So apparently, thanks to LiveJournal and ICQ, everyone around the world now knows it’s my birthday. Yay.

Actually, I’m very ambivalent about birthdays. For me, it’s pretty much just another day. This year isn’t even particularly momentous – I’m turning 34, an age whose distinction is that, uh, it’s twice as old as I was when I was 17. At takaza‘s workplace they tend to “decorate” the cubicles of birthday celebrants; I’m so glad they don’t do that here – that would annoy the hell out of me. I guess my whole attitude is yet another example of my descent into curmudgeonhood. Grump, grump, grump.

On the bright side, Takaza surprised me this morning with a lovely bouquet of roses and a card. He’s so wonderfully sweet that way {melt}. And my parents asked me what I wanted for my birthday when I talked to them during our weekly phone call yesterday (yes, I am the Dutiful Son – every Sunday morning at 10 AM or thereabouts, I call them and we chat for an hour or so). I couldn’t really think of much – we have too much stuff as it is, and I really can’t think of anything that I want or need. We compromised and they’ll probably be sending a check to cover a nice dinner out for me and Takaza. That will be lovely. I feel bad because on the one hand I’ve been in the situation where I have no idea what a gift recipient might want, and on the other hand I feel like if I come right out and say something it will either be too expensive or I’m being greedy or I’m not being helpful enough…you see why I really dislike gift-giving occasions?

Anyway, it is nice and very much appreciated when friends pop up from out of the blue and wish me happy birthday. It’s a reminder that even though sometimes we feel somewhat isolated down in North Carolina away from many of our friends, folks are still thinking of us.