My daughter just recently turned 21, and if I tell you that 21 years went by in a flash, it would be an understatement. I had always envisioned being with her on this momentous birthday, taking her and her friends out to a nice dinner, and then cover a bar tab that would commensurate with turning 21 years old. However, due to the current pandemic being with her just wasn't in the cards. So we were left to creating ways to celebrate her birthday remotely. We sent cupcakes and small gift items; however, I knew I wanted to do something else for her birthday.
I sent her 21 Flamingos - you know, those cheesy pink flamingos that are lawn decorations.
When I told my son and wife that I sent her 21 flamingos, they didn't really think this was such a great idea and even brought up the fact that I spent money on such a frivolous gift. However, the flamingos arrived in 3 large boxes and were an immediate hit.
First question is, what do you do with 21 flamingos? This was the beginning of some quite fun adventures. My daughter goes to college in New Orleans, and because of the pandemic, mardi gras was canceled. But, because of the wacky can-do attitude down south, many people took to decorating their homes like a mardi gras float. Think of it like Halloween decorations but way more creative. So immediately, my daughter turned her front yard into a flamingo sanctuary. Her neighbors loved it, and even the fraternity house next door decided to "borrow" one. We were able to make the most of yet another pandemic birthday and create lifelong memories. In the end, 21 flamingos made a perfect gift.
Why flamingos, you ask? Everything is better with a dash of pink, and the flamingo is one animal who represents my favorite quad stretch, with or without the Backbridge. The flamingo stretch helps lengthen and stretch the quad muscles and open up the hip flexors, a welcomed stretch after a long day of sitting. Grab your right ankle with your right hand, pull that ankle towards your behind and hold. Switch ankles and respective hands. Need a modified version? Check out the modified stretch on my Instagram account using the Backbridge.
Happy Birthday dear daughter - we are so proud of everything you do - especially during this crazy year!
