When it comes to celebrating birthdays in general, I love it. No matter how stressful it might be at times, I still do enjoy arranging something special for my kids, hubby, and other people for their birthdays. I also enjoy attending other people’s birthday parties.
But, when it comes to celebrating MY birthday, I’ve been having a bit of a long-standing dilemma with it. It’s hard to explain it all in one blog post. So, let’s just say that I’ve had a series of unfortunate/difficult/painful/strange/annoying events that have happened around this time of the year — on more than a few occasions.
Admittedly, I’ve never realised just how it all affected me until a few years ago. Since then, I’ve been trying to get over my “birthday hang-up”. But, it’s not something that I’ve managed to quite work out in full just yet.
This hang-up manifests itself in all sorts of ways – from being insanely sensitive about the day to being completely brat-ish. But primarily, I’ve got this weird thing about arranging a birthday party for myself. I just can’t get myself to do it. It’s weird. Sometimes, I wish I can just get a bunch of people together and ask them to celebrate with me… but, I don’t know. It feels weird. I almost did it this year, but backed out the last minute. Maybe, it’s partly because I’m currently living in a place where I don’t know that many people, and I’m not sure how to go about doing something that won’t inconvenience anyone, but yeah… Ah well. Perhaps, one day… 
Of course, I’m happy to celebrate with my family. That’s all good. Like today. Well, it wasn’t a big celebration day as hubby had to work for most of the day – and I had to study and go to Uni part of the day. But, I did get a nice birthday wake-up…
Actually, I woke up to a thunderstorm this morning. We don’t get a lot of rain in Adelaide, so they’re always welcome. Besides, you know what they say about rain and blessings. 
Just as I was opening my eyes, the kids came in to the bedroom singing me happy birthday. They brought presents, cards, and flowers (and tea from hubs) in bed. The Boy and The Girl apparently chose my birthday card and they each had a gift (a box of Lindt chocolates from the Boy and pink cute frilly underwear from the Girl – she also chose the carnation flowers).
During the day, some unexpected drama turned up, which put a bit of a damper to the day. But, hubby managed to save the rest of it when he told me later in the evening that he has planned for us to go to a drive-in movie as part of my birthday treat after his work. I did tell him a couple of weeks ago that a meal and a movie would be my birthday wish. Although we didn’t get around to the meal (we went to the 7pm show – and the kids fell asleep after the movie)… but, we did end up watching “How To Train Your Dragon”. My first ever drive-in cinema experience! The Boy loved it. The Girl wasn’t overly thrilled, as she is still a bit young for movies, I think. But overall, it was still fun.
One special part of my day as well came in the form of Facebook and Twitter – receiving dozens and dozens of sweet birthday greetings from friends, colleagues, ex-colleagues, classmates, former primary/highschool/college mates, church buddies, and family members. Really, really nice. I was even touched to realise that most of these birthday greetings come from people that I actually care about… Over 90% are from people I know for real (e.g., met them in real life, interact with them regularly online, etc). So, that was cool. And, I really appreciate the time that everyone took to say howdy. It’s like having a small virtual birthday party – without too much fuss. So, thank you all so much!
Oh, and yes, one of the main birthday perks I got today: Hubby handed me a birthday card – with the promise of an iPad (when it arrives in Oz later this month). I have to admit, I was sort of wishing for an iPhone or an iPod Touch… But, I knew that it was mostly wishful thinking for this year. That’s why the iPad was a bit of a surprise.
Of course, it means that I will have to practice delayed gratification when it comes to enjoying my birthday pressie… When it comes to gadgets and myself… that’s pretty hard! I either know that I’m NOT going to get one… or I become completely obsessed.
Well, at least, it also means that I’ve got something to look forward to. Plus, if all goes well… I’ve got a perfectly good reason not to be so hung-up about my birthday this year. Even if I AM getting closer and closer to the Big Four-Oh. Heh. 
Kari (3)
Mitch Mitchell (3)
Connie (2)
eds (2)
Rachel Cotterill (2)
Anne (1)
bcylady (1)
Jazzille (1)
macy (1)
Mel W (1)
A belated Happy Birthday from North Texas.
Kevin
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Can we go to a drive-in movie next time I come to visit? Please?!
Hope you enjoyed your special day, sis!
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Yay for the iPad! I got myself an iPhone for my birthday this year and love it as much as I love my other Apple goodies. I can’t wait to see what you think of the iPad when it arrives. I’m holding off until there’s a bit more feedback from consumers before I think too seriously about it.
I understand what you mean about trying to plan something when you live in a place where you don’t know many people. I’m in the same boat. Even though I’ve been here almost three years I haven’t had the time to make too many good friends. Thank goodness for our online friends who in many cases are even better
I hope the upcoming year reveals many good things and surprises for you. You deserve it!
P.S. I’ve always meant to ask how you ended up moving/choosing AU to move to and what factors helped you decide? I’ve been toying with the idea. Is it something you can blog about?
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i am close to the big four oh too and not sure how i feel about it. i was thinking of surprising you on your birthday, Shai but given what happened to me, all my plans fell through.
Oh well, there’s next year or the next..
C xx
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Did you like your birthday?
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