On your birthday, how do you like to be cherished?
Daily | November 20th, 2008
“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Dr. Seuss
Carrie says: A tropical holiday with my husband: rest, read and romp.
Danielle says: I’m turning 40 this coming May 25 (go ahead, feel free to mark your calendars, I loove brithdays). I plan to be in Paris, buzzed on vodka and high on the art. Vive la 40!
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November 20th, 2008 at 4:57 am
I usually like to have some acknowledgment in the morning, start the day off with a smile! But pretty much, I just really want to have a great day. Good food, friends, chatting on the phone with the well wishers. My husband took me to Chicago a few times for my birthday, when we lived a little closer – staying at The Drake and shopping the Miracle Mile was always lots of fun.
November 20th, 2008 at 4:57 am
I believe your birthday is your personal New Year. Whatever you do on your birthday represents things that will happen in the next year. So, I make sure I do a little bit of everything; celebrate, eat my favorite foods, paint, give presents to my friends (a tradition), dance and love.
November 20th, 2008 at 6:11 am
I love planning my birthday parties. I believe strongly in opportunities to celebrate and express gratitude. Danielle, happy almost 40th. For my 40th, I kicked out my children and husband and had a sleepover party with my closest friends. Total strangers, I was nervous that it might have been awkward, but it was so much fun. We made personal pizzas, a mosaic craft project, and I opened really funny presents. What bound us all was laughter, in spite of the perils we were all facing, everyone left their “stuff” at the door and let their hair down to laugh. There is nothing more connecting than laughter. Celebrate!!!!
November 20th, 2008 at 7:04 am
My husband has this crazy idea that presents should be given at dinner. ha! I like to be woken up with a big pile of presents right on the bed!
I also always take time on my birthday to write in my journal for a good long while. I try to cover my whole life at that moment – where I am, what I'm doing, how I feel about it, what's foremost in my mind.
November 20th, 2008 at 7:14 am
I like to be worshiped close up and from afar… then showered with gifts and accolades of “You're HOW old? Noooo way.”
My dream birthday would be to wake up skinny for the rest of my life. But, in lieu of that dream, how about Paris in June, for this cool Gemini?!!
November 20th, 2008 at 7:16 am
I'd love to be woken up by my husband and kissed one time for each year I am old, and with each kiss given a reason why I am so loved and needed Breaskfast in bed would be wonderful served with champagne and a lovely card that has my schedule for the day in it. It would have to include at least a half day at the spa and dinner and dancing.
November 20th, 2008 at 7:17 am
ditto – I think birthdays are a big deal. And that the beginning of your 'new year' is an opportunity to set some intentions and set the tone for the year to come. So friends, chocolate, reflection, dancing – always a good to weave into your b'day!
November 20th, 2008 at 7:36 am
I tend to shy from the limelight. Since I've been an adult, I get embarrassed about special attention on my birthday from anyone besides my family. HOWEVER, my 40th is coming December 18 and I have invited 4 favorite girlfriends to celebrate with cheese & chocolate at a fondue restaurant. As party favors, I am giving issues of Seventeen Magazine that I have saved since the 80's. I'm looking forward to being cherished by dear friends with their laughter and good company.
November 20th, 2008 at 7:55 am
White Star or Perrier-Jouet accommpanied with dancing until the dawn with my most lively friends. That's a perfect birthday for me.
November 20th, 2008 at 8:27 am
Besides lots of love, kisses and friendly, warm wishes from my loved ones, I love glamorous, festive, long, HUGE dinners at really beautiful but relaxed restaurants — with everything from appetizers to champagne to dessert to aperitifs! And of course, all of my favorite people in the world there, with great conversation, stories, laughter and all-around joy.
On a more personal note, I like to “cherish” me on my birthday by figuring out my solar return astrological chart (why not?) Even if I don't 'agree' with it, it starts me thinking about what I want for my next year in life, and how I can go about creating that.
