Previous years: forgotten year in 2025 (because it was that year), 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, forgotten year in 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, a forgotten year of 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002

I keep thinking that this would be my last year that I could have a birthday in my very own way, because of life events. But who knows, maybe I’ll always be like this. Because I have always believed that the time when I was in middle school, sitting silently and I told a teacher that it was my birthday and she said happy birthday to me that I realized that the only way that people would know about my birthday is if people were told about it.

So I had to make a big deal about it.

Interestingly, I didn’t think about it any differently. I could have thought about being silent about it. But I chose to react about people not knowing (or forgetting) about feeling sad or not caring. But more than anything, I wanted people to care. So here’s my birthday wishlist!

1. That everyone stays healthy! Both physically and mentally!
2. Fruit, fruit, fruit, especially because of that health directive to increase fiber
3. Someone to help us organize and clear out our place and his mom’s place in a way that provides the maximum value possibl
4. And somehow an easy way to navigate out of the complexity of THAT place
5. Maybe “understand” his dad
6. That obviously I don’t get laid off / fired
7. Same thing for him
8. That whatever happens to the FET happens in the least painful way
9. That the friendships and family keep the bonds strong
10. Finish my novel!
11. Find the connections to make my novel publishable
12. That this birthday partee makes it!