Happy 39 Years of Being Me

By simplykatricia

For most people, a birthday is a happy occasion full of cake, parties, excitement, and then you grow up. It doesn’t mean you neglect the cake, parties, and excitement, it’s just that those items and feelings don’t create a special day. Acknowledging the day really makes it special.

It’s my birthday!! My 39th birthday!!! Woohoo!! I’m so excited to see, experience and enjoy another year of life. I’m surrounded by love, youth, family, a blossoming career, and the desire for more.

When thinking of ideas of what to write today, I came across some Pinterest posts of birthday time capsules. Although I won’t be digging a hole in the nearest park (because I don’t have a backyard, yet), I do have this blog to capture my thoughts on this particular day of the year. Like with all writing, the answers you provide today, based on experiences may not be the same answers you would give a year from now.

With that being said, let’s reflect on my 39th birthday questions …

What is the date and time?

It’s Sunday, April 14, 2019, 4:45 pm – Palm Sunday for those that celebrate the day

What are you doing?

Sitting on my couch updating my blog and watching National Geo Wild. It started off as a show for the mini to watch instead of being glued to her tablet, and we were watching too. Really interesting animals in the wild.

What is the weather like?

This weekend was beautiful. It’s currently cloudy and warm. I have all my windows open and the fans on low to circulate fresh air. I don’t think it’s shorts and sandals weather yet, doesn’t mean I didn’t see it in the streets.

What’s the last movie you saw?

The most current movie that is being advertised is Little by the youngest Executive Producer in Hollywood. This weekend, I planned to do spring cleaning and actually succeeded in doing so. I guess I’ll catch up with watching the movie with mini during spring break.

What was the last song you listened to on your iPod?

I don’t really listen to that much music these days and when I do, it has to be old school. Today’s music just doesn’t make sense…I sound like my mother. I do listen to many podcasts.

What do you want your next vacation to be?

In the past 4 years, I’ve been to Jamaica, Bahamas (again – by a cruise), Bermuda and Costa Rica. I plan to visit Virginia Beach at the end of school and Puerto Rico (again) later this year. Excited to keep feeding my travel bug.

What accomplishments did you achieve from the previous year?

In the past year, I debuted simply katricia, it’s a work in progress. Professionally, I’m now a Deputy Director in Human Resources, again a work in progress. lol

Do you want more children?

No. Children are a blessing, but I’ve experienced pregnancy, no longer curious. Having an only child is ok, not everyone is meant to be a biological brother or sister.

What do you see yourself doing in the next year?

I don’t know. But there are a few things I’d like to do before my 40th.

How much do you think gas will be in the next year?

I don’t know! I don’t own a car nor do I drive. Maybe a driving license is in my near future. Then again, public transportation isn’t that bad within New York City.

What are some of the important decisions you made that you learned from?

I can’t control what other people say but I can control my reaction to what they say.

How do you feel at this moment?

Tyaad. I cleaned. I cooked. I washed the clothes. Creating this post and still have to do mini’s hair. Then work tomorrow.

Have you met any new people lately?

Actually, I did! I used to go to so many events throughout NYC but these days they are few and far. Imagine that, in NYC out of all places. I have been social on Twitter and have befriended a few folks over there where if we met in real life, I don’t think they will kill me. Cool people.

What’s different today that was not relevant as a kid?

Lack of respect for adults. I grew up in the projects (NYC public housing), next-door neighbors knew who you were, the owners of the corner store knew who you were. And everyone knew your mother! Your mother had eyes and ears literally everywhere. You’d be afraid to disrespect Ms. Williams because Ms. Williams will drag your ass to your mother, tell your mother all about it, and get your punishment right there. And dare you to do it again or else you’ll get it worse. It took a village…

Do you have siblings? How many?

I have two older brothers, two older sisters, a younger brother, and a younger sister. I am the middle daughter of both my mother and father’s children.

What do you do for a living?

I am a full-time NYC employee, Deputy Director in Human Resources. I manage Employee and Labor Relations within the office for non-legal staff.

What do you do in your spare time?

As mentioned I’ve been blessed to be a mother, so that is my priority. Any other time of the day, you can guess that I’m on any social media account including this blog, liking comments, pictures and typing away. I also enjoy solving all types of puzzles and word games. I am currently playing with ten people on Words With Friends. If you play too, let me know in the comments below.

When was the last time you played a video game?

Just last weekend. For Christmas, we as a family received the game Overcooked and have been trying to work as a team to beat the levels. Talk about stress! lol But so much fun.

When was the last time you laughed?

I think it was the other night when Chris (my fiance) said something. He usually thinks I don’t listen to him because I’m on my phone or on the TV, but I listen. I hear what he says.

When was the last time you cried?

Right around this time.

How do you travel to work?

I take the ferry boat and then the train four stops. I should get up on time and get on a ferry that allows me to walk. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Do you have secrets?

Yup. Doesn’t everyone? lol

Name the thing that annoys you the most?

Probably this.

Do you regret anything?

No. I don’t like to dwell on regrets or what-ifs. Life experiences make me the person (good or bad) that I am today.

What is your favorite meal?

My favorite meal…I really like so many meals. I love the simplicity of pan-seared steak and mashed potatoes to a complicated meal that you’d find in a five-star restaurant.

What was the highest point you’ve been to?

So while we were in Costa Rica, there was a great idea to do zip-lining. Yea me and my friend did not do that. Instead, the tour guide said he’d walk with us over the bridge. Failed to tell us that the bridge would be swaying and had duck tape on the cords that held it together. We were just as high as the damn zip-line.

Do you have nieces and nephews?

Yes. My oldest sister has 4 (1 passed on); the second oldest has 1; my second oldest brother has 3; my youngest brother has 1; my youngest sister has 2.

What do you do when you first wake up?

Hit the snooze button!

Who are you proud of?

Besides myself, lol…my mini-me!!! To see her as an infant to now thinking she is smarter than me. It’s a beautiful experience…that she’s still alive. My patience has so evolved.

What is your favorite movie?

There are many movies that I love and I’ll sit and watch as if I’ve never seen before. “You and me will never part…” <— if you know the name, comment below 😊

Do you drink alcohol?

Yes.

What is your favorite beverage?

There’s such a thing? If I run out of my favorite red wine, then I’ll probably sip on ginger beer. Vodka is the turn-up beverage.

Do you donate blood?

Yes, I used to. At least twice a year during my office blood drive. In the last year, I’m guessing with updated equipment, they don’t want my sickle cell blood during the process. I haven’t donated at the annual blood drive in two years.

Sum up your life in one sentence.

Live your life as if tomorrow is not promised. Of course cliché but it’s true. Or in other words, Enjoying My Natural Highlights.