One of Life’s Simple Pleasures

I did not see anything interfering with this setup. Now I’m a Mom. Thankfully and happily – I am a mom. Now my birthday sometimes falls on Mother’s Day. Yup – you guessed it! Two separate gift-giving occasions, right? Well, sometimes. It’s a topic of conversation and teasing each year and I’m fortunate to have a very thoughtful family who has made sure to recognize my day.
I know others who are really “into” their birthdays. I’ve heard people celebrating their birthday WEEK or a birthday MONTH. My day is enough and I will always love my birthday. I’ve decided it’s due to the following ideas in my head:
1. Okay – the most obvious. Live each day as if it’s your last! We never know. You know the drill: life is short – plan the trip – buy the shoes, eat the cake!!!
2. I love the attention. Don’t judge me. Who doesn’t like a little special treatment? It’s my day and it’s only one day a year. Think about it. How many times are you recognized as being special when you haven’t done a thing to deserve any recognition? We bust our chops for accomplishments throughout our lives. I’ve done nothing to deserve this, but one day every May, I am treated like a queen. I didn’t even do anything on my actual birthday. (My Mom should actually be the one recognized for HER efforts!) I tell grocery story cashiers and baggers when it’s my birthday. They ask how I’m doing so I share that it’s my birthday. People usually react with a smile but there are those that look at me like “you’re what – like 100 years old and you’re still smiling about it?”. Yup, still smiling.
3. There are presents and cards involved. I’m at a point in my life where I can pretty much buy what I need and some of the things that I want. Presents are different. They are fun – happy – exciting – and from my loved ones. It’s a sign of their love for me, right? That’s the way I see it. I occasionally tell them that I don’t need anything – and I probably don’t. Still, I love the presents and cards.
4. Cake. Do I really need to say more? My all-time favorite birthday cake is angel food with powdered sugar icing. Just like my grandma used to make. I love it.
5. Birthday Dinner. I love this part and I know I’m lucky to enjoy it. I get to pick out a restaurant for my birthday dinner. It can be somewhere a little nicer – maybe more expensive than our usual outings – or not. I spend a lot of time thinking about this one and always look forward to it. I even order dessert.
So, what’s not to love? My husband doesn’t seem to care about his birthday. Go figure! My birthday has become a part of my personality – I see me when I see my birth date. I feel a kinship for the month and for the day. It’s my favorite number.
It’s the little things in life – like birthdays – that make us smile and give us those simple pleasures. So enjoy your special day, whenever it falls. I can’t wait for mine!
Angel food cake with pink icing, a birthday must since I was a little girl. My nana always made my angel food cake. Yet another tradition we share💝 I too LOVE my birthday and I’m not ashamed to admit it. It just means we get to be here another day. Happy birthday month my dear friend.
Thanks!! What a fun tradition to share!!