>A lot of people have great fun on their birthdays. They have loads of friends, get spoilt at work by their colleagues and have parties, dance, eat out en groupe then chatter the night away over more wine and say regrettable things. Whichever box you managed to check – I didn’t.
It’s no secret that I don’t have many friends – at least, not in this country. I try to avoid making friends here as they tend to up and move before you can even start liking them. Those that are my friends here have touched me deeply. James, from PictureNose actually called me to wish me a happy birthday, as did Andy Ramblings. And for that, I really thank them. The internet has definitely taken over and good wishes from people all over the world via my blog, Facebook and Twitter have been outstandingly generous.
Is the internet taking over? YES. I received one card. From my parents. I received one e-card, from my Cyber Sister in Florida. I received plenty of wonderful messages via the internet, one SMS message and err – yes, that was it. My dad sent me a photo of me when I was very small, in Japan. I’ll try and work out how to put that here as I’m not really that technically-minded.
I remember spending my 10th birthday sulking – god knows why – and still have a photo of me somewhere looking grim in a dress that my mum made me. Grateful little cow that I was. Another birthday that I remember after that was my 26th. My Ex decided to have a ‘surprise party’ (“go for a long walk and don’t come back until this afternoon – around 2pm”…). Well the thought was definitely there apart from his pick of friends. HIS friends, who I really didn’t like that much at all. Pregnant and hormonal, I spent 2 hours talking to the one friend that I did like.
And drank orange juice.
Oooo lalaaa.
Ever since then I have had very low expectations when it comes to my birthday. My daughters always spoil me – a rose from each today, Hello Kitty bath stuff AND a massage/reflexology/manicure – whatever – of my choice at the beautician’s below my hairdresser. Wow.
Surprises are always the best, and I’m grateful for whatever I get.
Now, boys and girls, for Christmas I’d like….
30 Comments
I always have low expectations for my birthday too. I’m an introvert so I don’t make a lot of friends easily. It does make unexpected surprises so much more special though. I hope you enjoyed your day.
Yo Zo!
Happee Birthday!
Have a raclette.
with orange juice.
Have a good day Zed.
I haven’t bothered with my birthday since I was about 12. I can’t stand being the centre of attention and hate being given gifts. My best day of recent times was when I received no cards or calls on my birthday, even my beloved spouse forgot.
Birthday? when was your birthday? You don’t look old enough to have birthdays ……. a timeless beauty only surpassed by your wit and charm. I shan’t insult you by wishing you a happy birthday – I’ll remain worshipping you from afar ….
[What d'ya reckon? - 5/10 for effort? - tee hee]
Another birthday that I remember after that was my 26th
Not difficult, innit, since it was your last birthday.
What, you’re older than 27? You? Naaaaaaaa, don’t believe that.
I too have always had low birthday expectations – especially as mine is in January and was always lmped into Christmas – you know “This is for Christmas and your Birthday” when presents were concerned; and not that wonderful so as to compensate for the lack of items in January. That may sound as pecuniary, but after all it is two separte events.
SO I understand your lack of enthusiasm for your natal day.
BTW, what did the ‘Twat’ and ‘beasty boy’ do for you on the day??
Burton – neither of them gave me anything.
You could have a shag!
Still no bed
Was reading your blog with the sprog; he sends you his bestest belated birthday greetings.
xxx
Quarsan, stop being such a twat, get your shit in gear & go buy/make your good woman a present. Two, in fact; one for her birthday, and a bonus one for not getting her anything on the day.
Zed, do not allow Q any conjugals, not even a glimpse of your fruity busoms, until he has done this & repented at length.
Sprog, you’re still my New Best Mate – thanks so much for the birthday wishes. Hope you’re doing OK and being good at school – because it pays off at the end, believe me. (I know I sound like an old bag, but trust me on this one. Eh?)
I obey, oh Goddess of the Bed. xxx
Happy Birthday!
You deserve a lovely day and much wine and pampering…and that’s what i hope you get.
xxx
That’s discusting that Twat and beasty-boy gave you nothing!!!!
No wonder you don’t let him have a shed – although is could because he doesn’t have one???
He could make partial attonement by chasing the Bed chaps up and have it delivered. You could leave Beasty-boy with the suppliers till it does arrive!! LOL
B
B – if he doesn’t earn anything, then how can he buy me anything?
As for Beastie-Boy – he spends all his money on … himself.
Life, huh.
I’d let the Beasty-boy find out how his food and washing cost – maily by not providing the serve for a couple of weeks [or longer].
Tough love ah!
I know what it’s like not working – but I do get some benefit – but it is tough, but did manage to find some thing suitable for the GF’s birthday and other holidays. It’s a matter of finding something suitable rather than costly – but it does take time and prepartion to find that specal smething.
B
Well, Happy Birthday late, sorry I missed it. Say what, I’ll bake you a cake – chocolate OK?
Now if you had let Q have a shed/workshop he could have made you something nice for your birthday, like … er ….a welsh dresser, or even a pine bed!
‘appy Burpday.
I am deeply touched that you were deeply touched, Zoe…a call was the least I could do.
Hope you had a great day. James XxX
I now ask for what I want for my birthday. Weeks in advance. It works, sometimes.
You look like Thumbelina in the photo below.
The Twat took me for lunch today. I wish I’d been in the mood, but the thought counted – even if he did fall asleep.
You may consider the
“forever 30″ approach
Belated Happy Birthday. I didn’t mention mine last time. At least you had some lovely pressies.
Happy Birthday! Sorry I missed it.
Happy birthday!
I see people celebrating birthdays every day of my week. I usually put my foot in it with my comments. So I’ve decided to cheer them up.
I say :”Pick the best birthday you’ve ever had in your life and try to re-create it, even if it’s just in your head.”
This usually brings on a puzzled smile and I leave them thinking that what I said was deep. Beware! This doesn’t work with one-year olds… ;o)
PS: Mine is next Saturday.
This year, I have decided to re-create my 25th. Can’t remember much of it but I was told I had a good time.
Apologies, Zoe, for missing the big day. Sometimes we get too wrapped up in what’s going on around us to notice others. Anyway, I hope you will look back on the day with some fondness, and wish you a happy year to follow.
Happy belated birthday
Aww, you should make some friends, but I do understand it’s annoying as a local English speaker to really band with those travelling expats.
Oh, nuggets. Missed it again. Happy Birthday, a bit late (well, go with your strengths I say).
In my defence, I’ve been rather distracted recently.
[Don't click on that, Zoe... you won't like it, guaranteed...;)]
“The Twat took me for lunch today. I wish I’d been in the mood, but the thought counted – even if he did fall asleep.
zed | Homepage | 02.20.09 – 7:17 pm | # ”
He did what? Fell asleap whilst attoning for not getting you anything in the first place? Twatism in action.
bb, he fell asleep. In front of me.