Monday, January 14, 2008

Happy Birthday to Me

I don't normally want much of a fuss made over my birthday. It's not that I mind getting older-- quite the opposite. The older I get, the more I feel like I'm coming into my own. It's just that birthdays aren't that big a deal to me. I'm flattered when someone remembers and wishes me a happy one, but I don't see any reason to make a big production out of it with cakes and hoopla.

So this morning I was surprised to arrive at my office and find that my staff had put a Happy Birthday note on my door and a bunch of balloons. I don't think I even mentioned my birthday to them, so they must've looked it up. Isn't that sweet?

Then when my staff arrived, they informed me they were taking me to lunch. Awww... I have the bestest team ever!

After we got back from lunch, flowers were delivered. They were from Dan, who so rarely gives me flowers that it's a real treat when he does. I got lots of compliments on them and was even more impressed when Dan told me later that the florist is a guy he hung out with in his Teenage Delinquent years. Apparently the guy's parents were florists and he inherited the shop and is quite the respectable citizen now. Funny how life turns, isn't it?

And topping it all off, I got a funny card from my father today with a little cash inside. He had given me birthday presents before going back to New Mexico, so I wasn't expecting anything at all, but my father is the master of little "thinking of you" gifts, so I shouldn't have let myself be surprised. Not after forty-one years to get used to his ways.

In sum, it was a really sweet, special day for me. I got nothing of real consequence, and if I got balloons, cards, flowers and lunch for every birthday it would be trite. But because it's the sort of thing that isn't the norm, I found myself oddly touched by it all.

Happy Birthday to Me!
















18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yippee! How cool that people made a fuss over you without you even knowing they knew! that's extra special... it means that you mean something special to them and they made sure to know when your birthday is. Very cool indeed. Happy Birthday! And how awesome to have it on the tails of finishing a marathon!

Chris Eldin said...

Happy Birthday Bunny Girl!!!
Sounds like a great start to your year!!!
:-)

the Bag Lady said...

BG - everybody deserves to have a little fuss made over them once in awhile! How nice that you had several little fusses made over you!
Happy Birthday!!

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

Happy birthday!

Trevor would like to give you the sort of kiss that makes your legs go all rubbery, but I pointed out that you've got Dan for that.

Trevor didn't much care.

Don't answer the door.

LauraHinNJ said...

Oh hey - Happy Birthday!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday!

RG said...

You had a fine few days there!

And ... 4 more years and then into a new age group!!!!

Arachne Jericho said...

Happy birthday Ann!

Many happy returns & wishes!

Leah J. Utas said...

Happy (Belated, sorry) Birthday!

Cate Gardner said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!! (Be glad you can't hear me singing it).

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday -- sounds like a really special one. And what beautiful flowers! *grin*

WriterKat said...

Happy Birthday BG! May it be a year of health & happiness for you! :-)

Rachel said...

Awesome! Happy Birthday!

Reb said...

Sounds like a perfect birthday! Good surprises are always fun & a great bouquet too. Happy Birthday BG!

Vickie said...

Very nice! Everyone deserves to be recognized for something, and a birthday is a good enough reason! Happy Birthday!

TX Runner Mom said...

Happy belated birthday!!! It sounds like you had a great day. BTW, Capricorns rock! :-) (My b-day is later this week.)

Michele said...

Happy belated birthday, BG! What a wonderful day your friends and family gave you. To make someone feel so appreciated and special is a grand gift indeed. Gorgeous bouquet from your sweetie.

Also, very belated congratulations on finishing your marathon and having such a good experience. Nice way to start the year!

Ellie Hamilton said...

Happy, happy birthday!