my favorite week of the year
A week for nerds of all varieties—both literary and mathematical
Sprite captures turning 40 while snowshoeing along Teton Canyon 3.19.2024
As a Pisces, I adore all things creative. Even if I’m not good at drawing or sewing or most artsy fartsy pursuits. Naturally, it’s fitting that all the fun nerdy, creative days of the year lead up to my birthday. And oh, how I celebrate them every year! I’m here to indulge you this time around in eating all forms of Pi(e), learning to Beware the Ides of March, review my 40th year, and fling you into Spring. Hold tight!
⫪ Day
Happy 3.14 Day!
There is no excuse better than March 14th to eat a slice or two of every type of pie your heart and tummy desire on this day of celebrating all things circular. Cold pizza for breakfast. Yup! Chocolate peanut butter pie made with high protein yogurt for a power lunch? Yes, please! Pot pie and pumpkin pie for dinner. You got it! Trust me, don’t hold back. I believe in your truest celebratory methods. All are welcome.
Beware The Ides of March
Foreshadowing
I know it’s rude to show Benedict Arnold’s face without permission but it demonstrates the theme full out with feeling.
*Clears throat. Well, I think we’ve covered it. Thank you Caesar. Et tu Brutus. See you next March 15th!
St. Patty’s Day
Sprite in action of very Sprite shenanigans
March 17th
Green, green, green on green. To accent my emerald eyes, of course! According to my mother, March 17th was my original due date. That’s right, I was supposed to be a Leprechaun. Errr, umm a shamrock baby. I got the freckles and wild hair to prove it. Regardless of how much Irish runs in my family tree, I love this day even if I don’t fully celebrate it up to my younger self standards. Limerick Junction I miss dancing on your floors with a green hued pint! Spring vibes are arriving and why not use this day as an excuse to satiate my Spring Fever excitement? Besides, celebrating your bday for a whole week is worth it!
My bday
March 19th
Such a beautiful date and very lucky numbers. I auditioned for Nashville Ballet on my birthday in 2007 with lucky #19 pinned to my leotard. Ever since, I’ve considered it my lucky number. Most years my birthday is the last day of winter. Although last year, for my huge milestone of a birthday, I lucked out to share with the Spring Equinox. It did not disappoint—the sunny Spring day was delightfully enjoyed among my plethora of dear friends with hugs and laughter.
This year may offer exactly the opposite vibe in all aspects of my life but that’s just how life flips. A movie wouldn’t be enjoyable if it didn’t offer both high and low moments, right? In review of such a significant year, I keep thinking I experienced more firsts than any other time in my life outside of my very first year of life. Wow. Whiplash! I (and we, thank you my sweet Trail Angel Joey!) covered a LOT of ground. Physically and metaphorically. So, let’s do it. Let’s review:
sold a house and a car (and bought a truck)
TAJ retired
bought (and completed the design and build of) a house
moved to a new state
lived and worked (and adventured, duh!) in 3 different states
began a business (I can hardly call this a business anymore though, haha)
spent all summer reading and sipping a nip of whiskey in my rockin’ chair on my front porch while enjoying majestic sunsets over the mountains in my new house (mmmm!)
met an incredible adventure group of ladies that I explore with constantly
learned to XC ski and took downhill ski lessons
drove a snowmobile for the first time (I’ve ridden with a friend before) and inside Yellowstone too!
lots of road trip adventures and visits with friends
looked at Saturn through a telescope (you can see the stripes!)
obtained a provisional license to teach English 5-12 and am studying for full licensure
patiently awaiting a brighter future and planning summer adventures
…and probably more. What a year this particular trip around the sun has been! I’m grateful and still in disbelief at my luck. Thank you for playing a special part in it all. Cheers to another year together laughing, crying, gritting our teeth at the downhill or hard parts, and popping back up unscathed. The uphill climb is easier with you by my side. I love you.
Spring Equinox
Usually, but not always, March 20th
Have you ever attempted to balance an egg (vertically) on this day? Please share your stories! Spring brings hope, new beginnings, a very specific energy that cannot be contained. There’s really nothing like it. I know y’all that swear you favor Fall roll your eyes and pretend not to be swayed but I bet deep down you can’t resist the charms of Spring either. It’s simply irresistible. Like me. (high pitched hmmm! with a hair flip and a wink)
I understand how upset you are that March 16th & 18th are feeling very left out. For years I’ve attempted to research ways to celebrate these two days for precisely that reasoning. There must be something! Yet, I just cannot will not get behind artichoke heart’s day or corn dog day (the idea makes me nauseous) for the 16th. I s’pose National Awkward moments day and oatmeal cookie day are very fitting for the 18th though. Those could really get a presence and cult following. What do you think?
Overall, I hope we have gathered here today to learn how best to celebrate me. Oops, I mean this time of year. Now you know. And next year, I expect your input. Please and thank you!