Do you like birthdays?
I love birthdays.
I like to think that birthdays are not a reflection of how old you are becoming, but a celebration of what you’ve achieved thus far. And, because my birthday falls on July 1, the mid point between the beginning and end of the year, I’ve become a religious goal setter both year over year in January and year over year on my birthday. (I love goals. Love ‘em.)
And, as my 26 birthday approaches (we’re two days away; get ready to celebrate), and I begin to reflect on the year that was 25, here are a few reflections on some of my more memorable birthdays to date:
The first CD I ever owned was Ace of Base – The Bridge gifted to me in 1996. Ah, the sweet sounds of Ace of Base. I remember that this was not just an introduction to the modernity of music, but to music in general. We didn’t watch MuchMusic at my house, but this CD represented my foray into pop music culture. I loved (still love, acutally) that CD for all the memories it brings back. What was your first CD?
On my 4th birthday, my mom and dad gave me a fischer price backyard sandbox. It was awesome – for the first five minutes. Then, this kid from down the street who was invited to my sandbox birthday party, decided that it’d be funny to shove a shovel full of sand into my mouth.
The sandbox lost all appeal after my beloved Nana had to spend a good hour helping me rinse sand from my mouth amid my unstoppable tears. I don’t think the sandbox was ever used again.
Just as I remember it….
Leading up to my 16th birthday, all I wanted – desperately – were tickets to see my then-favourite band Our Lady Peace play at the Concert on the Hill in Halifax on Canada Day. I begged and begged my parents for tickets as time wore on, but to no avail. They had me convinced they were sold out!
Finally, a couple days before Canada Day, my parents surprised me and my best friend with tickets, on one condition: my mom accompanied us. Well, it was better than nothing, and I enjoyed getting thoroughly sunburnt on the hill while rocking out to the likes of Buck 65, Sarah Harmer, and finally, Our Lady Peace. I remember the Hip played, too, but ironlically we left before their set. In hindsight, I wish I had seen them!
My 21st birthday is one that should probably just stay in my memory banks; it was a birthday party I’ll never forget. It was probably the first year I wasn’t in Nova Scotia all summer, so my Kingston/Queen’s friends spent the weekend with me and planned an aptly named “Put the ‘ass’ in Class” theme party. (Sidenote: it’s always the 21-year olds that come up with classy shit like that, right?) All I can say, is that we succeeded, with flying colours.
This was one of my favourite photos that night. Not all that descriptive, but evokes a feeling, don’t you think?
And of course, there is last year’s epic 25th mexican family celebration. Is epic the right word? I think so. Anytime you have my 85-year old Grampy in a theme outfit definitely constitutes as “epic”. We had theme music, tacos, salsa, and a creative selection of “costumes”. Frankly, it was more of a Mexican-Hawaiian hybrid judging by my dad’s attire, but who cares? It was hilarious. I had stiches in my side all night long.
25th Mexican Birthday
Apparently, partying with my Nanny and Grampy is more fun than most house parties any day – you just need a few margaritas to get things going!
And, this year was just as much fun as some of the past years. Of course, the actual date of my birthday isn’t until Sunday, but I gathered folks up for a nice, mature night out at Obladee last Saturday to ring in year number 26, if only a slight bit prematurely.
I’m not sure what this birthday will bring, but I already know this is a year that will be very exciting.
Bring it on, 26!
