I was awaken at 4 am by a SMS Bday greeting from a friend overseas. I missed his call coz i was on a deep sleep. I was surpised that he was the first one to greet me and the extra effort he did, knowing him.
I went back to sleep and woke up around 5:30 and prepared myself for the day. I decided to wear a dress on this special day but somehow i was having second thoughts since i'm taking the public transpo. But then i went as planned coz i have nothing special to wear today. I badly wanted to feel good about myself. Somehow I thought that the dress would lessen the uncertainties and liitle sadness i have in my heart.
I attended the 7AM mass near home. I thanked God for another year and wished for more years and an approved visa. I really wanted to be with them. I lighted 27 white candles and prayed for good health and happiness for my family and friends.
I received greetings, warm smiles and surprise eyes as i entered the room. They have seen me in my miniskirts and swimwear but this is their first time to see me in a summer dress and showing off a little skin. It's like they are seeing me from another light. Somehow, they thought i was freed from the old style uniform and jean-shirt (clothes i was comfortable at) i used to wear.
Beside the birhday greetings, I got second looks and nice comments from them. Now, they are looking forward on seeing me in another dress. Surely, i'll be disappointing them. i have no plans, i'm back again with my comfy clothes and occasional minis.
Later in the afternoon, we had a little merienda salo-salo. One my officemate cooked me spaghetti. I Suddenly remember my sister. She cooked me one for my officemates last 2006. Few months later she was gone.In between smiles, jokes and shots we shared the different food on the table.
Dinner time, together with my few officefriends went to Friday's. They wanted to try it there. It was pricey but the food was great, the ambience and service are perfect.
I had fun, i was really feeling happy. I got unexpected greetings from unexpected people, great food, great company, great friends and a call from family. A little sad, that it has to end .
Looking over the pictures, I realized what i really missed. I missed my family. Back in my younger years, Along with my sisters and close friends, we will gather on the table and shared the spaghetti and gelatin my nanay prepared. Since we live in an isolated island, the leche flan served as my cake.But there's still the traditional blowing of candles and picture taking with a 135camera. If there's a flight schedule we could have a real cake and an ice cream. take note, i also wore a dress back then.
after the party, we will play on the dry ice. We were so innocent that we were so fascinated on the effect of water on the ice. There's a crunchy sound and a smoky thing everytime you spill water over it. It was so cold that it's like the ice was biting our hands.
It's been years since the last time. We're all grown up now. I'm no more just the island girl. . We can have now the real cake and steaks on our plate. But i wasn't complete without my family around me. Maybe that's the price for a good life.
Someday, I would like to have the chance of my childhood birthday party, correction just the childhood birthday with family.
