Each year when July 2nd rolls around, it distinctly reminds me of three beautiful things. 

First, the changing of the seasons — with winter here in Australia nipping at my fingertips as I used to type Myspace bulletins on my grandparents’ desktop computer, complete with dial up modem. 

Second, it reminds me of getting my favourite people together, in one way or another. And although somehow McDonalds’ parties have turned into bottomless brunches, if you’ve ever spent a birthday with me, thank you. If you’re reading this and we may not be as close anymore and you’re just wanting to spy on whether my writing has gotten any less emotional or lengthy, I’m sorry to report that it hasn’t. But thank you for taking a moment out of your day to share in what is a very special day of mine. 

And finally, birthdays, for me, always remind me of the lengthy CD list I would write for my mum, begging for her and my family to fulfil my dreams of owning my little piece of physical media. CDs that were so vital to me, it was as though obtaining them in my collection would change my life. 

I hope you also have songs and records that make you feel like you’re returning back home. For me, these are some of those songs. May this next year be bright and bold. 

“Now Press Repeat.”