Birthday Shmirthday Shtories

*Yawns* *Stretches* *Looks out the window*“WHAT?! It’s a rainbow! Mikel, mira un arcoiris!”*Springs out of bed*WHAAAT?! It’s a full, bright, colorful rainbow! An absolute delight to wake up to.😍I put the coffee pot on, turn back around, and it’s gone.🙈Constant Change and the GalernaLast night the galerna swept through Donostia. That's what they call the intense wind that whooshes from the sea, feeding beachgoers a swarm of sand 🤣, and clearing out the heat from concrete.It’s strong. Chairs from terrazas and flimsy bikers get blown away. Do you know how Mary Poppins rolls into town? Like that.It’s fun! You feel the change.“I wonder if I force these birthday traditions on myself so I don’t miss all of you as much.”The Big Three-EightI've hit the big 3-8. I feel no different than when I was 37. Ha! Time plays tricks. It’s quick when you look back, slow when you’re sitting and waiting.So stop sitting and waiting.I conquered my birthday mountain—Monte Adarra—again this year. Glad to know my knees are still up to it. Made it back to the city in time for lunch at a sushi bar where they surprised me with a song.Zorionak zuri! Zorionak beti! In the Basque version of Happy Birthday, they just say congratulations. They don’t even mention what for. I wonder why they don’t use the song for all occasions.🤔My birthday weekend was a symphony of flavors. Canneloni courtesy of Mikel's ama, Peruvian sushi and gourmet gyozas, my favorite burger, too much Mexican food, and cookies flown in from Manila (Thanks, Tito Bonny! They were so yummy.🍪).Oh. Plus beer and chips with a side of sunset and friends from this side of the world.I wonder if I force these birthday traditions on myself so I don’t miss all of you as much. Because I do. Especially when I want to celebrate my life, which is made rich thanks to our memories together. If only we could all teleport to a karaoke joint!Just before midnight of the 8th, my sister's call brought the only tears of my birthday. For now, filling my day with traditions will keep my eyes dry.Constant Change, Visitors, and RegatasLife here, I've noticed, unfolds in extremes. It's either a panorama of activities and gatherings to choose from, or a day of tranquil nothingness. My birthday season breeds the former.Last week brought an Asian invasion of Filipinos for the joyous wedding of Bettina and Jojo. Having a slice of Manila here was fun and, to be honest, comforting. But that's another story!Sunday marked the finals of the regata competition. We went out to the Bahia de la Concha in stand-up paddle. We could see the port and the side of Monte Urgul full of people sporting their team’s color. Clouds of yellow smoke were conjured into the air.“It’s like Harry Potter!”Yup, this city is just as magical.Just like that, it’s gone.Nails done with the girls on Saturday, chipped that same night. Summer’s peak in terms of sun and heat quickly chased away by the galerna, rainbow, lightning, and rain. Another year of my life tucked away and a personal podcast in the making (WAH!).Life is an exhilarating choose-your-own-adventure novel filled with, well, choices. And a lack of. There’s a delicate dance between going with the flow and forging your path. Will I ever master its rhythm? Who knows.This week, I'll enjoy the calm.Thanks for reading about my birthday shenanigans! Subscribe for free and soon I’ll have some helpful content and transform this into more than just a silly diary.😅 - Janinay This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit janinayramirez.substack.com