Happy Birthday to Me!

Yesterday, I spent another birthday here in Chicago.

The first one was my 25th birthday back in 2005. I was given a Baskin Robbins ice cream cake by my project team of around 20+ people. After work, we all went to Monks together with my other FIlipino friends and got so drunk that I barely remember what REALLY happened. What I do remember was waking up the next day and trying to smile through a blinding headache and a cottony mouth. Good times.

This year, I celebrated by 29th birthday differently. Alot less crazy. Alot more calm. There was no cake, but there was an ice cream run to Dairy Queen with my dwindling team of nine people. There was no crazy bar night, but there was a quiet Filipino dinner at the Oakwood rooftop with a few friends. My friends gave my a birthday card that plays a recording of them singing "Happy Birthday" and then culminates with a song that says "You've Got The Power!" (how apt). They also got me the best tasting strawberry cheesecake with the prettiest candles I've seen (I will post photos when I get them from Ana Banana). Talk about feeling special. Lastly, there as no hangover, there was just me, waking up with a feeling of immense happiness at not only having survived, but at having lived yet another fruitful year. At the risk of sounding conceited, I can honestly say I am lucky to be me. Happy birthday, lucky Kaye!

Here is the greeting I received from my project team:

So, eventhough I am in the United States and miles away from majority of my friends and family, I still felt so special and loved on my special day. Thanks to all who greeted me:

My parents who insisted that I celebrate my birthday Manila time since I was born there. Thanks for eating Pancit Lucban to ensure my long life! I can't wait to see you both real soon. Take care and stay healthy!

My kuya who wishes my the best every single time we speak, but still managed to make his birthday greeting sound extra special. I miss you and Aidan alot. See you very, very soon!

My Irish Lad and boy biatch, Ronald, who has spent the last of his phone credits on an overseas call to me to greet me on my birthday from a beachside campsite. I miss you, Baby Belz!

My Triplets, Jeff and Phiney, who managed to make me miss them even more by just greeting me a happy birthday. This, after I thought it was impossible to miss them more than I already do. Gosh, what I would give to have dinner with you two...

My crazy twin friends, Liza at Jake. Thanks for the ten peso text messages. I did get both and appreciated them very much. You guys are two of the most thoughtful people I know.

My favorite dutchie, Marco, who can make me feel like the hottest OLD WOMAN there is with his special brand of smooth talking. Thanks for the greeting and I look forward to your gift. You are awesome!

To everyone who left me messages on Facebook, Friendster, MySpace, Bebo, etc, THANK YOU.

And to you, for reading this blog entry up to this point, thanks for caring enough about what I have to say to have read up to this point. You also made my birthday special just by doing so. :)

Well, okay. I don't know how to end this blog entry gracefully, so I'll take my cue from The Sopranos and just -