This is a very delayed post; life got busy during my birthday month. Living in the city allowed me to celebrate my special day twice. The first celebration was a lovely Friday night date with my significant other, followed by a cozy Sunday lunch with my family.
Ironically, the day began with an excruciating migraine that persisted for several days. Thankfully, ibuprofen came to the rescue, although it made it challenging for me to concentrate at work. Even my usual cup of coffee failed to provide its usual energizing effect.
Birthdays throughout the years
During my childhood, my brother and I shared the joy of celebrating our birthdays together since they were only a week apart. To economize on decorations, party treats, and invitations, we opted for one big joint celebration, inviting our friends and neighbors to join in the fun.
Sharing our birthdays also meant sharing the birthday gifts we received. Luckily, video games were highly popular and considered ideal gifts for siblings. Our parents surprised us with a fantastic present called “Good Boy” – a Famiclone gaming console. It provided us with endless entertainment, offering a diverse collection of 100-in-1 games to enjoy. As the years went by, we upgraded to a Sega Genesis, embracing a new era of gaming. I have vivid memories of my ninth birthday when I eagerly purchased Sailor Moon, making it clear to my mom that it was the only gift I desired on that special day.
When I was a kid, my birthdays were usually celebrated with my brother because it’s only a week apart. To save money for decorations, party foods, and invitations, we have to make one big party and invite friends and neighbors.
So, we ended up getting a PlayStation (PSOne) console, but guess what? I totally goofed and accidentally short-circuited it. Fortunately, it was still covered by insurance. Talk about a stroke of luck!
Being silly teenagers
I’ve got some hilarious memories of playing versus on that console, especially with games like Tenant Wars. We got into this ridiculous fight that was so silly, we didn’t even talk to each other for days! And let’s not forget our epic couch co-op sessions with games like Resident Evil 5. We’d roast each other and laugh about our terrible aiming skills.
Even now, my brother and I are still super close. He was all about action games during his college years, and I’d sit there watching him play until I eventually dozed off on the floor. I had my spot right by the door, where I’d hang out, cheer him on, and then peacefully drift off to sleep. Good times, good times.
Hitting 30s
Well, here I am, hitting the big 3-0. Have I magically transformed into a mature, responsible adult? Nah, not really, at least not from where I’m standing. But hey, life has thrown some curveballs my way, and I’ve definitely become more self-aware along the journey.
Anyway, as this year draws to a close, I just wanted to take a moment to wish myself a happy birthday! Here’s to another year of adventures, laughter, and maybe even a few more wrinkles. I’m ready to embrace my 40s with open arms and see what the future has in store for me. Cheers to growing older, but never really growing up!