urbanblitz

This year, I decided to keep my birthday pretty low key. In the past, I had a party at a bar, but I found that I just didn’t get to spend quality time with my friends. So instead of having 2 birthday parties this year, I decided to have brunch with a few of my closest friends. But a small group to me is 14 people.

After last year, I know that strange things occur on my birthday. Such as the birthday balloon that appeared in my office with no note. In addition, my friend Josh had messengered over a cheese cake. But the best gift of all was when my friend Kat had surprised me at my birthday party from London. But that was only last year.

So I had no idea what was in store for me this year. Except there would be more surprises to come. My day started with finding a Starbucks muffin on my desk with no note. By a matter of deduction, I knew who had put it there. Then at about 10 am I get a FEDEX package from my co-worker in Oregon. She sent me donuts from VooDoo Doughnuts. If you don’t know what they are you better watch the Food Network pronto. They were even on the Anthony Bourdain’s show. Come on foodies. I know you’ll are foodies, so come out of the closet, NOW! It definitely topple the cheesecake from last year. Woo hoo!

Truthfully, I was just going to go home on my birthday, if my cousin didn’t drag me out to dinner. We went to 26 seats which one of my favorite french bistro in New York. Afterwards, we were going to go to the avant garde dessert place. But they had closed their doors back in July. So we ended my birthday with Pinkberry. Mmm.. Frozen Yogurt.

Then the next night, I went out to dinner with my friend Flo at Rayuela. Did I tell you that they had this really cool bathroom. And of course, I had to take tons of pictures of that. Surprisingly, no on walked in this little photo session of mine. But the highlight of the night was this amazing duck breast that was stuffed with mangoes. It was definitely my all time best food shot.

So my birthday week ended with sunday brunch with 14 of my closest friends. It was a morning of debauchery and merciless teasing. It would have been PG-13 if M1 & M2 didn’t decide to move the rating closer to NC-17. *Covers eyes* There was way too much licking and let’s not talk about the girls. I’m still a bit traumatized. Well not really. They are my friends.

I got the coolest gifts which included Animaniacs DVD, Crumpler photo bag, Amazon gift certificate, Strands mug and gift card. Hmm.. I must start my rendition of Wacko’s burp alphabet now. *BurP* *BurP* *BurP* I can’t wait to put my gift certificate towards a new lens for my camera and I guess I not leaving Strands bookstore anytime soon.

All in all, I had a great time even with the endless teasing. It was really a lovely birthday. Now how can I top it next year.

Happy Halloween everyone. Unfortunately, I’m also temporarily offline and unavailable. I really should not have gone to work yesterday. And feeling absolutely dreadful. I woke up in the middle in the night in a panic, and called a friend of mine. Who in turn yelled at me for going to work. So today, I was total wreck. My cousin had to take me to see my doctor because I was too weak. I really didn’t want to see her because she was just going to give me more antibiotics. And that is exactly what she did. I had a viral throat infection and was running a 100.8 fever. I’ve never been so scared in my life. And I was literally knocked out of work for the rest of the week.

This morning I stopped by Duane Reade to buy Advil Cold & Sinus for my cold.  Only to find out that I need to bring a card to the pharmicist.  If this is an OTC med, why do I have to sign a log to get simple cold medicine.  I didn’t have to do this year.  It’s all because of the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act 2005.  I blame the kiddies that were getting high on cold mediciation.  Some people actually take medication because they’re sick.  Okay, I’m really grouchy when I’m sick.  Did I tell you I hate being sick.

This has by far been the best birthday.   And definitely full of surprises.  There are no words that can really describe how I feel.  Frankly, I’m at lost at how to articulate the whole experience.  Everything was so memorable.  Including the delicious strawberry cake my friend Rob brought to my annual shin dig.  But the biggest surprise was when my friend Kat showed up.  I just kept saying OMG.  Aren’t you suppose to be in London.  I was so shocked.  And my expression was priceless.  Too bad she didnt’ get it on film.  *smile*  The evening ended with the song Mickey with both TM and MS bringing down the house.

I find that when I’m on the train, my mind tends to wander.  Especially in the past 2 weeks.  It’s been about 9 years since my father passed and since I’ve been out of school.  Remember on your first job interview, your interviewer would ask you where you saw yourself in 10 years. It really is a trick question.  There is really no right or wrong answer.   It seems like a simple question, but it isn’t really.  I know I’ve strayed from my original pattern of though.  But really I started wandering about the road not taken.  If my father didn’t pass away, I would have been on the agency path.  Most likely working either at a marketing or pr agency.  Yes, I was one of those young pups. But I had to defer a few final interviews to keep my father company before he passed.  I have no regrets.  I just find it amusing how fate works. And how I’ve landed on my career path.  So am I where I thought I be 9 years ago.  I don’t know. But I’m happy that I have my friends and family.  That’s all I am most thankful for.

I’m one year older today. I suppose I’m a bit wiser. But now I’m one step closer to 40. In 30 minutes it will be T-365 days till my next birthday. I’ve been up since 5 am and have been pretty much running on caffeine. No, I do not have any Red Bull in my system. There were many pleasant surprises today. Including a birthday balloon in my office and a cheesecake messengered over by my friend. I’m not use to people being this thoughtful. And I’m actually quite touched by these little gestures.

During the day, I was running away from my co-workers while they serenaded me with the usual happy birthday song. And my only hiding place was my office. Unfortunately, the doors are also transparent. I guess there really is no place to hide.

My evening ended with a quiet dinner with my family. As my birthday comes to an end I reflect on the things that are most important to me. And that’s my friends and family. So let the countdown begin.

It’s been a week since I’ve been back from my trip.  And I just want to go back on holiday, right now.  But I will have settle for my comfy bed.  I’m totally detoxed and a bit under the weather.  I have bronchospasm. What the hell is that.  Apparently, it’s bronchitis with asthma.  And it totally sucks.  I miss my friends in the UK. And I miss my friends in the States.  Well at least I’m not contagious anymore.

Can I say how much I hate being sick.  It always starts with the darn sore throat.   I haven’t left my apartment since I got home on Friday.  I’ve taken both my eastern and western medication.  I’m not taking any chance.  I like to have my bases covered.  My plans for this weekend got totally scrapped.  Did I say how much I hate being sick.  Well at least I’m feeling better.

There is one thing I hate about rain when it hot and humid.  The mosquitoes start coming out of the woodwork.  I woke up last night to find 3 mosquito bites on my arm.  Then I discovered the little rascal even bite my toe. Bah!  It’s itchy.  Well more numb.  Feels like I have frostbite.  Let’s just say if I see this mosquito it’s going to find itself spat.

How can I just zone out. And unaware of the occurences around me.  Thoughtfulness is meaningless.   It means nothing to people.  The good, the bad and the ugly.  The good thing does not exist.  If it did, then it would be worth something.  The emptiness just looms.