thank you, thank you

Boy, howdy, y’all have helped make a birthday that could’ve easily been overshadowed into one of the brightest I’ve had in a while.

Thank you to everyone who “pinned some money to my shirt,” so to speak, and to the following for sending me some joy via my wishlist:

Amy  vdH
Renata M
Christa
Tilda
Jessie B
Leila
Angie
Leah
Alison
Angela P.T.

My cross-stitching hobby really appreciates your kindness, as do I, of course. I can’t thank you all enough.

We buried my father Friday and my birthday was Monday. My original desire was to spend the day by myself. Since returning home, I think I can count on one hand how many times I’ve been alone. My mental health is not great at the moment, and I wanted some time to myself where I didn’t have to put on a front so no one would worry about me.

My friend Cynthia would not let me follow through on that plan, and I’m glad she didn’t. She asked me what I wanted and I said a steak dinner. We went to Bourbon Steak, and it was so good. I already know this will be the place I go to celebrate anything. There was a french fry flight. The pureed potatoes were buttery perfection. The loaded baked potato came with the accoutrements on the side, including a mini-squeeze bottle of hot melted cheese. Yes, I had 3 kinds of potatoes that night. If I had ever had a wedding, I would’ve had a potato bar. Shit, I might make up an occasion to have one.

Yes, I may be focusing on the potatoes, but the steak (with lobster tail and béarnaise sauce) was juicy and just scrumptious. I also had a lovely caesar salad that I inhaled and some black truffle macaroni and cheese. For dessert, we had beignets and a deconstructed s’mores dish, plus the complimentary “happy birthday” slice of cake. Everything was on point, including the service. (Thank you, Chad!) The next morning, I woke up thinking about my leftovers and gobbled them for breakfast.

It was a delightful experience overall, and the next day, Cynthia received news that she’d been accepted into a Ph.D. program. It felt like the beauty of the night had been extended. I feel kind of rejuvenated in a way. My hope for the future increased by 5%.

Don’t get it twisted. I still desperately need some alone time. Bourbon Steak is located in a hotel so maybe one day, I can book a room for the weekend and treat myself to some quiet and more steak and potatoes. I’m a simple woman. I don’t need much, but God, I love a treat.

I get my pamper gene from my mom. “If you don’t take care of yourself, who will?” You can’t sit back and wait for someone else to be good to you. But after this birthday, and honestly, the last 2 years, I know my loved ones and many strangers on the internet care enough to send a little joy my way. Thank you, again.

• Writing daily poems is really working that ole creativity muscle. I’ll be honest: I’m 2 days behind already. I’m writing shit. I want to give up. I won’t.

• I’m trying, for maybe the 10th time, to read Pride & Prejudice. Yes, by Jane Austen. I have never been able to make it past the first few chapters. It is not my ministry, but I have to do some research so needs must.

• Donkey sent me this country music song that has now become one of my many theme songs.

• If you sent me something but I didn’t include your name, please forgive me! I may not have received it yet by the time I posted this.

• This weekend, I’m going to organize my cross stitch materials. I have 4 projects I’m working on, and I’m eyeing a fifth because why not! If I ever finish them, I will take post pictures. Maybe I should do progress reports to stay accountable? Probably not. I like to take my time and don’t need the pressure of feeling like I have to update. But who knows?! I change my mind often.

• A few people have suggested I use my hobbies as a way of meeting men. Here are some of my hobbies: I cross stitch, am learning crochet (poorly), and read romance novels.

• Anyway. I’m doing alright, and I hope you’re doing alright. My wish for us all: affordable healthcare, housing, groceries, and leisure time.

smooches