Monday, October 1, 2007

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.

13 comments:

Alesa said...

Happy Birthday Bethany! I am glad you were born too!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Bethany, Dear! You must also remember that you are cuter, and smarter and nicer than you were at 25....and also... your hair grows faster! Our family always celebrates "It's Bethany's Birthday" on October 1st. I love you! Your Ecto Mom

Steph said...

Happy Birthday!!!!!! I was going to say it on Facebook tonight but figure this is just as good! LOVES

Diana said...

Happy Birthday!! =)

Jessie Nielson said...

Happy Birthday! Have fun watching The Bachelor and eating cake tonight! You rule.

Bart said...

Janssen's doing a little birthday dance for you! Happy Birthday, Bunster! (?)

Dana said...

So, I didn't get a chance to wish you a happy birthday on here yestersay, but I figure that's okay since we did get to talk on the phone for a whole hour! I hope you had a fun birthday cake eating-bachelor watching night last night! I love you and I am glad you were born!

Anonymous said...

you are a babe! and I do love you! and I love fall shows! YEA!!!! I can be a coach potato and hibernate for the cold season! :) I'm glad you have a good one, miss ya! Luvs! XOXO

Rachel Evans said...

Hey Beth! I hope that you got my message! Happy Birthday! I was going to say on the message, "Can you believe that you are 26!", but I did not want to make you aware of how OLD we are if you did not already know... :) Glad to hear that you had a good day!

Heather and Trevor said...

Happy Birthday! I can't believe your so old!! :) HA! I love your entries! I do enjoy trips to Target, a nice piece of cake, the bachelor, and some pepcid too! Hope you had a great day girl!!

Abbie said...

Happy belated birthday Bethany!
You are awesome mama!

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

I can't believe Theresa stole my prettier, nicer, smarter comments. You are, you know.

Love, Mom