My birthday email

Hello Everyone,

Exactly 19 years ago today, at the halfway point of my life so far, I celebrated my first birthday away from home. I was in southern Peru, teaching English. I had arrived a week before, didn't know anyone and spent the evening after class wandering around a city park by the water. There were new play structures and skate parks all along the ocean in Ilo, the town where I lived. There were a lot of kids running around and a few parents watching over them that evening. I stayed out until after dark, reasonably sure it was safe as long as there were other people around.

This will be the second time I celebrate a birthday away from home. Again, I'm in a warm spot (although not today unfortunately), but unlike my time in South America, I have a companion with me now. He hasn't said if he has anything planned, but I think maybe tonight he'll come through with a card or something.

Then as now, it's been great to hear from friends and family. Back then, I would get letters in the mail with some pictures of home, which I stuck on the wall in my room beside the little cot I slept on. Now I get pictures on my phone of nephews and friends' kids with homemade cards and art projects. The technology changes, but the effect is the same.

I do plan on going out, for the first time, in a city known for nightlife. It is a Wednesday night, and it's cold and rainy here, but I'm sure the bar will be bumping to watch some women's hockey. I'm hoping that if I have to ask them to put the game on that it will give me some hipster cred in a town like this. Football is for jocks.

Given that it is likely to be a late night for me, and that I have a long drive tomorrow, I will try to engage in another favourite activity: napping. It'll be a little cramped as I don't want to put the top up if I have to go out again later, but Arthur and I will manage.

The rest of my day has just been about running errands and taking Arthur to the dog park. We may be living on the road, but he still goes off leash twice a day.

wes