In less than 2 weeks, I will turn 39. That number looks so odd to me. Two odd numbers. Too odd? Accurate.

My birthday is something I try to be thoughtful about each year. In the past, if I didn't want to do anything, someone or several people would go out of their way to surprise me. One year, my friend Michelle decorated a cake to reflect a cartoon version of me on it. I’ve had friends throw me surprise parties, dedicate weekends to celebrating, and take me to get cheese dip in NYC which often proved tricky to find. Recently, my friend Chelsey and I went to Paris to celebrate. Last year, I went to New York and my friend Jamie surprised me with a stroll through the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. This year, the year of 39, I decided that I’d like to be with family. So come next weekend, I’ll pack up for the week and drive to Alabama to hang with the fam. It feels like forever since I’ve gotten to hang with Lucy, Walter and Mae. The best part of moving to Atlanta is being closer to them. I look forward to this no longer being something new that I do. A birthday - Thanksgiving combo platter? Yes please!