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In which I turn one year older and wiser too.

Today I am 21 years of age. It doesn't feel like that big of a change, because I've been telling people I'm 21 the entire time I've been here (I have this tendency to lie about my age sometimes...). But nonetheless, I am now a real adult. I have a history of being out of town on my birthday: 2 while I was at girl's camp, one in Yellowstone with Jessie, and now one in Vienna. It started with a package from my mother (which I forgot to take pictures of...oops), full of American granola bars (a staple of my life) and a cake mix that I shall make later today. I spent my morning learning about Klimt, Schiele, Mahler and Schonberg (PS did you know that Leonard Bernstein had like, the same life story but in reverse? Mahler was born in Europe, conducted the Vienna Phil, and then crossed the pond to conduct the New York Phil. Bernstein was born in America, conducted the New York Phil, and then conducted the Vienna Phil. Oh also they both were Jewish. So it's fitting that Bernstein kind of brought Mahler's music out of obscurity.)
I've always had mixed feelings about birthdays: I hate being the center of attention, and so I feel strange having a day all about me. But I've learned from experience that if I don't tell people about my birthday, it'll come out a few days later, and then instead of one day of birthday, I get a week of "Why didn't you tell us you had your birthday?" So I think I'm growing to actually like having a birthday and just appreciate the outpourings of love I recieve from friends and loved ones. Like the many sweet emails I got from parents and siblings today, or the Kinder Bueno (best candy bar ever. I'm serious) that my sweet friend Rachel gave me. 

I am relieved, however, that I didn't get any presents today, outside of the package from my parents. I love getting Christmas presents, but birthday presents sometimes feel weird to me because I'm the only one getting presents. Also, I will never put my birthday on facebook. I hate getting all the wall posts from people I barely know. I much prefer happy birthday's from people who actually love me.

Anyone have any good birthday stories? Worst present ever? Most awkward birthday adventure? I'd love to hear!
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Comments

  1. ChocoholicNovember 14, 2011 at 10:15 PM

    Once upon a time - birthday's rock!!! Why on earth wouldn't you want to celebrate you!? You're super-freaking-amazing-awesome-crazy-sauce!!!
    Seriously though. Is it wrong for us or you to celebrate one of God's most precious creations? It's a sign of love and respect. It is personal and wonderful and there isn't any reason you shouldn't celebrate it to the fullest.
    (If you couldn't tell, this is something I feel very strongly about...)

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