November 20th, 2008 at 8:30 am
I love small intimate dinner parties for my birthdays. Enjoying a delicious home cooked meal with close friends and family. Sipping a glass of red wine, having poetry readings, listening to my little sister play the piano and of course, lots and lots of gifts!!!!!
November 20th, 2008 at 8:31 am
I love my family tradition of waking up the birthday person with a muffin, candle, and the happy birthday song. That said, people don't usually do it for me, probably because I'm the first one up. I like the idea of celebrating your own personal New Year's Day, and doing things you want to do more of in the year to come.
November 20th, 2008 at 8:41 am
For some reason birthdays have always been extremely precious and private for me. I love the cards and phone calls with wishes for the coming year, but ever since I've been 'out on my own' my favorite thing to do is have a relaxing day doing whatever I feel like, alone, and an amazing dinner with one person who I most want to share time with. Parties give me indigestion. My 40th is the next b-day for me too – I really hope I can manage an extra special treat with my hubby (like NYC or the honeymoon we have yet to take…)
November 20th, 2008 at 9:12 am
I just want to be surrounded by love, love, love! When I was younger, — and I think most of us have experienced this — I did not understand this concept as much as I did presents and cake. But as I have gotten older, I have realized that all I really want is to be surrounded by the people I love. And, hey, a little something is A-OK, too. (-;
November 20th, 2008 at 9:16 am
I like to have time alone to reflect on my life, and make plans for the upcoming year. I don't care about New Year's Eve, I care about MY new year.
November 20th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Danielle, we're twins! I was hoping to head to Italy, my family has a villa just outside Rome. I haven't been since I was eleven. I was hoping to go by myself for a week and then have my family join me – as alone time is as precious rare as diamonds these days.
November 20th, 2008 at 9:27 am
On my birthday I love hugs, text messages, and a big dinner with friends. A particularly memorable birthday was when a few friends surprised me with a homemade cake (these are friends who can barely boil water). The cake tasted like crap, but the love was there!
November 20th, 2008 at 10:09 am
I like a grand celebration – making a spectacle of myself and friends. That's why for 13 years we've gone themed costume bowling in Seattle. This year, being the last of my 30's, I wanted to break from tradition so I spent my birthday in Las Vegas this past weekend. Again dressing up with feathers, lashes, big hair, etc. Drinking Champagne, having a luxurious meal, gambling and debauchery!
November 20th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Suzyn,
Great idea, to mark your life's progress annually on your Birth Day. It simplifies things. Imagine, reading your first Birth Day journal entry AND your last, on what turns out to be the last one. It just might inspire one to live fully, so you have no regrets… thanks for sharing that one. I have trouble making the time to write daily so I don't but annually is doable.
November 20th, 2008 at 10:44 am
I like to be in another country when it is my birthday, especially for a milestone one. For my 40th last year I was on an African Safari. I feel birthdays are a time to reflect on the past year and make any improvements for the next one.
November 20th, 2008 at 10:46 am
Well, it actually is my birthday next week and my wife and I are going out for our first date since our daughter was born 16 months ago! That says it all really…
November 20th, 2008 at 11:11 am
I like getting a phone call from my mom at 2:16am (the time I was born). It's as much her day as it is mine. We talk about what she was feeling, thinking in the hours before and after my birth. Then I get waken around 8am(before everyone leaves the house for the day) for presents and cake. Then I spend the day with family and friends. Laughing, watching favorite movies, shopping… No worries, no work, just happy!
November 20th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Ooh, I love birthdays! Others' and, especially, mine! And Danielle, you and I share our birthday – May 25th. Fun. I believe having a fabulous birthday is totally up to me and being clear about my wishes for the day. I always begin with a morning contemplation time during which I stroll through memories of the past year and note things I'd like to bring into my new year and things I'd like to let go and leave behind. I make plans for the next year. Then I usually land on a theme for the year. This year has been about being more “transparent”, sharing more with my friends and family (as I tend to hold feelings close, though am free with ideas…).It's been a struggle at times to be vulnerable that way, but the payoff has been high.
November 20th, 2008 at 11:45 am
I love birthday cards and books and perfume and maybe cake!
