Not My Ideal Birthday

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.


Pre-Birthday Cake at Iberico

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.

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39 Comments

2004-05-26 22:17:56

Rod says

Happy Birthday my friend! :)

 
2004-05-26 22:24:31

April (lil ape) says

Aw 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. ;)

 
2004-05-26 22:35:22

Mona says

Shouts “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”

Cake don’t have calories, don’t let anyone fool you.

 
2004-05-26 22:38:43

Luna says

Awwww!! Well, you still celebrate it during Memorial Weekend. ;) Happy Birthday, Yano!!!

 
2004-05-26 22:46:49

chris says

happy birthday :)

 
2004-05-26 23:15:13

SusanG says

HAPPY 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

 
2004-05-27 00:04:45

Linda says

hey christine! happy birthday! =)

 
2004-05-27 01:17:17

Lea says

Hey 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!

 
2004-05-27 06:17:49

Shannon says

Happy Birthday Christine!!!!

 
2004-05-27 07:48:06

janet says

Happy 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.

 
2004-05-27 08:01:16

waterlily says

happy birthday, Yano!!! you *are* surrounded by friends and family (albeit virtually…) welcome to the last year in your 20’s. *HUGS*

 
2004-05-27 08:53:32

bumblebootie says

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KISS-TINE! i miss you! *muwah*

 
2004-05-27 09:04:48

Noelle says

Happy 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

 
2004-05-27 09:10:29

manny and rachel says

happy birthday christini weini… we’ll see you in a couple days

love manny and rachel

 
2004-05-27 09:19:40

Lucinda says

Awww 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!

 
2004-05-27 09:22:09

Soo says

Happy birthday, Christine! Despite the circumstances, I hope it’s a good one.

 
2004-05-27 09:22:47

Jerry says

Happy 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!!!

 
2004-05-27 09:41:41

Sue says

Happy Birthday Christine. I hope you have a great weekend.

 
2004-05-27 09:44:24

LeeN says

Happy Birthday!! I hope you have a good one, 29 is fun…my 30th was kinda lame. But happy birthday girlie!

 
2004-05-27 09:56:17

Sarah says

Happy 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’ ;)

 
2004-05-27 10:04:19

Pridey says

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!!!!

 
2004-05-27 11:05:25

Amy says

Happy Birthday sweetie!

 
2004-05-27 12:21:52

Lupe says

Happy B’day Christine!!! Hope all your dreams come true!!!

 
2004-05-27 13:04:21

ex-DK_sam says

29? 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!*

 
2004-05-27 13:18:00

pt says

happy birthday!

 
2004-05-27 13:44:18

Marilyn says

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHRISTINE!!!! I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU, TOO!!!!

*BIG HUGS AND KISSES*

 
2004-05-27 14:05:46

Melinda says

Happy Birthday Christine!!!!!!

Hope you have a fantastic 30 minutes tonight with Dave - if anyone deserves it you do.

HUGS!

 
2004-05-27 15:58:16

Joanna says

Happy birthday, Christine! Sorry you can’t be with the ones you love on your special day. Hopefully, you can make up for it later! ;)

 
2004-05-27 17:15:29

Denise B says

Happy Birthday Christine. Oh to be 29 again.

 
2004-05-27 17:22:41

Rick E. says

Happy Birthday!!!

 
2004-05-27 17:57:43

marie says

Happy 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.

 
2004-05-27 19:04:47

Maricel says

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

 
2004-05-27 21:09:51

Lissa says

Sorry I’m late. happy berfday Christine!!! *hugs*

 
2004-05-27 22:50:32

Kuyabar MikeMike says

Happy 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! :)

 
2004-05-27 23:02:10

Kelly M says

Hey 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!

 
2004-05-28 01:25:55

yano says

Thanks everyone. You rock. You don’t know how much this all means to me right now!

 
2004-05-28 09:28:00

Lara says

Happy Birthday dear!!!!! I hope your day improves.

Hugs,

Lara

 
2004-05-28 22:59:42

alan says

happy birthday to the gemini’s! YAH! :D I’m 21!!!

Can we go to D&B or something? hehe. do you still have my #?

 
2004-05-29 23:05:41

Kaylene says

Aw dang…shoulda visited your blog sooner…cause i missed your Birthday! ~;-( oh well, happy *belated* Birthday Christine!

 

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