Happy Birthday to me

Today I get myself a birthday present. I cannot even remember when was the last time I received one from someone. 3 or 4 years ago, maybe? Apart from having achieved this double “4” digit year in my life, I think I so deserve it.

I am always the one to celebrate birthdays for others, to seek presents for them. I even organized food and gather friends to give a surprise birthday party to some. But when it comes to mine, nobody knows. “why don’t you remind them?” my friend suggests. But what is the meaning to remind others to wish me a happy birthday? It has to come from them.

Presents aside, this year is different from the past, probably because I am back in my home town. I was awarded with well wishes from a few friends. One even sang me a birthday song in local dialect over the phone (after I told him of my special day). My ex classmates invited me to a delicious Chinese Tim Sum lunch. Tonight, my 3 other friends are bringing me to a lobster steam boat. Oh my god ! Suddenly I wonder if I am being overly pampered.

I am not being materialistic. Neither am I interested in being the focal point of attention. It is just my desire to know how my friends value me. Is it too much to ask for once a year?