Today is my birthday. I hate my birthdays and I especially hate anything done to make it a big deal. Since we’ve been dating the W has always ignored my pleas for a “do nothing special” birthday. She’s recently (although not this year, thank God) sent out emails, Facebook updates, or whatever to all (most) of my friends. This sweet sentiment results in about 500 phone calls, emails, text messages etc. 500 is an exaggeration, but you get the point. I find this extremely annoying. Don’t get me wrong, I am thankful for my friends and the happy birthday wishes, but I hate my birthday and just want to be left alone. Or you can mail me a card (with a check).
Recently someone gave me a gift certificate to an amazing restaurant nearby and we decided to use it last night to celebrate. This is one of those places and meals that normally would be off our radar, but thanks to the gift certificate we were able to make it happen. Appetizers of foie gras, oysters, sharing main course of duck and a filet mignon, an amazing bottle of French Pinot, followed by creme brulee all made for a perfect evening, a full belly and a birthday celebration I was pleased with. I was ready to be done celebrating at that point.
I wake up this morning on my actual birthday in a very grumpy mood. Again, I hate my birthday so no surprise. The W is trying her best to make it a good day for me, but the more she tries the more it puts me in “a grump.” One thing she arranged for me today was a glass blowing class at a local art gallery/studio. Again, a wonderful gift and gesture, but I was being my typical grumpy (and jerky) birthday self…so I told her I was not going and that we should have spent that money on a credit card payment. Not a good idea on my part. Especially for someone who is trying to do everything his wife tells him to do…even on his birthday. Eventually I realize this and apologize.
She does give me the option of not going and just staying home (my desire all along). I am very tempted to take her up on this, but she’s visibly not happy and I am sure sad/mad. Instead I do what she wanted me to do…I shower, eat an egg, have some coffee and then out the door to the studio.
It was awesome! I really enjoyed the class and look forward to picking up my bowl next week. After my class we had a “spice off” at our favorite Thai restaurant. A spice off is basically us ordering the same dish and opting for as spicy as possible seasoning. The loser is the first one to take a sip of water. Lots of laughs and a while later we decided the spice off was a draw. We both finished our plates and neither of us took a sip. All in all a great birthday! Once again I am reminded that I should be happier on January the 9th each year and more importantly–listen to my wife. She’s usually right on the money.
