43 Ideas for Birthday 43: 43 Ways to Say Thank You

Sorry for the relative quiet after so many blog posts this year, but I was busily hunkering down to stay warm, taking some personal retreat and reflection days around the actual event and holiday, dealing with some work-related issues, but mostly writing copious amounts of THANK YOU NOTES.

I was overwhelmed, touched, amazed, humbled, and delighted by the various cards, notes, packages and presents that were delivered in honor of my birthday. Honestly ... I am just touched. Hopefully I have gotten all my notes written and returned in a timely fashion, but I know there is still one or two to write.

Here are just a few little highlights from the magical Birthday Fairies:

Stamps, stationery, Advil, gift cards, checks, oh my

(It's like they read something that gave them some hints!)

Adorable artwork from my littles, along with calorie-free cake and candles for more wishes:

Combo packages bursting at the seams, festooned with Fun Facts, more unicorns, and more birthday banners:

These are just a few photos of the weeks-long celebrations, meals, munchies, cards, and well wishes.

The biggest surprise -- and the one gift that still needs a thank you -- is this 12lb. mystery box that was delivered to the office (so someone did their research),

 filled with this little racy number. 

WHOO HOOO! Shopping basket = shopping time.

Or Schlepping

Or laundry

Or moving

Hello? If you are reading this - THANK YOU mystery donor. 

I won't push too much. I know sometime Birthday Fairies like to be anonymous, but really? Thank you.

(and fess up?)

When February, the cold, the snow, the grey, the COLD, (did I mention the cold?), and your weekly team meetings seem endless, it's good to have colorful, hearty cheesecake celebrations and surprise presents.

THANK YOU ALL! 43 ways to Sunday.

How Can It Be? Birthday 43

This year that I turned forty 3

I think I feel now much more free

The threshold of forty was just so great

enriching my life, to so much

I could relate

But adding 3, has further added color to my tapestry

Looking forward to many more years

colors and hues to life's veneers 

yet to darn

there will be no tears

~ Nalini Jyotsana Chaturvedi

via Poem Hunter

We just realised it's Friday the 13th. Remember: hiding in a duvet and reading books is a safe place. Nothing will hurt you there.
— Orion Publishing (@orionbooks) February 13, 2015

Maybe I will skip plans today, realizing the temperature is in the single digits, order in birthday cake, &; just stay under duvet - reading.
— AuntieNettie'sAttic (@NettiesAttic) February 13, 2015

And that's pretty much what I did - except for the cake.
Cake came later.

43 Ideas for Birthday 43: Random Acts of Kindness

Say or do something thoughtful for somebody today. Your kindness will go a long way in making the world a better place.
— Anne Wheaton (@AnneWheaton) January 9, 2015

It's actually the middle of Random Act of Kindness Week. 

In honor of my birthday, please do something randomly nice for a stranger. Pass it on.

International Random Acts of Kindness Week is February 9-15, 2015. Take this week to step out of your normal routine or comfort zone and attempt a new random act of kindness each day of the celebratory week. 

43 Ideas for Birthday 43: Delicious Deliveries

I don't mind grocery shopping, but lately, I hate the schlepping more than anything - and even thinking about what I'm making.

Oh Birthday Fairy - can't you just make my meals magically appear?

MMMM.

I wonder if there are services that I could use?

Like, say ... oh ...

Freshdirect

 

Or this new company which ships you pre-measured out items...

Blue Apron

 Meat = good

Omaha Steaks

 But actually - this is the closest service and one that I have used - all of twice.

Peapond

Nettie is super lazy when it's cold.

43 Ideas for Birthday 43: Amazon.com

Yes, yes, I know. Amazon = monopoly ... crushing the little guy.... buy indie ... shop small businesses. 

But still, sometimes it is the best option. ESPECIALLY if you have not one, but two large, wish lists on it.

43 Ideas for Birthday 43: iTunes Treats

Ah, all the tunes, e-books, pod-casts, and apps that I plan to get one day when I have time, the resources, and oh - say, designated funds .... 

43 Ideas for Birthday 43: Time