It is my birthday. And while the world remains in a health alarm with Covid-19 pandemic, I try to cautiously free myself of worries…at least for today, cause it’s my special day 😀.
One of my fondest memories when I was little is how simple my birthday was celebrated. In early morning, my mom would wake and dress me up in a decent shirt and jeans then bring me to the church to give thanks for another well life lived and will be off to the market and I would enjoy my favorite menu from the “Turo-Turo” (food stalls located anywhere including wet and dry markets in the Philippines were you can select pre-made dishes). I never had those big lavish birthday celebrations with confetti and balloons attended by many children and adults with matching gifts. In the corner of the Turo-Turo was where I get to enjoy myself eating my favorite Palabok (a relative of Pancit/Noodle for my non-Filipino friends and readers) while she ran her motherly chores ‘til she comes back to pick me up and go back home. As I get older, the celebrations become mainstream- but the former was still the best 😀.
My birthday coincides with Labor Day- a non-working holiday in the Philippines so that was an extra treat. When I moved in the US, Labor Day isn’t until the first Monday of September and so my special day becomes ordinary. Most of my birthdays, as long as I live here, falls on the days I am scheduled to work. Working on my birthday gives me extra perks because I get to have a free birthday cake that my colleagues usually bring, and endless greetings from all the patients I take care of. I wonder how they knew 😀.
Bob and I have been good in celebrating our birthdays together. The past years were carefully planned travel destinations topped with fancy restaurant dinners. None of those today. The unresolved pandemic remains a threat and with all the restaurants being closed, I put together what I collectively learn from my culinary classes and experience to create a special meal; tonight I will take it easy 😀.
I cannot recall the last I asked for any expensive gifts, and some people look forward to opening generous presents on their special day; but I don’t. Perhaps with limited means growing up, I don’t really ask for much. I take wishes of good health instead- which to me is always important 😀.
For many, having to add another year on their lives is worrisome- age stresses them out. I see it the other way around. I have been constantly rediscovering myself and it always begin on my birthday. I am humbled to have so many milestones in the last fifteen years and it always feel like it only happened yesterday; sort of like time is irrelevant 😀.
Happy Birthday to me!!!🎂
“There is a fountain of youth: It is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of the people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.” -Sophia Loren
Fontain des Mers. Paris, May 2018.
I learn from somewhere that if you toss a coin to a fountain, it will bring you good health and fortune.