When's your birthday?I replied and ask him why. He told me that he had an idea and something was "in the mail."
I hate gifts. And surprises. But I adore Josue. I just put the whole thing out of mind and soon forgot about it.
Days later, a package arrived from Amazon. I've been ordering from them a lot lately so I didn't think much of it. But when I opened it up, I saw a little card and an item that was gift wrapped. I knew this was not something I bought myself.
The card read:
I unwrapped a DVD -
I was puzzled at first. I wondered "What is the significance of this movie?" I flipped it over, trying to figure out why he sent it to me and as I began to read the synopsis, still wondering, it hit me... and I started laughing hysterically.
You see, I have this little... quirk. It started when I was 8 years old. If you know me fairly well, you likely know that I count when I walk. Don't ask my why or how this started, I only remember that it started when I was 8. I would count my steps from 1-8 and then start over again. And with each birthday since then, the number changes with my age, and I count to that new number.
This is everyday - every step I take. Everywhere. Even just walking around my apartment. Every step gets a number. For over 30 years now.
You wouldn't know it to look at me but I'm always counting. And yes, I can have a conversation with you or sing along to my iPod while I'm walking but I'm still counting. I couldn't make it stop if I tried.
Counting. Always counting...
So the significance of this movie was quite simply the title: "The 39 Steps" - because in a few days I am turning 39, so I will have to start counting my steps up to 39.
I couldn't believe that Josue not only remembered that I do this, but had the sense of humor to buy me this movie. It was so sweet and touching and well, funny.
So later this month, when my birthday rolls around and I have to start counting to 39, I will surely be thinking of my friend Josue - a kind man with a fantastic soul. And I may let out a little laugh.
Thank you, Josue. I'm so glad we're friends!! :)
15 comments:
that is too funny! but what a nice way of celebrating YOU, quirks and all!!
That's so cute! And i count steps too, not in the same way. i count up to 8 then stop. I just like that number. Perfectly curvy wee number. Such a cute gift though. Yay for quirks! Keeps us interesting :)
I do the counting thing, too, have ever since I was a little girl. With me it's not steps, it's words. When someone talks, I count the number of words they used in a sentence, even noting if it's an even number. I don't do it as often as I used to, but I've been told it's an OCD thing which makes perfect sense since I have other such tendencies. Glad I'm not the only one. ;)
Hey, maybe it's an Aug 20th Leo thing? ;)
What a fabulous man!
I count too. Mostly while chopping...how many cuts to chop the carrot, celery, cucumber...anything I'm cutting gets counted.
Not just Leos, this Sagittarius counts too... mostly when I walk. I'm not good at math, but I'm all about numbers.
so sweet!
And I do the same thing. While driving..counting cars, counting signs, even the letters on the signs. (it can be distracting) I count everything..
I have been told it is a little bit of ocd :) awesome!
Oh..and you look so beautiful in your pic!
what a thoughtful gift...that's a good friend.
It is also currently playing on Broadway.
so great!!!
I was actually just thinking that I wanted to track back to last August in your blogs and figure out when your birthday was.... but you posted this, so it must be coming up real soon :)
I can't wait to read your posts about your birthday week off!
I haven't been by in a month of sunday's. I have missed your quirky you!
You are a breath of fresh air... keep on.
HA! That's quite an eccentricity! ZI just brushed by your blog and you seem absolutely like my type of person... I hope you'll keep posting!
I've read that the counting is linked O.C.D. My ex counts as well and my sister ... but she doesn't count her steps - it's windows, bricks, tiles etc.
Oh My Stars. I thought I was the only person in the whole wide world who counted steps. I count steps to certain places, so it's not a specific number, but if I'm going from my office cube to the ladies room, I count those steps. Then compare the next time to be sure it's the same. If it's not, I'm freaked out. LOL!
I count other things too. I'm pretty sure it's my sweet manifestation of OCD. :0)
~Les
Your hair is so very beautiful in that pic!
I just found this blog after Kimmy posted a link to your fitness blog on her Facebook. You are such a talented writer with fabulous life stories to tell! I will definitely be reading this blog regularly!
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