November 20th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
My birthday is this coming Monday. I plan to spend the entire day at on a 5 star spa retreat, courtesy of my wonderful husband. I am so excited, a day to relax, reflect, quiet my mind and get pampered. A truly decadent day!
November 20th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Acknowledgement from others, but mainly the people I care the most.
Taken out for ice cream, surprised with a small gift.
Just loved haha Like any other day of the week
November 20th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
I like to celebrate both mentally and physically. Mentally, I get out my journal and set my intentions for my 'next year.' I look back on the previous year and celebrate all that I've learned and accomplished and experienced and I look ahead at where I am and where I want to go. Physically, for the past 3 years, I've done a 'birthday climb' here in the mountains of CO. I have three good friends that accompany me on a climb that is challenging for me–my intention is to challenge my boundaries and comfort level and “push” myself into the new year. It's been amazing each year and a really precious tradition.
November 20th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Being with the love of my life in Italy, enjoying the light, the tastes, the joy of dancing, saying how I feel and creating beauty & poetry. Celebrating with my children who are the truest gifts of my life. They expand my world with richness, laughter, strength, and an eternal link by being part of my transparent heaven here and now.
November 20th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
I love indulging in everything I love – being surrounded by my favourite people, getting some solitude and soaking in a luxurious bubble bath, wrapping myself in cahsmere, listening to steamy jazz, eating cupcakes, drinking too much champers, laughing far far too much, and celebrating life! (It's also my tradition to give silly loot bags at my birthday party – why not?)
November 20th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
I have to say I'm quite appreciative when someone has listened to a comment I may have made about something I like several months earlier, remembered what it was and even bought it for me as a gift. That's pretty special! More so that the cost….
November 20th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Happy Happy Birthday!
November 20th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
I agree. To be heard is the greatest gift.
November 20th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Good food, good company, and a lot of laughing.
November 20th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Good food, good company, and a lot of laughter.
November 20th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Hi. Christina C., best wishes!! We share the same day. It's number 60 for me.
It will be great to be surrounded by my loved ones, including my wonderful husband.
My fantasy birthday would be to travel to Las Vegas, Italy, and Great Britain.
Birthday gifts also would include cut flowers, jewelry, gift certificates for Panera, Barnes & Noble and a donation to Light of Life Rescue Mission for Thanksgiving dinners for the homeless.
November 20th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
A day or a half day at the spa and then spending the rest of the time reading.
November 21st, 2008 at 8:08 am
Ahhhhh, thanks Carrie!!!!!
November 21st, 2008 at 10:17 pm
i would like to be woken up gently, maybe at 10 or so by my sweetie, or maybe my sweetie and my family, with a really wonderful breakfast, fresh breads, lots of cheeses, fresh fruit, some one to have picked up fancy coffees from somewhere, slippers brought right to me and put on my feet, and a blanket around my shoulders (i am always cold) given some nice presents, something beautiful, allowed to sit at breakfast as loooong as we like, no one rushing to go anywhere, hang out in pyjamas as long as i like.
I would really love it if a lot of people remembered my birthday and wrote me nice cards, and gave me little thoughtful gifts, called me, emailed me, came over in the evening on their own imperative and sat around drinking wine, eating something good, there should be flowers, laughing, love, cozyness… we can play some surrealist games, light some candles, no one rushing to get going and checking their watches… sigh… that would be awesome.
November 23rd, 2008 at 11:19 am
I've always felt conflicted about my birthdays. I love it when my family has small family get-togethers to fete my birthday, but I've always wanted to also have my husband or family surprise me with a real party with other close friends invited too. I've never felt like I had a “real” birthday party that required anyone to do anything other than call to get the cake and I've always wished someone in my family would put a little thought into celebrating my special day. I hate it though when you're at work and the birthday brigade makes you get up in front of everyone to be sung to. It makes me want to crawl under the table.
November 23rd, 2008 at 9:42 pm
I like to be showered with gifts of jewelry or gift cards to bookstores!