Sun, Sand, And Birthday Vibes!

A Busy February

February seems to pack a punch with its lineup of celebrations alright.

Kicking off the month was the Lunar New Year.

Then bam! It’s a whirlwind of events with the Superbowl, Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Day, and Ash Wednesday all happening in quick succession.

Mid-month brings quirky occasions like Library Lover’s Day, Be Humble Day (tongue firmly in cheek), A No Brainer Day (love that one!), and on the 28th of February - Public Sleeping Day—yep, it’s a thing, encouraging everyone to catch those Z's.

Closer to home, February is also the month of my better half and my father’s birthdays.

Which is where this story is heading….

How Do You Celebrate A Birthday?

If it was up to me, I wouldn’t.

I am a bit like Humpty Dumpty I think.

Whereas my wife is more Alice 😄 

And that is how we ended up celebrating her birthday with a picnic in the sun, sand, and all the right vibes - food and good company at a beach just down the road from our home.

“When life gives you sunny days, grab your friends and have a picnic.”

Virginia Madsen in the movie Sideways recalls how the actors were instructed to have a real picnic without any lines.

“They gave us a bag of groceries and the director just said, ‘Go have a picnic.’ We all kind of stood there, like little kids, like, ‘Go…go have… over there? Like a real picnic? 😀 

Life imitates art. So like kids, we found ourselves a large shady tree, laid out the mats, and spread out the goods.

The sun was blazing hot 35°C, the water invitingly cool.

We were not alone, I bumped into a couple of guys carting home a sack full of clams, seems the location is also an ideal spot for angling.

The beach had an international ensemble to boot.

Young Malay families frolicking in the sand, a group of young Filipino adults camping under the shady trees, and an octogenarian couple, taking some time out making waves and precious memories.

Out came the football. I hadn’t played beach soccer in decades and it showed. The mind couldn’t sync with the body. Still, managed to give the young ones a run for their money and scored a couple of goals too. No VAR to spoil the celebrations too!

Happiness Is A Day At The Beach

I hadn’t gone for a picnic in decades!

As a family, we have been notorious for forever talking about it but never getting around to actually doing it.

But this time was different. It all started when my wife declared she wanted to celebrate her birthday with a picnic. And that was that.

She took charge of everything, from planning the menu to organizing the mats and deck chairs—nothing was overlooked. She deserves all the credit for making it happen.

Maybe Alice was right - Birthdays there remind us to appreciate life's little joys, the beauty of nature, and the love and connections we share. Even if it only happens once a year.

How to Plan the Perfect Beach Birthday Celebration: Sun, Sand, and Fun

I had no idea we had unleashed a beast - everyone who got to know about our escapade wanted to go on one of their own.

Maybe happiness is found in the simplicity of a day at the beach, perhaps amplified a bit on one's birthday.

So for the benefit of Mr Kite (!) and all those who would like to, here are a few guidelines:

• Location, Location, Location:

  Choose a beach that's not overcrowded, with amenities like restrooms and parking. Consider its proximity to home for convenience. Check if you need a permit. Ours had no amenities, so have a contingency plan in case of emergencies!

• Weather

  Check the weather forecast for a sunny day. Pack umbrellas for shade and protection from rain. Secure decorations in case of wind. Watch out for high tide to avoid being washed away.

• Food & Beverage

  For a beach birthday, choose transport-friendly foods like sandwiches and finger food. Pack snacks like fruit skewers, chips & kebabs. Don't forget plenty of water and non-alcoholic options. Include a birthday cake or cupcakes. We brought water bottles along as there was no fresh water available nearby.

• Beach Games

  Beach games add fun to your party. Classic options like frisbee, beach volleyball, or soccer are easy to set up. Consider sandcastle building for a relaxed vibe. Organize a beach Olympics for more excitement. Make sure to check beach regulations. Take plenty of shots. Memories are made of these.

• Meeting New People on the Beach

  The beach naturally brings people together. Be open to spontaneous conversations and interactions. Invite others to join games or share cake. We made a few new acquaintances in the few short hours on the sand.

• Turning Challenges into Memories

  Embrace unexpected situations, like chasing away ants and assorted insects, or relocating due to rising tides. These spur-of-the-moment events foster teamwork and laughter. Turn those mishaps into funny stories.

Final Thoughts

This birthday picnic was a reminder.

Life isn't just about work.

Take time to recharge, like with a beach picnic surrounded by loved ones.

It's not just a break—it's a chance to rejuvenate and reconnect.

Cheers!

Till next time.

Jude

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