My mom called me a few days ago that she had just deposited $200 into my bank account, explaining how my sister will send me $100 to me. She told me that it was for a digital camera they wanted get for my birthday since they didn\’t know what model I wanted. Then I called my sister who was annoyed that the surprise was ruined. Whoops, I guess my mom ruined the surprise. But awww…how nice of my family!

Usually, I never get presents from my parents for both xmas and my b-day (besides small trinkets). My parents believe that everything they have given me (tuition for undergrad, the use of a hand-me-down car…is sufficient and speaks well for its meaning). And as a result, I have always believed that a single day should not be treated any more special than the rest. Why should an anniversary between two people be the only day that one buys flowers for the other? Yes, why must some cry out of loneliness as a so-called special day passes?

Society has made me all but too aware though (i.e. Sixteen Candles). And as a result I make a big deal about it almost every year just so that I won\’t be expecting something magical to happen.