So, I rose with the sun. I accomplished some writing stuff, and then I slapped on a houndstooth hat and drove to the Arborg Co-op.
Which is the main part of the story.
At the till, I chatted with the cashier, and then I walked along the yellow-brick road to my dirt-caked vehicle. Why was I driving a vehicle caked with dirt?
With Def Leppard blaring, I headed to the Arborg Co-op Gas Station’s car wash. I drove into the bay, and I washed my Kia. With a wand. For the first time.
I’ve never wand-washed a vehicle. It was either a hand wash or drive through car washed. Needless to say, this was a new experience.
Hnausa Dock, Manitoba. A little “Titanic” re-enactment.
My birthday was the best.
I didn’t enjoy my birthday last year. Turing 40 didn’t bother me. The day was fun but it didn’t go as planned.
However, 41? It was perfect. Breakfast in bed. Lunch in bed. I didn’t leave my bed until 2:30 p.m.
I revamped any plans my husband made with no apologies. Before we left the house, I took fifteen minutes to decide what to wear. Spend another thirty minutes on my hair. I decided I wasn’t going to rush. It was my birthday.
Too often, people forget their birthday is about them. They’re caught up in the, “Oh, you planned this for me, and this, and this.” And they’re so exhausted from going place to place, they forget whose birthday they’re celebrating.
The day is about the person celebrating their birthday.
This year, I didn’t have two surprise parties. I love seeing my friends, but not when I’m exhausted from working. This year, I didn’t pretend to enjoy myself in a casino. Why a casino? No idea. I was told they were taking me somewhere with an ice cream bar, and I didn’t ask questions.
But that’s the mistake. Remember when we were little? People would ask, “What do you want for your birthday?” We knew. Nine times out of 10, we knew. Clothes, perfume, makeup, CDs, gift cards, etc. As grown ups, we’re vague. Don’t be vague. Especially women. Be direct.
If you want to spend the day eating a gluten-free Reuben in bed – like I did – say, “I want to spend it in bed – alone.” Or if you want to go on a trip with friends, then go on a trip with friends. If you want to spend your birthday with family or have a huge party, then go for it.
Because your birthday is about you, and it should be your choice how you spend the day.
I went to a palm reader, and I interviewed a psychic.
I’m not skeptical, though I’m guarded.
What about the element of surprise? Or is it better to know what’s ahead? When it’s accurate.
February 1996. My friend *Lynn and I were at Polo Park Shopping Centre in Winnipeg. On the lower level was a palm reader. We thought, why not?
I gave the palm reader – let’s call her Lola – my hand. I noticed her nails were bare, except for the pinkies, which were a flaming red. Lola recommended my friend take notes during the reading, then she stared into the depths of my palm.
Too often, people offer information when a they hear minor similarities.
Palm reader: “I feel like you lost someone.”
Eager person: “Yes, I did.”
Palm reader: “Did his name begin with ‘A’ or a ‘T’… maybe an ‘M.’“
Eager person: “His middle name was Anton!”
Poker face, people. Poker face. Back to my reading…
Lola, the palm reader, concluded immediately I liked to spend money. Easy one, I’m in a mall with a ton of bags tucked around me.
Tammy W. Karatchuk 