26

I'm twenty six today, which means I’m practically thirty, which means I’m practically going through menopause, which means I’m practically dead. I should be very depressed today. But I’m not. In my elderly years I have finally figured out the secret to an incredibly happy birthday.

As a teen, I had this philosophy that birthdays were really a celebration of the people who celebrated you. So, when a friend accidentally forgot my birthday or gave me balloons when I obviously wanted flowers (duh), my birthday was a disaster. If my loved one’s failed to celebrate my birthday properly then they apparently didn’t love me and my birthday and my life was a waste.

Under such a ridiculous philosophy it was no wonder that I hated birthdays. My expectations were so high, and because I kept my expectations to myself, I was setting everyone up for failure.

Thank heavens that I am now so wise and all-knowing. I have learned that:

a) I am loved (even if a few people fail to roll out the red carpet on October 1st ).
b) Who the heck cares if other people celebrate me? I am fabulous and can celebrate myself, thank you.

Before I continue, I'd like to note that I do feel extremely loved today! I have already received phone calls, cards, and happy thoughts from people who love me. My husband spent the whole weekend taking me to dinner, The Lion King, giving me massages, cleaning the house, and setting the table (even with napkins! Hooray!). My family is flying me and Doug out to Colorado this week. I already mentioned the wonderful camera my in-laws gave to me!

That being said, even if all of these wonderful things hadn’t happened, I would still have a very happy birthday. I am thrilled that I was born! I like… no love… Bethany!

And I can fulfill my own birthday expectations. Today, I celebrated myself by buying a pizza. Doug and I have been running around the house shouting “Happy Birthday Bunster!” all day. I am blogging. I went to Target today. I am going to eat birthday cake tonight while watching The Bachelor and I don’t have to share the cake with anyone (Doug can have a few bites… I guess).

And this has been a great year! Plenty to celebrate: being pregnant, Grapevine Texas , my plethora of friends, and my husband (of whom I am madly in love). I celebrate my naughty little boy, all of my family, and my Savior! I celebrate the new fall television show line-up, the book I am writing, and Pepcid Complete.

I do not celebrate my haircut.

And even if you don’t call me or remember that it is my birthday today, it’s okay because I probably forgot yours, too. But I still love you.