"9. Make some money: Not to be uncouth, suddenly capitalistic, or to bait-switch this thing into something it is not, but this year will bring shillings (for all of us). And while the focus is on small realness, there is ease and exhalation with being above water and on the board. I haven’t been for a while, so here’s to getting back in the green."
And this:
"14. Garden basil: If pesto isn’t one of your favourite foods, I can respect our differences, but I don’t like it. If you don’t love basil, I will clock this fact and stash it into a folder of oddities about you. But beyond that, growing your own herbs is a joy and gift that keeps on giving (until frost)."
AND THIS. 😂
"15. Touching toes: As someone who was born with the flexibility of a mostly wheelchair-bound geriatric, a strange shift is happening. Suddenly, I’m able to bend over and reach into the general vicinity of my toes. To many, this is a marker of average wellness. To me, it’s almost mystical. Why now? Why suddenly me? Is this self-employment? Stay tuned."
This is THE YEAR I start making money also. The only two New Years "Resolutions" (I hate saying that with a passion) I set for myself were financial freedom (and learning how thrive instead of just survive) for 2026. 🙌🏼
Pesto is also my favorite. I drink that shit up like water.
And, I can't even bend halfway down in an attempt to touch my toes. It's truly concerning.
I’ve had this saved for so long and finally got to it. First of all, happy birthday. Horrifically late, I know, but it’s the belated thought that counts. Second of all, loved all of this! Third of all, I started a herb garden this year and my basil is thriving! So proud of my lil babies 🥹
Thank you for coming back to this post! There is nothing better than fresh basil. Planted mine last week and the have prematurely started plucking off leaves for salads etc., Hope yours giveths into the fall!
Also, YES TO THRIFTING. There is no feeling like stumbling upon a pair of jeans that would cost $90 new, or a top for summer you will wear every day that you snagged for $3. 🙌🏼
Happy happy birthday to you!! 🥳 May your air miles and road trips be filled with joy and thrift finds ... yeah, so I was going to try and tie in all 20 items on your list but got tripped up over Kit Kat lunchbox and former ballerina glove collection and the wheels just came off from there. Ok, write well. Basil.
“It’s a full 30-something who has seen some shit and should not be underestimated. “ Loved this line and it hits close to home for me. Happy Birthday to you! 🥳
In recent years, we’ve learned the key to casual entertaining is a great charcuterie board. Our favorite local source includes plenty of fruit and veggies around the meat and cheese of her large tray, and her cracker box usually has extra treats like pretzels or chocolates. We invest in that, plus maybe some cookies or two-bite brownies, and everyone’s happy.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!🥳🥹🎈
Also, this made me laugh:
"9. Make some money: Not to be uncouth, suddenly capitalistic, or to bait-switch this thing into something it is not, but this year will bring shillings (for all of us). And while the focus is on small realness, there is ease and exhalation with being above water and on the board. I haven’t been for a while, so here’s to getting back in the green."
And this:
"14. Garden basil: If pesto isn’t one of your favourite foods, I can respect our differences, but I don’t like it. If you don’t love basil, I will clock this fact and stash it into a folder of oddities about you. But beyond that, growing your own herbs is a joy and gift that keeps on giving (until frost)."
AND THIS. 😂
"15. Touching toes: As someone who was born with the flexibility of a mostly wheelchair-bound geriatric, a strange shift is happening. Suddenly, I’m able to bend over and reach into the general vicinity of my toes. To many, this is a marker of average wellness. To me, it’s almost mystical. Why now? Why suddenly me? Is this self-employment? Stay tuned."
This is THE YEAR I start making money also. The only two New Years "Resolutions" (I hate saying that with a passion) I set for myself were financial freedom (and learning how thrive instead of just survive) for 2026. 🙌🏼
Pesto is also my favorite. I drink that shit up like water.
And, I can't even bend halfway down in an attempt to touch my toes. It's truly concerning.
As usual, we are twinning. Thanks for the kind comments and for sharing!
I’ve had this saved for so long and finally got to it. First of all, happy birthday. Horrifically late, I know, but it’s the belated thought that counts. Second of all, loved all of this! Third of all, I started a herb garden this year and my basil is thriving! So proud of my lil babies 🥹
Thank you for coming back to this post! There is nothing better than fresh basil. Planted mine last week and the have prematurely started plucking off leaves for salads etc., Hope yours giveths into the fall!
What else did you plant? I’ve got me some chives and mint, too. But the basil is getting the most love
Also, YES TO THRIFTING. There is no feeling like stumbling upon a pair of jeans that would cost $90 new, or a top for summer you will wear every day that you snagged for $3. 🙌🏼
Gas station cheese curds. Sister from another mister, Happiest of Special Days! ❤️🐕
Ah, forever we are!
Happy birthday- it’s great to start the new turn with a plan.
Totally agree. Thank you!
Happy happy birthday to you!! 🥳 May your air miles and road trips be filled with joy and thrift finds ... yeah, so I was going to try and tie in all 20 items on your list but got tripped up over Kit Kat lunchbox and former ballerina glove collection and the wheels just came off from there. Ok, write well. Basil.
Thank you, Michael! As a maximalist, I made sure to pack it in.
Happy Birthday! This is an amazing list! 🩷
Thank you so much!
GREAT list! Enjoy an awesome day!
Thank you! There will be wine and curds!
Happy happy birthday! What a beautiful sentiment and gift to honor this next year of your life with!
That is so very kind! Thank you!
"There’s nothing quite like hitting the pavement early and eating a bag of gas station cheese curds before noon."
Oh my god! We might be family.
Ha! I hope we are! Family in spirit at minimum.
“It’s a full 30-something who has seen some shit and should not be underestimated. “ Loved this line and it hits close to home for me. Happy Birthday to you! 🥳
Thank you, and so glad that line jumped out!
OMG!! I didn’t know how much I needed this today Grace! Pet naps. And one year closer to a hip replacement!! You are my type, sister ✨🙌💜
Ashley! Love your writing too. We are connected! Thank you.
Good for you! I’m long past 36, but I still love your list. We love hosting! Enjoy
Thank you! Hosting is a dying art–your friends and family are lucky to have you!
In recent years, we’ve learned the key to casual entertaining is a great charcuterie board. Our favorite local source includes plenty of fruit and veggies around the meat and cheese of her large tray, and her cracker box usually has extra treats like pretzels or chocolates. We invest in that, plus maybe some cookies or two-bite brownies, and everyone’s happy.
“Then I got to number 8 or 9 and realized: holy fuck, 36 is a lot of items.” Bahahaha so real.
I loved this reflection, and what a good list! Happy birthday and cheers to a fantastic year ahead!
p.s. who doesn’t like basil?
Thank you so much! Genuinely tried for 36 and realized, I'd be writing this into 2027.
Happiest of Birthdays!!
Thank you so much!
Excellent list!! Happy birthday!
Ah, thank you doubly!