Younger themed itinerary. There will be basketball, pizza, trivia, hiking, wine and, of course, cake. Sarah Cramer will also come and take some three generation photos, so it will be great to have them as a keepsake for Dad!
This weekend
We’re celebrating this weekend with a costume party and I’ll be going as a Scorpio, aka Scorpion! You can see the accessories I bought in my Halloween store on Amazon.
I don’t really “believe” in zodiac signs, but I will say that everything I’ve read about Scorpio is true for me, so maybe I’ve fulfilled the prophecy! I wonder if Birch will also have a similar personality when she grows up. I know we share the same love languages (words and touch).
Birch will be turning six on the 29th (yes, for another 6!) and this year it’s her birthday. You’ve been planning your party for months! I can’t wait to give him his gifts, including a remote control spider. He shares his love for Halloween <3
I hope you all have a very happy 10/26/Halloween weekend!
