Sun, Sand, And Birthday Vibes!
February seems to pack a punch with its lineup of celebrations alright.
In the northern hemisphere, winter is gradually fading away even though Spring is still a few weeks off.
In Asia, kicking off the month was the Lunar New Year.
Then bam! Worldwide, it has been 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 sleepy Z’s.
Closer to home, February also marks the birthday months of my better half and my late father.
Which is where this story is heading….
How Do You Celebrate A Birthday?
If left to my own devices, birthdays would pass by unnoticed.
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.”
Happiness Is A Day At The Beach
Decades had passed since my last picnic outing.
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 managed everything, from planning the menu to setting up the mats and deck chairs, no detail was missed. She deserves complete recognition for bringing it all together.
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.
In the movie Sideways, Virginia Madsen 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, two Sundays ago, we followed suit.
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 found out were not alone.
The beachgoers were an international ensemble of sorts.
Young Malay families frolicking in the sand, a group of young Filipino adults camping under the shady trees, a Chinese girl sunbathing solo, and an octogenarian couple, taking some time out making waves and precious memories in the surf.
I bumped into a couple of guys carting home a sack full of clams. Turns out the location is also an ideal angling spot.
Then, out came the football (soccer i.e.). 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 managed to dink in a couple of goals too. And there was no VAR to spoil the celebrations!
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 now 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 if it happens to be your birthday as well.
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, we were really back to nature, so have a contingency plan in case of emergencies!
2. Weather
Check the weather forecast for a sunny day.
Pack umbrellas for shade and protection from rain.
Secure decorations in case of wind, or ditch them altogether.
Watch out for high tide to avoid being washed away.😀
3. Food & Beverage
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 a case of water bottles along as there was no fresh water available at our spot.
4. Beach Games
Beach games are fun.
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.
5. 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.
Embrace unexpected situations, like chasing away ants and assorted insects, or relocating due to rising tides.
These spur-of-the-moments foster togetherness and laughter.
Turn whatever mishaps into funny stories that last.
Further Recommendations
Check out these other beach lounging accessories as well for a comfortable outing.
And a nice beach blanket to keep the sand and water away.
Final Thoughts
This birthday picnic was a reminder.
To take it easy.
Life isn’t just about work.
Life’s simple pleasures are just there to be enjoyed.
A simple beach picnic holds the power to rejuvenate, revitalize, and reconnect us with ourselves and one another.
Saltwater heals everything — unknown
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