So, May 2nd was the first day I sort-of began to celebrate the day of my glorious birth. Kidding–about the glorious part. It was anything but. The past few weeks have been eventful. If you’d like to read more about the goings on in May, read on.
I kicked off my birthday after running some errands. I went to Kohl’s to return an item that was sent in error and then headed over to Ulta for the complimentary birthday gift and bought some lip balm. We picked up dinner from a local Lebanese restaurant and had delicious mini Bundt cakes gifted to me from a friend. I spent some time with my grandma and nephew, which was nice, since it had been awhile. I was also gifted a trip to Disneyland/DCA, which was amazing and very unexpected. The weather then was beautiful. Overcast, not too hot/cold, and a bit misty at night. I tried to film but was ultimately too wrapped up in enjoying the time there. My partner set things up so our friends and nieces surprised me. We had dinner, from Jazz Kitchen, in the room.
Speaking of trips, I was also surprised with a trip on the Disney Wonder, during which time I do plan on filming since it will be in Alaska. Admittedly, I’m a bit concerned, especially seeing cruisers’ comments related to COVID and their lack of caring for anyone other than themselves. As with DL, we will be masked most of the time. At the park we only took masks off once to eat outside. We were lucky to find a very open, unoccupied space. Yes, we are those people who will remain masked for the foreseeable future. I have still not dined out at a restaurant since all of this started. It’ll be interesting being in close quarters with a bunch of strangers and limited open space. Not gonna lie; I’m very apprehensive. Nobody wants to catch anything during this trip, so we’re hoping for the best. They are testing prior to embarkation and at disembarkation, which is good, even though so many people are complaining. I believe in science, and there is a reason for all of the protocols. Our friend has offered to watch our fur babies, so they will be taken care of while we are gone. That is the other concern, but luckily we will have reception for most of the journey, so we can check in.
We have already purchased sanitizing products for the flight as well as masks and have a list of everything else. We always make sure to have a change of clothes our carry-on bags just in case. Why? Short story time: In 2003 I was on a flight back from France with my friend and her folks. When we got into Texas, for what should have been a short layover, we ended up needing to stay the night. It was hot and humid, so I was grateful to be able to shower and change into fresh clothes. Nobody else packed a change of clothes, so they were stuck in what they had been wearing. A valuable lesson was learned that day. I’ll have a separate post on what we are packing. What else? There are a couple of apps/sites that require log-ins to upload information like our vaccine cards, but we don’t enter that until just before leaving. If you are interested, I can provide a post on my personal experience; just note that your experience may differ.
This week, two of our FFXIV members had their Ceremony of Eternal Bonding. The two toons were dressed in beautiful ballgowns; there was a ring exchange and a vow exchange. After, we popped bottles of fizzy drinks, tossed bubbles and confetti, and then took a group photo. Most of our FC was in attendance. It was so much fun– more so than many in-person weddings I’ve been to! The developers and artists really put time into making sure the ceremony is special. The event does have a timer, but the fun doesn’t have to stop once you leave the venue. We continued with a short dance party across the way. With the invitation we received, we also were given special Moogle pets. When two or more are near each other they start to dance!
June begins today. May flew by. I thought I’d be able to get some scheduled posts up this month, but as you can see, that didn’t happen. There are a few lined up for next month. I’ll be carving out time specifically to record parts of the DCL and the port stops, for an upcoming vlog. Since I will be leaving soon, I’m going to get packing. See you all in a couple of weeks!
Peace & Love, always!
A bit of an opinion piece:
Another birthday has come and gone. As I reflect on the years I’ve been on this planet, there are some things I wish I’d done differently, and things my current self can prepare for in the future. For example, I wish I had been a bit more adventurous in my early- to late-20s. I look back now and think that I should have traveled more, taken more road trips, and stepped out of my comfort zone. Don’t get me wrong. There is absolutely nothing wrong being a homebody or less adventurous, and there is nothing wrong with doing what is right for you. This is all pertaining to my situation and is all my opinion. In my case, it wasn’t until I got older and was unable to be spontaneous, that I realized “youth is wasted on the young”. Life it too short not to try and make the most of it whenever possible. I wish things weren’t quite as backwards. That being said, there are those with different ailments, disabilities, physical concerns, and mental health concerns. Every situation is unique. It’s easier said that done, but try not to compare yourself and your situation to others’.
Darphynia's Diary 