Diary Entry – 09th March 2025

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Welcome to todays diary entry! Woohoo—it’s my birthday! 37 today, and to be honest, it doesn’t feel much different than yesterday. I had thought about going for a run this morning, trying to kick the day off with a bit of a win, but my legs were still stiff and sore from the last one, so I swerved it. I figured if there’s one day I can get away with taking it easy, it’s today.

I was woken up by my wonderful wife and my equally wonderful son, which, regardless of what’s on the schedule, is the perfect way to start any birthday. Rory was all cuddles, and Lisa was beaming—those little moments make all the difference.

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Of course, birthdays don’t mean a day off when you work in this world. The shop is now open 7 days a week, which is brilliant for business and great for customers, but it did mean I was working today, on my actual birthday. It’s the first time in a long while we’ve opened on Sundays outside of in-store events, so we’re still figuring out the footfall. That said, it wasn’t a quiet one—we had a steady stream of people through the doors, which is really promising. I think as the season kicks in properly, Sundays will build up nicely.

There’s something about being busy on your birthday that’s strangely satisfying. Sure, it would’ve been nice to have a lazy day or do something a bit more “birthdayish,” but there’s a good feeling in knowing the shop is gaining momentum. March is already looking a lot better than February, and if today is anything to go by, we’re set for a strong season.

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After work, we didn’t let the birthday go unnoticed. We shot down to Stoke-on-Trent for dinner with my brother and his wife, my sister and her husband, and our two nephews. It was really nice to be surrounded by family for the evening. One of those loud, slightly chaotic dinners where the food is good and the conversations overlap, and everyone’s just in good spirits. Rory, of course, slept right through the entire meal—typical. Out like a light from the car all the way through dinner. It’s always the way. You plan to show him off, let him enjoy the buzz of it all, and he’s having none of it. But in a way, it gave us all the space to enjoy some adult time, catch up properly, and just be present.

Now that the day’s winding down, I’m reflecting a bit. 37 years old. Doesn’t sound quite real yet. There’s always a moment of pause when you reach these milestones, especially when you’re in the thick of work and life and sleep-deprived nights with a toddler. But I wouldn’t change it. Today’s been full—not of flashy celebrations or big surprises, but of normal, lovely things. Family, work, connection, and a moment to be grateful.

Next year, the plan is already there—Merzouga dunes, sunshine, sand between my toes. But for now, I’m glad to be here, surrounded by the people I love, doing work I care about, and with a plate of birthday dinner under my belt.

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