I came into this world 26 years ago today, kicking, screaming and yellow. I was unhappy about the whole thing, but I’m over it. Last night I couldn’t sleep. It might have been the 3 cups of coffee, 32 oz Mountain Dew Slurpee and 44 oz Diet Pepsi I shared with Dean at the Rays game. Or it could have been the CONSTANT harassment I endured from Wrigley ALL NIGHT. Whatever it was, it caused me to reflect on birthdays past. Here are some of my memories:
6th or 7th birthday. Having a sleepover with my fiends and getting in my mom’s closet and playing “dress up” with her “night gowns.”
6th or 7th birthday. Having a sleepover with my fiends and getting in my mom’s closet and playing “dress up” with her “night gowns.”
8th birthday. My parents got a used Ford Pinto wagon. Beige with wood paneling and plaid seats. Tres chic. My friends and I were excited and fought over who got to ride in the back to the water park.
10th(?) birthday. My parents treated me to a shopping spree at Toys R Us. This seems like a dumb move on their part, but it was actually incredibly smart. As a little girl a loved playing with little dolls, little animals, little cars, anything little (is it a wonder I work in nanotechnology?). As a result, at Toys R Us, I was happy as a lark shopping for my stuff, but I don’t think I racked up more than a $50 bill. It was probably one of the cheapest birthdays ever for my parents.
19th birthday. Working at Bachman’s, Paul had the day off but came in and surprised me wearing a goofy outfit with his guitar. He sang me a song he wrote for me for my birthday. It’s still one of the fondest birthday memories I have. Plus Patty brought in homemade devil dogs.
21st birthday. Going out at midnight on my birthday for my power hour. Minneapolis used to close at 1 so you could go out for one hour right when you turned 21. I went with my girlfriends and Dean, the only boy. I drank an insane amount of alcohol and then went home. Dean and Amanda spent the rest of the night soothing me and cleaning me up while I alternately vomited and insisted that I was indeed GOING TO DIE. Dean and I had been dating for 6 months. After seeing me in such a state and staying with me, he must be the one. The next day I was so sick I could barely choke down a celebratory glass of wine with dinner.
24th birthday. I spent alone in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, on my internship. I thought I would be lonely, but I treated myself to a sack of Krystal burgers (still far inferior to White Castle), a six pack of Bud Light from the local Super Walmart and read Anna “Banana” Karenina. All in all, not bad.
I could go on, but I wanted to share just a sample of July 8th memories. Some silly, some sweet, some gross. By the way, today has been great so far! Thanks everybody for the cards, treats and well wishes.
6 comments:
So you got seranaded at work? How cool! Paul was courageous. I'd like to hear more about that, how your friends reacted, etc.
Scott-
Though the story makes it seem like he was curageous, Paul was really an attention hound. He was one year my junior and as long as I knew him he wanted to be a broadcaster of some sort. People at Bachman's (a garden canter in Mpls) would be shocked would they would see this teenager pick up the phone and page someone in a booming, campy, car salesman voice. I think our boss would be irritated, but he really wasn't doing anything wrong. We never dated, but had an affectionate friendship and I really admired his creativity. When I think back on him coming into work with an obnoxious shirt, jeans, suspenders and a straw hat and singing me my own personal song, I'm sure my friends thought "Why on Earth aren't they together?" The real reason was that I was 19 and interested in an older man (which turned out to be a disaster). From time to time though I do think about Paul and hope he is doing something that really lets him use his creativity.
Grandma-
Thanks for commenting! Your love and support means som much to me. I don't think I would be where I am today without the influence of such strong women (like you!) in my life. I love you!
sweetie i sure could one-up you on the birthday memories i think i remember them all! but how can you be 26? i'm still trying to lose the weight i gained when i was pregnant with you......
I don't remember the quote exactly, but I just read on someones blog: "I was so upset when I was born that I didn't talk for a year and a half.
Paul sounds a little corny, but I think I would have liked him.
And to think I was jealous on this day.
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