Everyone in the house is now 23! I completed my 23rd lap around the sun on Wednesday. My housemates and I celebrated that evening with Chinese take out and funfetti cupcakes and continue the celebration on Friday evening with a joint party for Jessie and me hosted by the MVS support committee. We played games and had more treats! (Our house is currently full of sweet treats.) Thanks to everyone who sent me wishes that day and throughout the week :)
Wednesday I also had my worst flat tire yet. The road gave me a screw and my poor tire managed to hold air until about the last mile when I decided it would just be easier to walk. I got my steps in a lot earlier that day and found a new Ethiopian restaurant that we might have to try. I ended up patching my bike tube in 3 places, using all of the patches I had in my patch kit (don't worry, I restocked them when I got home). Patching my bike tire actually gave me something to do on a slower work day.
I can't say that I had any big revelations on my birthday, and yes, 23 feels more or less like 22 (at this point). For better or worse, not every birthday can be as exciting as your 18th, 21st, or 26th (the year you go off of your parents health insurance).
Saturday, Michaela and I explored the Tucson Gem and Mineral show with our coordinator, Lisa. I have never seen so many gems and minerals. There were also numerous rugs, singing bowls, carvings, and food trucks. It is quite the experience. Unfortunately, I did not pay $5 to have my picture taken while lying down inside a giant amethyst while holding a baby goat... sorry, blog-readers.
Sunday, I played bass in church and sang a bit! It's always fun to share music and I'm grateful for Shalom as a place where I can do that. In the afternoon Jessie and I went to the bouldering gym, The Bloc, where we bought a ten punch pass and I found a pair of used climbing shoes for $20! The gym is very nice with lots of walls to climb, a yoga room, a small weight area, a ping-pong table, and a lounge. Bouldering was something I was excited about trying before I got to Tucson so I'm glad I finally got to do this and am looking forward to using the other punches!
Sunday afternoon we also created a pickleball court on the church basketball court (with permission). Enjoy the time lapse of measuring, painting, and a little bit of dancing.
Of course, we signed our work with lizards and our initials, leaving our mark on Tucson, AZ (at least until the paint washes away).
And another puzzle update! One of my favorites, so far.
The blog readers demand pics of a baby goat eating a Star Wars puzzle piece! That way it will match all the other puzzles by missing a piece.
Hey, that bball court needed some TLC the last time I saw it in March. Way to go making it your own space! Finally got around to take a look - those frrp self help guides are extensive indeed. Blessings on your work and play. And hats off for recruiting for MVS 23-24. If you are back at the gem show try the shea butter West Africans offer for skin care.
Love the birthday spread! Wow! Sugar rush central! And the gem and mineral show was like I imagined. I love the time lapse video. Maybe you could hold Pickleball tourneys for Shalom Or the Soopers? Thanks for posting! Have a great week!