I want a gift for my birthday

Growing up, I listened to the Say Anything self-titled album for like a year straight; Death for my Birthday + Cemetery were my favorite. It was not a great time. Everyday I’m grateful to be older than I was before. I’m not really meant to stay young forever, even if my skin gives off 24. I’m happy to be turning 31. You can be happy for me and give me one of these 31 gift options.

1. A text/call that includes a story of a fun time we have had together
2. Tell me a story about a time you took public transit. Bonus points if you loved it
3. Recommendations for jazz albums I can play for myself + the students in class
4. Share your favorite SPF reapplication method. Bonus points if it’s good to put over makeup
5. A selfie of you in a mask
6. Your favorite no drop/barefoot shoe that I can buy for my sad feet
7. A reading from my consulting astrologer, Jason aka The Sagittarian Mind
8. Concert tickets. Specifically to Infinity Song, Erykah Badu, Monaleo, honestly even Say Anything could be cute
9. The name of someone in Houston, TX who won’t fuck up my brows but will shape them.
10. A story about how you are avoiding Amazon. Bonus Points if you tell me your favorite local niche store (mine is Dromgoole’s).
11. Hottest piece of personal gossip you want to share with me. I promise to write it in my journal instead of blabbing.
12. Some quality cannabis specifically from either Michigan, Maryland or Mass (w/CO and CA as honorable mentions). I have done enough weed tourism to know these are the heavy hitters.
13. A new fountain pen. Though. full disclosure, I impulse bought this one for myself in my birthday sadness stupor.
14. Tell me a story of a friend you met on the dance floor. Bonus points if they became your best friend!
15. A report on your local public library. “Report” used loosely; a pic with you and your library card is plenty.
16. A report on the last book you read.
17. An offer/date (hehehe) to see the Wicked double feature.
18. Tell me your favorite campgrounds within 4 hours of HTX.
19. A donation to a GFM of a Black trans person. If you need suggestions… maybe find some real Black people in your life before you ask me.
20. Pledge to use the mic at all Q&As that offer one. It’s the epitome of arrogance to assume that even the hard-of-hearing can hear you yelling at the event.
21. An end to events that start more than 1 hour after the start time. I’m looking directly at the art girlies; I’m exhausted!
22. Get into the habit of keeping people updated on your ETA. This is because I am chronically anxious but desperate for friends.
23. Take your medication as prescribed!!
24. Fire the doctor you hate going to. You can just stop making appointments or cuss them out real good; your choice!
25. Write in your planner. Do NOT buy a new one to satisfy a craving.
26. However, I write in my planner and now I would like a Jibun Techo for my fountain pen planning.
27. Pledge to check the fabric content of the clothes you buy.
28. Stop telling me that what you’re wearing is from Shein/Temu. Instead say “girl it’s from the slave fields” more accurate.
29. Pull a tarot/oracle spread about a relationship you’re confused about it. If you wanna be like me, ignore the cards!
30. CD case for my car, like they had in the 90s; my car CDs are getting squished.
31. Ca$h Money; pls it’s hard out here.

Some honorable mentions just to get a taste of what is going on w me for 31

• Learn how to dispense life-saving medications like Narcan and Epinephrine.
• Tell me how you learned how to use a map and limit your dependence on GPS
• A reputable ADHD coach; especially one that works with creative people. Bonus points if they’re Black
• A body-double date for my sewing projects.

I love me! I’m having such a hard time and still I love me! Glad to get older and can’t wait to see what gifts I get.