The morning I went MIA and a birthday wish

What do those two things have in common?

You’ll see, trust me.

So yeah, after the shoe debacle and all the hubbub about wanting to see them, I’ve decided the reveal has to wait.

What?  Sorry…

I got lucky and a really cute guy is taking me away for the weekend.  To see something adorable that we created together decades ago.  She’s grown into quite the sprout, and she wants to hang out with her parents for the weekend.  YAY!

I’m so damn happy.

#1 – MIA (in case you didn’t get the drift, I’ll be MIA for the weekend).

I’m going to miss out on a few days of Becky B’s #JulySquares and #Blue, and Linda’s Stream of Consciousness Saturday.  I’ll miss out on Lens-Artist Saturday.  And I’ll miss out on Sunday Stills.  Dang…I’ll miss all of that, really, I will.  And I’ll miss you too!

But still…like I said, I’m damn happy to be heading to see our Sprout.

#2 – Birthday wishes?

Yes, if you’ve been following me, you know that July is birthday month in our house.  And a special blogging friend mentioned that his birthday is this month too.  He also instructed me how to remember when it was, by doing hourly math – he lives in Australia, and I live in the US.  So it might be his birthday today or it may have been yesterday or maybe it’s tomorrow?  I just made a note that it should be around now.

I’ve never claimed to be great at math.  Even if I do that kind of stuff for a living.

Anyhoo…I have a birthday gift for him.  Which means, he’ll have to now remember that my birthday is at the end of November.  If he’s so inclined to reciprocate.  But he really doesn’t have to.  There are instances where I too tend to agree with Sheldon’s theory.

I discovered recently, that Brian had nominated me for a challenge way back last year in November (here’s the link to his post and answers and rules for the challenge).  I added it to my unfinished project list, and today, for you, Brian, I’ll answer the questions.  Sorry if you wanted a better gift?  I could’ve sent something on the return flight from my shoe delivery, but that was less accurate than I could count on.

This gift for you fits especially well, since this week, I was already remembering being 15 and the storm and all.  This is an extra special gift, because, for those who know, I’m one of those awards free kinda bloggers.  I don’t normally do this kind of stuff.

Enough…ready, set.

No, wait.

Before that, here’s an additional birthday wish, for you the readers to help with, head on over to Brian’s blog, and wish him a happy birthday.  Tell him that I sent you there.  It won’t cost you a dime, just a moment of your time.  Aw, thanks – you guys/gals are the best – thanks for helping him have a great day or night – whatever time it is there when you stop by!?!

Okay…enough already, here’s the gift.  Here are my answers to the…

From me at 54 years old…

Dear 15 year old me,

1. Don’t be hard on yourself because …
…you’re gonna need strong shoulders to stand up for yourself.  Your fear of smiling cuz’ of your teeth will go away at around 40.  And then you’ll decide to let your hair go all-natural.  When it grows back out, you’ll love how all the curls surround your shoulders.  So don’t worry, by the time you’re 54, you’re gonna love how you’ve matured into the person you’re meant to be.  Don’t let anyone tell you you look old.  Because of your strength, you’ll snag a really great guy who admires you for your willingness to stand up for yourself.  Plus you’ll need those strong shoulders multiple times to stand up for your family, for your mom, for your employees, and so that your daughters will do the same for themselves.  You’ll be really proud of them when that happens.

2. The relationship you’re in ….
…won’t last.  But learn from it that first loves aren’t necessarily forever.  And when you see that cute guy again later, after high school, at the last class reunion you’ll ever attend, you’ll both realize the different paths you took were for the best after all.

3. You will get through this because …
…#1 you’ve got your strong shoulders to rely on when the going gets tough.  Be strong for yourself, you deserve the best.  It’s okay to be an introvert, just remember that you’ll stand out, even when you think you’re blending into the background.

4. Don’t get caught up in thinking …
…the world owes you anything.  Work hard, play hard, and enjoy each and every moment.  Also, don’t get caught up thinking that shoes are cute based upon an internet ad on Facebook.  DON’T BUY THEM!  You’ll regret it.  And people will be dying to see what they look like.  Hold out before you show them, wait for the right time, plus you’ll want your cute toes reserved only for the best shoe pictures.

5. These experiences will help you learn …
…that you’ll love the simple life you’ve created for yourself, with the love of your life, and you’ll adore that life – it is filled with opportunities to learn and grow and observe through the lenses of a camera and the blogosphere of new friends.  And you’ll be damn happy you got braces when you were 40 so that you’ll still be smiling when you’re 54!

Post Inspiration – July Fun

PS – Thanks for stopping by here and Brian’s blog!  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  Happy Birthday, Brian!  See you all on the other side of the weekend.