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Happy Birthday to me....in Pittsburgh....alone.
Bummer.
Fun Things I'm Doing on My Birthday
- At the stroke of midnight, I'm converting a 40,000 record database so I can get to the airport early tomorrow
- Installing software, training, doing a database conversion
- Flying 8 hours from Pittsburgh, to Dallas, to Long Beach
- Getting in at 11:30pm at night
The last 30 minutes of my birthday are left up to me. And Dave, if he's awake when I get home.
This is the third year in a row that I haven't had a birthday at home in Chicago, surrounded by friends and family. It wasn't too bad two years ago, when me and my family went to Vancouver. And it was pretty fun last year, when Dave had our cruise cabin decorated for me as a surprise.

But this year, I'm away from home. I don't have Dave here, and I don't have my family. So I guess you can say I'm bummed. And a little lonely.
But this time alone has caused me to be pretty reflective about the first 29 years of my life. It's had its share of ups and downs, and thankfully, more ups than anything. I really don't fear getting older, because I don't feel I am. I still feel like I'm 23, if not younger. Even though I've been in a funk lately, I never ever worry that I'm loved, by my husband (who was so awesome and picked up my bridesmaid dress and carried it like a man around Belmont Shore), by my family, immediate and those not so immediate, by my friends and even by people I've never met, but who give me encouragement and kind words all the time. I have met and continue to meet so many amazing people that have affected my life in so many ways. I only wish that I have touched someone's life in the way that I have been changed by others. And as much as there may have been some things in my life that I'd love to do over again, and that I may regret, I know that the experiences of my life have molded me into the person that I am today. I know I'm so lucky to have the things that I have. Sometimes it's easy to look at the bad side of things, be envious of the things other people have, the lives other people lead, the living in a world that I have never experienced. But when I look at all that is before me, and the happy moments in life that keep me going, I know that I'm content and blessed.
And old. I know. I said earlier I don't feel old. But hey, I'm a Gemini, I can change my mind whenever i want to.
Next year is the big 3-0....hopefully I'll be able to spend it at home.
If not, hopefully I'm at least around people I love.
*blows out candles*
Fine, fine, there's no candles.
*turns off the light*
Goodnight.
Posted by Yano at May 27, 2004 12:07 AMHappy Birthday my friend! :)
Posted by: Rod on May 26, 2004 10:17 PMAw Christine, I feel you girl. I wasn't able to see my closest friends for my b-day either. You don't think it will bother you, until that day comes.
But Happy 29th Birthday. I'd send ya a brownie through the mail, but it may not taste that good when/if you get it. ;)
Posted by: April (lil ape) on May 26, 2004 10:24 PMShouts "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
Cake don't have calories, don't let anyone fool you.
Posted by: Mona on May 26, 2004 10:35 PMAwwww!! Well, you still celebrate it during Memorial Weekend. ;) Happy Birthday, Yano!!!
Posted by: Luna on May 26, 2004 10:38 PMhappy birthday :)
Posted by: chris on May 26, 2004 10:46 PMHAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTINE! Another Gemini on the cusp. Only 29? A mere slip of a girl :) But one so filled with enthusiasm and wonder that it spills over into all aspects of your life. Thanks to your writing gift we can enjoy that too!
SusanG
Posted by: SusanG on May 26, 2004 11:15 PMhey christine! happy birthday! =)
Posted by: Linda on May 27, 2004 12:04 AMHey Christine - happy happy birthday! Though we've never met, I can honestly say that it was you who inspired me to continue with my online journalizing. I thought, if one person out there (you!) can energize my days from their own adventures, how great would it be if I could do the same for someone else?
So thanks so much! And keep up the awesome work!
Posted by: Lea on May 27, 2004 01:17 AMHappy Birthday Christine!!!!
Posted by: Shannon on May 27, 2004 06:17 AMHappy Birthday dear dear Yano. You are so incredibly special and you are making your mark in this world--look, you have friends who love you all over this nation.
Posted by: janet on May 27, 2004 07:48 AMhappy birthday, Yano!!! you *are* surrounded by friends and family (albeit virtually...) welcome to the last year in your 20's. *HUGS*
Posted by: waterlily on May 27, 2004 08:01 AMHAPPY BIRTHDAY KISS-TINE! i miss you! *muwah*
Posted by: bumblebootie on May 27, 2004 08:53 AMHappy 29th, Christine! I feel like you're catching up to me, heh heh.
Sorry you're alone and far from home on your birthday, but I hope you get a chance to make up for it this weekend. At least there is a nice long one to look forward to.
Eat and drink lots when you get the chance! When I get home from work tonight, I'll be sure to do the same, in your honor.
