End of a Chapter

Tomorrow is a big day for  me. The majority of you probably don’t know why (and honestly I don’t expect you too because why would you?) but tomorrow I turn twenty nine. It will be the last year of my twenties. But before we can look forward to that year (and what lies beyond it) I would like to reflect back on twenty eight. Here are some of my favorite memories from the last year:

Fall:1. When my cousins came to visit on my birthday last year. I don’t often get to see these cousins or my aunt and they all spoiled me helplessly bringing me journals, pens and a huge spa basket which contained stuff for the shower, the bath, an oil diffuser for my room and a surplus of soap. I was having  such a good time I forgot to go to bed and fell asleep leaning against my aunt.

2. A karaoke party with some friends. My go to was always either “That’s What You Get” or “I Dreamed a Dream” but with my voice the way it is I think it’ll have to be “Beautiful”

3. I had my book launch at The Glitter Thicket. It was a smaller crowd than I anticipated (though my friends really came out and supported me). Larissa provided us with refreshments as I read excerpts to my friends and then almost everybody bought a copy of The Meg and Other Shark Stories. I made sure to inscript each one with a personal message. We all went out to eat after. 

4. My good friend got married. The location was the backyard of the groom’s cousin. It was beautiful with a large people that people literally seemed to glide around as they sipped champagne from flutes. Little secret: when no one is holding me accountable it can be hard to always do the right thing. Each champagne flute had about three sips. Would that be so bad? I didn’t have any. I hold myself to higher standards. Besides this very friend, the bride, had faith in me. On my sobriety date she got me a bracelet that said “Strong AF” So I guess I am. And she made a beautiful bride, the dancing was fun and the food was delicious. Plus they served virgin bloody marys.

5. I had a “werewolf” themed costume party. Werewolf is my favorite social  deduction game. Unfortunately I don’t get to play it often because it requires seven to eight players who know how the game works and someone willing to be moderator. Not everyone liked the game “werewolf” but everybody had fun at the party. I invited friends and cousins from both sides of the family. For Halloween I was poison ivy (although when I went out on actual Halloween I just dressed sexy). 

Winter:

1. Co-hosting my first poetry slam. I had been asked to be an organizer in October and it was a great honor. I was nervous but my co host was very capable and walked me through it.

2. Going as Justin’s date to his fancy Christmas party. I spent several hours shopping for the exact right outfit (a green bodysuit which I wore with a black shrug and a skirt). I felt beautiful as he escorted me around, introducing me to his co workers The appetizers  were delightful; they even handed out noodles in take out containers which was a struggle to eat but worth it. At one point Justin’s boss sat down with us and asked about my writing. I was floored. Out of all the important things this man has to remember and he recalls the fact I’m a writer? Color me impressed.

3. Making money from working for the newspaper. I did two assignments, making over $100 on each,  both interviews. It doesn’t sound like alot  but for someone who writes all day and never gets paid, this made me feel like I had come a long way,

4. A romantic Valentine’s Day with Justin. This was our third Valentine’s Day. We did some doordashing (it’s something we used to do alot which we both enjoyed. Making money by spending time together) and then went to a dinner at a fancy Italian restaurant. They had a fancy menu where each of us automatically got an app, an entree and a dessert. I love trying new restaurants even though I usually just order pasta anyway. I guess you could say I am a connoisseur. 

5. A laser tag birthday party. I was chuffed at the invitation even though I almost passed out and let’s face it they aren’t going to recruit me for SpecOps anytime soon.

Spring:

1. Justin and I went to 90sCon. The celebrities included the cast of The Craft and Scream, both movies which I loved although unfortunately Naeve Campbell did not attend. There were lines to get photos and signatures with all of the celebrities, so expensive that Justin and I decided we weren’t going to get any. We also didn’t feel like waiting in line. We explored the vendors. I got a crop top that says “Scream Queen”

2. The hotel Justin and I stayed at was really nice. There was a living room, a bedroom and a spacious bathroom. We were thrilled we had a full refrigerator and a dishwasher even though all we used them for was storing our leftovers after we had dinner with two of our friends who had moved to Connecticut several years ago. 

3. Going to the city for the Octavia Butler exhibit. We read Octavia Butler in our book club so a group of us got together in my friends Tesla and we went to t he city. After we checked out the exhibit (which was barebones) we managed to  find a nice restaurant really close by. We were back home for the slam and then our friend invited everyone to  his place until it got late. It was a full day surrounded by friends, poetry and food. I couldn’t have been more filled.

4. Cramming myself and Justin into a room packed with family and beer at Cape Cod. We go every year and I’ve been bringing Justin ever since I started dating him. Cape Cod is where I first learned how to play werewolf and every year we play it again despite everybodys bellyaching because deep down inside they are just like me and love it too.

5. Justin’s birthday dinner. I took him out to dinner (for once. He always takes me) at the Melting Pot which he took me to several years ago. The Melting Pot is a magical place where you have the most exquisite four course meal- cheese fondue, salad, meat (where you cook your own food. I kept losing my all my food) and chocolate fondue. I paid the extra for the rose petals and the balloons and Justin was so touched he got misty-eyed.

Summer:

1. Hosting another poetry slam. This time I got to host the partner slam which had fewer poets but higher stakes. I co hosted with the  founder of the organization which was an  honor. I also accidentally called my county a state. Oops.

2. Going to Mahwah pride with several friends. I got a bunch of free swag- gratitude journal, rubber ducky, even condoms. I got a beautiful denim jacket that said “beautiful mess” on the back with iron on letters. We went out after for dinner and my friend paid for my meal which was humbling but I was also very very grateful I didn’t have to pretend not to be hungry. She told me I was the coolest person my age she knew and that I was a good friend. These words really touched my heart.

3. Playing Nintendo Switch Lite with another friend, primarily the game Unpacking. I enjoyed our time together so much I actually got the gaming system for my birthday.

4. Sitting around the fire pit after a summer birthday party.

5. Going to the amusement park Splashdown with my boyfriend Justin. We went on every ride in the park without getting sunburned or dehydrated. Tunnel slides, inner tubes, lazy rivers. That was my favorite day of the whole summer. 

If you think of a moment you shared with me that isn’t on here, don’t think I didn’t treasure it. I did a lot in one year. I will do alot in the next. I am so lucky to have such a rich life to celebrate. Thank you to all of you  reading this.