Happy Birthday to Me.

Faculty and Staff Lounge aboard the MV Explorer!

Rocky Rohwedder (Sustainable Communities) & Daniel Ferguson (Global Music)

I'm now 32 years old. Or at least that's what 11:59 on September the 16th told me. I thought a lot that day about what part of me is actually 32?

My mind sure isn't. My lifestyle sure isn't. My body (mostly) sure isn't. My attitude sure isn't. My marriage status sure isn't. My outlook sure isn't. My soul sure isn't. 

With all this in mind and no answer in sight, my birthday seemingly felt less and less important.

Thus, already not being a super birthday celebrator myself, this day felt no different.

Unlike any other BD I've ever experienced, I was sailing in the middle of the ocean with a day bunkered at the Canary Islands. This was the distinguishing factor. Otherwise, the day was ordinary except for my attempt to hide from all the BD wishes. 

Nothing is sad about this statement, I just have never felt attached to my age & secretly despise attention in these types of situations. Despite my pleas, friends aboard the MV Explorer decided it was best to 'still' throw me a party -- a "Stephanie Party" they called it. Oddly, another Stephanie on board was also born on this very day.
Everyone that came was meant to dress up as their "favorite Stephanie" -- i.e. Stephanie Tanner from Full House -- or just a Stephanie, in general.

Interesting approach.

Fortunately, this ship is filled with talented musicians who were kind enough to play and entertain everyone for the night. Overall, it was great bc it was low-key....much more my speed than some would have liked!

BD over! 1 more year before I have to fake excitement again. 

Ken & Grace Newberger at my party. They too are from Mississippi!