The Curse of Aries

Hi Everyone,

March 28th to April 20th is a busy Brenneman month. In the span of less than 30 days, there are many birthdays, including Mom’s (March 28th), Maggie’s (April 9th), Dad’s (April 10th), Grandma’s (April 18th), and mine (April 20th). (As if these weren’t enough, there are several more in the extended Brenneman family...) 

Dad always said that Maggie was his best birthday present ever, but I think he may have been lying since I distinctly remember how all he ever wanted was mom’s infamous spaghetti bolognese or moussaka. 

While the birthday spirit hits our family hard, it presents its own challenges. Being born within the dates I mentioned means we’re all Aries. I honestly don’t believe in all of the zodiac stuff because it makes people go crazy for no reason. However, there is one common characteristic that Maggie, mom, dad, and I all share: stubbornness. 

I don’t think I can emphasize how painful it is to be surrounded by two strong-willed women. Especially since Will started college, the house can oftentimes be divided because we all have our own opinions and sometimes refuse to change them. 

At night, mom and Maggie tend to watch “Gilmore Girls.” If I’m not doing anything else, I like to sit with them for a few minutes. I recently said, “Oh, Jess is an a**hole, Dean is much better.” Immediately, I received disgusted looks and a few scoffs. I know most guys reading this haven’t seen this show, but I feel I can speak for them: Dean is the better and more responsible man. 

Yet, despite the show clearly depicting Jess’s lack of boundaries, mom and Maggie still adored him. Even after pleading my case, they ignored me. So, I went up to my room and refused to talk to them for the rest of the night.

I mean, even today, I feel like that conversation comes up once every few weeks because it’s engraved in our DNA that we have to prove a point to someone else. That’s just the level of stubbornness in my family. 

And yes, although it can be a little comedic, being stubborn is actually one of my most important qualities. See, I’m someone who doesn't back down. If I say I’m going to do something, I will do it. No excuses. Because of this, I feel I have become very disciplined. I have a schedule of things I need to get done and when I should complete them. 

Sometimes this gets a little ridiculous. I have found myself on multiple occasions studying for the ACT at midnight because I was too busy earlier in the day. Like any sane person, at this point I should have just gone to bed. However, because I said I was going to study for this test, I had to do it. 

This is honestly what’s going to get me through the Camino. The physical ability to do this walk must already be there, but that isn’t enough. The mentality to wake up at 6 a.m. and walk 20 miles a day for 10 days in a row can take a toll on anyone. I’m sure I will become a victim to this. Yet, I won’t back down. I’ve made a promise to all of you to complete this walk. So even if I had to crawl on my belly for whatever reason, I’ll still find a way to fulfill the journey. 

The Camino pilgrims who have walked this path for over a thousand years have been extremely stubborn. Most of them didn’t have the comforts that I will have or the support that you have given me. I want to take inspiration from them and be just as, if not more, stubborn than them. 

I know it’s to no parent's delight to hear their kids want to be more stubborn as they grow up, but hopefully mom can deal with it (you know, apple - tree).

Until next week!

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