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Joy Nicholas's avatar

Well, it would seem that your 40’s have nowhere to go but up! But that also sounds like a puking pun. Sorry. 😆 Trying to remember my worst birthday, it seems there were a few contenders, unfortunately. But 40 was a great one. And while I totally and relate to the chapter closing feelings, I can tell you that halfway through my 40’s, it feels like a wonderful new chapter is beginning. Praying the same for you! 💕

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Stacy Bronec's avatar

Thank you, Joy! I love hearing that!!

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Erin Strybis's avatar

Happy birthday, Stacy! Loved this reflection 💕

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Stacy Bronec's avatar

Thanks, Erin!

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Ashlee Gadd's avatar

On my 36th birthday brett and I got into a *huge* fight, ended up not speaking for the entire day … my kids ate my cake (no candle, no singing), I doordashed a single pizza to myself, and then took Tylenol PM at 8 o’clock just to end the day early. Oh, and I started my period 🤣 GOOD TIMES. I did get a redo the following weekend but … that was probably my worst birthday ever. Anyway. 40 *is* a big deal and I am so glad you salvaged part of it!!

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Stacy Bronec's avatar

That does not sound like a fun birthday. I still can't believe I'm 40, honestly. Haha.

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Shannon Williams's avatar

I've got a few more years for 40 but I DO have that shirt bookmarked! I'm so glad you were able to salvage most of your birthday plans. That kick-off to 40 sounds just cruel! My worst birthday was my 20th. I was in college and most of my friends from the previous year had either transferred schools or just happened to be gone over my birthday. I didn't do much of anything but do remember sitting in the shower and crying. Good times! 😂 (Luckily I found my tribe the following year and was able to celebrate my 21st properly. Phew!)

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Stacy Bronec's avatar

Ah that's sad you cried in the shower on your birthday!! And yes, you need the shirt in a few years! :)

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Michelle Windsor's avatar

You know I love that shirt! Also, did I tell you on my 40th that we went to dinner as a family and my five year old screamed the entire time that he was starving while there was in fact a plate full of tacos in front of him but they did not have the right kind of cheese? At least I had a good margarita....

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Stacy Bronec's avatar

Oh gosh, kids, man. I'm glad you had a good drink, at least. Haha.

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Tanna Hein's avatar

Love your reflection and honesty. Inspiring as always!

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Stacy Bronec's avatar

Thanks, Tanna! I appreciate you cheering me on, as always!! :)

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Erin Mount's avatar

I love this post and am glad you got a birthday do-over! I am totally buying that candle for my bestie turning 40 next month. And yes, March was 2 minutes long!

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Stacy Bronec's avatar

Thanks, Erin!! And yes, that's a great gift idea!

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molly flinkman's avatar

You saying 30 felt like the opening of a chapter and 40 felt like a close is something I’m going to be thinking about for a long time 💛💛 Glad you got some good redos, friend! You make 40 look 🔥

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Stacy Bronec's avatar

Thank you! 💛 I’m glad you like that part, because you might be reading more about that later. 😆

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Kym VdP's avatar

That photo from your Monday is stunning! 😍 Glad you still got to celebrate even if it wasn't actually on the day. As a kid, when I turned 10 or so, I ended up sobging in my bedroom because my cousin tried to trick me into giving him an extra chocolate... I was very sensitive to their teasing 🙈

I turned 30 last year and had many feelings but hitting 40 and thinking about no more babies will be strange for me I think!

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Stacy Bronec's avatar

Thank you! The snow was very pretty! Now it's all muddy. That's sad, crying in your room on your birthday.

It is definitely different -- hitting this next decade.

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Lauren Flanagan's avatar

Glad you're feeling better-- happy bday! Also, The Anxious Generation is totally worth buying 😉 I'm only through the first part & already have it all marked up!

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Stacy Bronec's avatar

Thank you!

I just looked on Amazon, and the hardback was on sale for $19 instead of $30! So I ordered it. 😆

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Krista Drechsel's avatar

Happy birthday, Stacy! From a fellow mother-who-just-survived-a-stomach-bug, I am relieved to hear that it was short lived and you were still able to celebrate.

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Stacy Bronec's avatar

Thanks, Krista! Glad you’re on the mend, too!!

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Michelle Bellamy's avatar

My 30th bday was the same way! I was hit with the worst stomach bug I’ve ever had and had to miss the nonrefundable trip my husband had surprised me with.

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Stacy Bronec's avatar

Oh no! That’s awful, Michelle! 😭

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just mud by Ron's avatar

Had to recheck the date; thought I'd missed the birthday post! Plans--yeah, they're a nice idea! Glad things settled and things kinda fell into place. It all works for good! Happy, happy birthday Stacey! 🥞 Just a beautiful winter picture.

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Stacy Bronec's avatar

Thanks so much!

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Laura Rennie's avatar

You’re such a babe, Stacy! Happy belated birthday!

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Stacy Bronec's avatar

Ha!! Thanks, Laura! 💛

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Christina Doerksen's avatar

Haha, I also cannot think of AI without the context of cows.

Birks are out, with socks on.😅

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Stacy Bronec's avatar

Haha! Yes, AI is only cows around here. 😆

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Amy La's avatar

Happy birthday Stacy! Glad it was a short-lived bug. Going to have to check out Sandra Dallas’ books, they look intriguing.

I’m not sure I’ve ever had a bad birthday, but I couldn’t get my driver’s license on the actual day of my 16th birthday because the courthouse was closed for a state holiday. 🤦🏼‍♀️ So I had to wait all weekend til Monday to get it! And, like you, I do not love being surprised by a ton of people, so I threw MYSELF a 40th birthday party and enjoyed it very much.

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Stacy Bronec's avatar

Thanks, Amy! I love that you threw yourself a party!

I remember turning 16, and went the day of my birthday to get my license. I couldn’t wait a minute longer! Ugh, I’m sure that was the longest weekend of your life. 😆

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