#137 - A Birthday Week Like No Other

This birthday week found me on the road — Ottawa, Montreal, a 5:30 a.m. booth setup on my actual birthday — powered by St-Viateur bagels and adrenaline. But coming home to my little pack (and a toddler who's apparently now a matchmaker) reminded me exactly how lucky I am.

A Birthday Week Like No Other

Last Sunday afternoon, I set off for a week of work travels—first stop Ottawa, suitcase in hand, banner slung over my shoulder. Big hugs all around: the dogs, Alyce, Damian… and then Alyce pulled her very first rom-com move. She grabbed Damian’s head, grabbed mine, and squished us together like, “Now kiss—for me!” Cute, yes. Alarming? Also yes. She knew exactly what she was doing. I’ll circle back to Madame Cupid later in this post…

Then came the AGM on Monday, aka: caffeine-fueled madness. By Tuesday night, after what was like 18-hour days, my brain was begging for a nap that never came. Instead, I hopped on a train to Montreal. Thankfully, this time Via Rail was on their best behaviour: no delays, endless snacks, and two hours of pretending life was calm.

Wednesday = my birthday. And what did I do? Woke up at 5:30 a.m. to set up a booth, then ran it from 7 to 5, powered by a St-Viateur, cream cheese bagel, coffee and adrenaline. It was a long, not-so-pretty day, and yes, I’ll say it—it was a shitty birthday. But my colleagues surprised me with an impromptu celebration afterward, and that truly lifted my spirits.

Thursday was a repeat (minus the birthday part), and by Friday morning I waved adieu to Montreal (and its delicious St-Viateur bagels 🥯) and flew home. For once, the flight gods were merciful, and I landed quickly back in Toronto.

Exiting my Uber, I was met with a giant Happy Birthday sign on the lawn, courtesy of Damian. Boujee and Dapper gave me their signature 20-minute wiggly-butt welcome, convinced I had been gone for years. Upstairs, Alyce practically launched into my arms and refused to let go—like she was making sure I wouldn’t vanish again. Damian had flowers, cake, and gifts ready, while TayTay crafted the sweetest handmade sign with Alyce. I suddenly had my own Birthday Committee, and let me tell you, it warmed my very tired heart.

Naturally, Alyce insisted on eating birthday cake (priorities, people!). Later, Damian whisked us away for dinner by the lake. Wine, sunset, and family—it was the perfect way to end what started as a not-so-great birthday.

Being away on your birthday is tough; it can feel oddly lonely. But coming home to my little pack—human and furry—reminded me how lucky I am. I’m tired, yes, but my heart is full. And apparently, I now live with a toddler who doubles as a matchmaker. 💕

Kat