You know, I’ve never actually had one?

A happy birthday, that is.

I’ve always been let down and disappointed by people (and in some cases the weather too) other than my family this time of year. I’m left feeling insignificant, overlooked and downright ignored on the one day that I feel it is acceptable to feel entitled to a bit of extra attention from your friends and family.

Birthdays are always such a bitter thing for me, and over the years my expectations have been consistantly lowered to the point where I don’t even expect (a common decency IMO) anyone to even wish me happy birthday on the day.

Last year things got a little bit better in the birthday department; my expectations were way below realistic and some people showed up for my birthday outing, sort of (compared to no one in previous years). It still wasn’t what I would call a happy birthday, merely sufficient. (Don’t go preaching to me that I have unrealistic expectations here, folks. I expect friends to show that they care that it’s your special day, wish you happy birthday, attend your party or whatever, buy you a drink and/or possibly a reasonable dinner out. Nothing totally out there, and it’s what I do for others).

Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised this year. I’m hoping its a sign of good things to come. I received many happy birthday wishes both in person as well as a mountain of them on facebook which was refreshing. I didn’t expect any more than 3 people to bother. One of the guys also paid for my Starbucks this morning, and my roomie showed up at lunch with a balloon bouquet and a lovely giant cookie from Mrs. Fields with “Happy Birthday Ginger!” written on it.

I was totally floored by that. No one’s ever done something that nice for me before, the gesture just really made my day! My boss also scheduled a birthday lunch for me next week which is nice.

Really, I’m actually surprised by all of this. I’m so used to having my birthday and surrounding days be some of the worst days of the year that I’ve just come to expect that. While I always make an effort to think positively, I was still caught off guard by everything today.

Part of me is happy that people were nice to me, but part of me is sad that I have to be surprised that someone would actually wish me a happy birthday.

Anyway, I’ve invited some of my closer friends over this weekend for dinner and drinks at my place then a night out dancing. Hopefully everything goes well! Hell, I’ll be happy if people just show up and I don’t burn the dinner!

Pray for me!

*Don’t forget to enter the draw for my give-away of 3 FUZE prize packs!