Happy Birthday to You

Birthdays come and go faster than you can sing 'Happy Birthday'. Nevertheless, they are memorable, even if for a fleeting moment -- precious for the care that your circle of friends exhibit around you and the love (not to mention presents) you are showered with.

Birthday wishes to (in chronological order) Alicia, Christopher and Ashley. Their birthdays came in a barrage of dates, hectic and rushed. The cakes looked positively lovely, adorned with simple chocolate bits that simply adds to the embellishment of the cake perfectly. To add the icing on the cake, all of them were chocolate! For a more illustrative (completed with pictures) of their excitement-filled birthdays, click on Profile and Link yourself to Emma's blog. You won't be disappointed. ;)

Personally, birthdays to me is one of those cherished days that provides you with the perfect opportunity to remind your friends just how much you treasure them. On a certain level, it gives the receiver warmth and happiness that no amount of presents could ever possibly replace and it brings joy to a whole new level. I've had the experience and loved it.

The camaraderie I have with the girls; sometimes I reflect on my actions and I wonder what kind of rapport we have for them to actually have the capacity to accept me for my worth. And vice versa, of course. Then I realize I don't really want to delve that deep and dissect every single aspect of the many reasons. I'm contented where I am and what I have and despite the insecurity I feel at times, the knowledge of what I have already acquired remains dulcet to my ears.

Most of the time I don't know how to express my gratitude -- or any other mushy feelings for the matter -- but when I do, it comes out all wrong and, I quote, "so philosophical". Chinese culture has taught me that I should not portray myself as Truth or the spokesperson of Truth. I agree wholeheartedly. But how else do I bring across my feelings? Or maybe, you guys have already felt it.

Confidence and exuberance can be faked, ethereal can be imitated, but underneath the facade, one has the insecurity that we all feel when we try to survive and outwit the odds stacked against us. The girls are a constant reminder, however, because they touch me within the depths of my shallow heart and give me courage like the belief the lion in Wizard of Oz had in his medal.

My birthday cards may be short and simple or long and lengthy, but in the end, I just hope I have given just as much to you as you have given me. If not, it is a pity that I am that incompetent. You may guffaw and you may smirk, but think again before you comment on what I have said.

You may be insouciant to birthdays, but they are emblematic to me.