On Birthdays

Today is my birthday, and I say that not because I want accolades but because I was reflecting on this earlier this week.  Trust me, there is very little to celebrate turn the "age of perfection" when you look as I do.  No, in fact, I was thinking about past birthdays, and how few I actually remember.

When I was a child, I know that we went to the zoo at least once for my birthday because my mom made me a train conductor outfit for the train ride.  I loved it, orange and all.  I know I had another fireman themed birthday, and one that was pirate themed. 

I remember two from our time in Massachusetts.  One I remember because my sister was at work and my grandparents actually visited us.  I sat on a chair by the front door waiting for my sister so I could finally celebrate my birthday.  Another my parents had a "surprise" birthday party for me, and I disappointed everyone by playing it cool and just walking past my friends.  I thought it was funny.

What did I do for the infamous 21st birthday?  As far as I remember, I had dinner with my brother during which I may have had a beer.  That was it.

I do have two rather memorable birthdays of recent vintage.  Ten years ago, I went with a good friend to my first concert, which just so happened to be my favorite band: U2.  Seeing your favorite band on your birthday is a pretty great experience.  Then, five years later, I spent my birthday in the most beautiful city in the world: Florence.  That was the day I hiked up to the Piazzale Michelangelo where I took my favorite picture of the entire trip to Europe: my overview of the city.

I can only think of two birthdays where I actually had friends over.  You know what?  I am completely ok with that.  We never had a huge birthday party with bouncing castles or petting zoos or whatever.  We didn't need it.  I don't resent my parents neglecting to throw extravagant parties that I would forget the next day.

I think that's the key to having a memorable birthday.  Do something you want to do.  For me, that does definitely not include a huge party.  I like something more subdued, preferably in an exotic place or with a favorite first.  Of course, that's fairly rare, so maybe just sitting in and watching a movie.  What will I be doing this birthday?  Slaving over a Spanish mid-term and a Metaphysics exam.  Not exactly what I would choose.  But then again, it's just another day, right?