Speaking of honor, it's been a big one to know you and call you my friend! I wish you all the best this year and always! Much love... xoxox
Posted by: Noelle on May 27, 2004 09:04 AMhappy birthday christini weini... we'll see you in a couple days
love manny and rachel
Posted by: manny and rachel on May 27, 2004 09:10 AMAwww Yano!
Happy Birthday!!
Girl i'm feeling you on turning 29, it's a real slap in the face! I don't feel 29, but er...sometimes my body suggest otherwise!
I know it's hard to be away from your loved ones, but that just means you get to make it up double when you see them again!
Posted by: Lucinda on May 27, 2004 09:19 AMHappy birthday, Christine! Despite the circumstances, I hope it's a good one.
Posted by: Soo on May 27, 2004 09:22 AMHappy B-day Christine!!! As an older (but not necessarily wiser) person. You are only as old as you feel!!! Have fun and know that people are celebrating with you!!!
Posted by: Jerry on May 27, 2004 09:22 AMHappy Birthday Christine. I hope you have a great weekend.
Posted by: Sue on May 27, 2004 09:41 AMHappy Birthday!! I hope you have a good one, 29 is fun...my 30th was kinda lame. But happy birthday girlie!
Posted by: LeeN on May 27, 2004 09:44 AMHappy Birthday, dear Christine!! you have so many gifts, one is your writing that I enjoy so much. I hope you have a nice relaxing long weekend at home.
'age ain't nuthin' but a number' ;)
Awww Yano!! Happy Birthday!!! Well, at least you are in the same state as me. Sorry I'm on the opposite side. :( But we can have a party anyway! Party at Pridey's Blog!!!!
***makes shopping list****
Balloons, cake, beer, candles, more beer, presents, lots more beer, party hats (lamp shade for Yano) More and More beer!!!!
Happy Birthday sweetie!
Posted by: Amy on May 27, 2004 11:05 AMHappy B'day Christine!!! Hope all your dreams come true!!!
Posted by: Lupe on May 27, 2004 12:21 PM29? daaaaaaaang, girl! you is old! heh heh, just playin! Have a Happy Birthday, girlie! Dont forget to hit me up when you come back to the 'hood. *mmmmmmmmmmmmmuah!*
Posted by: ex-DK_sam on May 27, 2004 01:04 PMhappy birthday!
Posted by: pt on May 27, 2004 01:18 PMHAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHRISTINE!!!! I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU, TOO!!!!
*BIG HUGS AND KISSES*
Posted by: Marilyn on May 27, 2004 01:44 PMHappy Birthday Christine!!!!!!
Hope you have a fantastic 30 minutes tonight with Dave - if anyone deserves it you do.
HUGS!
Posted by: Melinda on May 27, 2004 02:05 PMHappy birthday, Christine! Sorry you can't be with the ones you love on your special day. Hopefully, you can make up for it later! ;)
Posted by: Joanna on May 27, 2004 03:58 PMHappy Birthday Christine. Oh to be 29 again.
Posted by: Denise B on May 27, 2004 05:15 PMHappy Birthday!!!
Posted by: Rick E. on May 27, 2004 05:22 PMHappy Birthday!! It sucks you have to work on your today, but that's what the following weekends are for! Go drinking or something!
I saw at Target one day these mini-spa things--it looks like a heating pad, but does something entirely different. You put then in your normal bathtub, and turn it on, and it makes bubbles like a jacuzzi. Maybe you should get one to feel more relaxed sometimes, especially to ease the jet-lag.
Posted by: marie on May 27, 2004 05:57 PMHAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!
Posted by: Maricel on May 27, 2004 07:04 PMSorry I'm late. happy berfday Christine!!! *hugs*
Posted by: Lissa on May 27, 2004 09:09 PMHappy Birthday again, Adingcrunch! At least it's still your birthday back in Long Beach. Hope you had a safe flight back, and enjoy the rest of your day! :)
Posted by: Kuyabar MikeMike on May 27, 2004 10:50 PMHey Yano! I'm a long time lurker, and I just wanted to wish you a very Happy Birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day and a great weekend!
Posted by: Kelly M on May 27, 2004 11:02 PMThanks everyone. You rock. You don't know how much this all means to me right now!
Posted by: yano on May 28, 2004 01:25 AMHappy Birthday dear!!!!! I hope your day improves.
Hugs,
Lara
Posted by: Lara on May 28, 2004 09:28 AMhappy birthday to the gemini's! YAH! :D I'm 21!!!
Can we go to D&B or something? hehe. do you still have my #?
Posted by: alan on May 28, 2004 10:59 PMAw dang...shoulda visited your blog sooner...cause i missed your Birthday! ~;-( oh well, happy *belated* Birthday Christine!
Posted by: Kaylene on May 29, 2004 11:05 PM