My love of birthdays is no secret to anyone. I love birthdays\u00a0and every year I talk about mine more than is really decent for a woman of my age.<\/p>\n
Birthdays make me happy.<\/p>\n
Maybe it’s just because I like being the center of attention for a few days…or, uh, a whole month.<\/p>\n
Or maybe it’s because I like getting presents. I do like presents, big or small. Roasting pan or fake cat’s paw. Love. Booze filled chocolates. Love. Skull shaped ice cube trays. Love. Power tools. Love.<\/p>\n
I definitely love \u00a0the dinner and drinks invitations, and the people who do the inviting.<\/p>\n
I am very much in favor of the mini-vacations and extended visits from people special to me.<\/p>\n
There are not very many work days in a typical birthday month for me. I like working, but I like sleeping late and huddling in watching old movies even more!<\/p>\n
It could be that what makes me happy is \u00a0the reminder that another year has gone safely by, mostly full of laughter and love.<\/p>\n
Or the birthday cards, which always seem to make me all teary-eyed even if they literally have pictures of litter boxes on them.<\/p>\n
It could be the cumulative effect of all of the messages, and texts, and Facebook posts wishing me well. I mean, I know that Facebook practically ORDERS people to wish me a happy birthday, but still. The fact that people take a minute out of their lives to think of me and wish me well is something that makes my tiny little Grinch heart grow at least two sizes larger each year. Considering how much it re-shrinks again over the course of the year, it’s a very good think I have a birthday every year. For the good of humanity.<\/p>\n
More than anything, though, I think what makes me the most happy about birthdays is that they are a time to take a moment and remember all of the things about my life that are so wonderful. All of the people I love who love me back. Every drink with friends reminds me just how much I have to be grateful for.<\/p>\n
Birthdays are my real thanksgiving. If you are one of the many, many people who wished me well on my birthday, I thank you.<\/p>\n
Gratitude, it turns out, makes me very happy.<\/p>\n
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** PS: \u00a0Happy birthday, Doctor–I hope your birthday was as wonderful as mine!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"