It's Here. It's Here. It's Here!!!

Today we celebrate the Winter Solstice, a.k.a., my 32nd birthday!  And by 'we', I mean me. You don't have to celebrate if you don't want to. Today, I feel like a real grown-up.  I feel like my 30s have been so good to me, and they're getting better and better.  I woke up energized and ready to reflect on what 31 meant, and what 32 will bring.  And in those reflections I'm reminded that it's a somewhat bittersweet day. The bitter is that I have shared this day, for the last 31 years, with my beloved Mema.  This will mark a new time in life where I will carry on our birthday solo, but I know she's celebrating with me in spirit.

As for the sweet part, I kick started the day with a call from my Mama, Miss Susie, at 6:06am.  That's the time I was born, and to date, we haven't missed a phone call or bedside wake-up at that time in 32 years... and counting.  Love you, mama!

This past weekend we had a lovely little soiree to kick off the bday celebrations.  There's nothing like a beach themed, backyard BBQ, pajama-jam, game night to start things off.  Sadly, my camera died early on in the festivities so I can only offer a few photos from the beginning of the evening.  We played games, we danced, we ate delish food and desserts, and we celebrated.  So. Fun.

Cheers!

Warming up by the 'fire'... so flickery and bright! 

Ryan and Sarah... our party planning support

Hooray for red lipstick and leis!

Minute to win it balloon games

Treats!!

TREE!

silliness

I couldn't have asked for a better evening with such wonderful friends. I'm truly blessed. 

Happy Winter Solstice, everyone!

Love,
Whitney

*Birthday Countdown: 365 days

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

For those of you that have known me a while, you might know this guy as Mr. Kevin, Kev, or Mr. Doel (but he’d yell at you for that!).  For those of you I’ve met more recently, this is my dear, ole Dad- Kevin Doel.  His birthday is this weekend, so why not kick it off on Friday with a birthday shout-out.

In reflecting on my Daddy-o’s birthday, I’m amused at the place my thoughts go straight to.  My first instinct is to tell you all about my childhood memories with this guy.  While he’s certainly had a profound impact on my life as an adult, I really think the foundation is laid so early in life. 

Me and Dad on a chrorus trip circa 1997

Before I get into the details, I'll share a few highlights about this guy as he rounds the corner to age 56:

• He's an Ironman Triathlete. Just saying.
• He's a hard core cyclist- the guy finishes century rides before most of us have had our coffee.
• He's a proud father of three.
• He's a computer scientist... which makes him responsible for all technology questions by default.
• He's a former Toronto Blue Jay, by way of the AAA team in Dunedin, FL.
• He's an incredible chef, albeit an amateur with no formal training, this guy can crank out some incredible recipes.
• He can eat things spicier than I can even be in the room for. Example: he eats scotch bonnets like we eat grapes. H-O-T.

Mr. Kevin and the Doel Kids

More importantly, he's the guy that taught us that it was ok to be ourselves, it was ok to wear mix-matched outfits to school if we liked it, exercise was important and necessary, you didn't have to clean your plate but you sure had better get some veggies in that body, it's OK to debate and express differing opinions as long as you do it with respect, and so many more great gems of life. And- did I mention he's a creative nickname giver- Squeezer Dang, here.

Dad and Me in Eger, Hungary last summer

So with all of that said, here's to you Dad!  Happy Birthday!!!

1999

Love,

Squeezer