
This was my birthday card. I loved it! It's from my niece Amanda. Sweet & Simple. You can't get something like this every day. I had fun on my birthday! This year, my birthday landed on Superbowl Sunday. The great thing about that was the streets were empty since some folks were glued to their televisions. As for me, I'm not a fan of football unless the San Francisco 49ers are playing. ;-)
I turned 36 years old this year. I do admit my age because it's who I am. To the contrary, I actually feel so much more energized, alive, wise and happy compared to when I was in my 20's. It's really true that the 30's are the perfect time to grow into who you are meant to be. And, it is a process. Instead of proving oneself or pleasing others, the 30's allow one, at least for me, to find the greatest meaning in being who I am, though I do still feel that I need to be 'competent' in things that I do, or that I need to make sure others are ok, but I start to learn how to love myself more and be ok.
I think it is not that easy for women living on our planet. I once heard a quote that said something like the world sees us as girls, but when we keep evolving consciously and lovingly, we begin to see ourselves truthfully and honestly and give the world a woman borne out of life's experiences, triumphs and failures, and a heart of love and grace. Generally speaking, women tend to put others' welfare and well-being before their own. If we look at our mothers, it is quite evident that they were the ones who did extra not because they want to, but because they need to. Women raised the children, by working outside the home, cooking and cleaning, and tending to their childrens' wants and needs, including those of her husband's needs. No matter which country or society women are in, they keep up that challenging task. It's very very true.
Well, the night before my birthday, I did experienced a little melancholy on the physical side of aging, like wrinkles and especially white hair. With Bobbi Brown's make-up, I hope I'm going to be just fine. Under the eyes sure look differently now than when I was a kid. ;-) And, even my sister looked at my hair and I'm so happy that there's not a single splice of white hair!
I really enjoyed the birthday. A phone call came from my Aunt Elaine early morning to wish me a happy birthday which was nice. I did a 4.5 mile brisk walk & run at Lake Merced. A sunny, warm & gorgeous day! Then, brunch Dim Sum with a few extended relatives, including my mom, at 45th Avenue & Balboa over at the Richmond side. Then, by 2:00pm, I walked over to 19th Avenue Irving to meet Yukiko at Starbucks. Yukiko had apparently asked me to go for a bday coffee in December! She treated me to organic apple juice, staying away from COFFEE/CAFFEINE, and a nice glazed donut, my guilty pleasure! ;-) We developed a nice friendship from the TESOL certificate program in November and had kept in touch since then. Yukiko's from Japan and had been here for about a decade and studied at Chico State University, the party town! She jokes about that and it's true. She accompanied me afterwards to get a birthday cake for my brother.
My brother's birthday is the day after mine. WE did a joint celebration tonight with our family at Goemon's on 16th Irving St, a local and long-time favorite Japanese restaurant of ours. It was DELICIOUS! We then went back to mom's house for cake-cutting and birthday songs. Then, our front doorbell rang surprisingly and it was our 8th & 9th aunt who came bearing so much new year's gifts, and to give us 'lai see.' I haven't seen them in over a year. They stayed to chat over a cup of hot tea. Then, my mom and I drove the 9th aunt home at 16th Valencia. Yes, my mom's driving and doing well. It was a nice but long Sunday. I enjoyed it. It was about midnight, an end to a great Sunday that happened to the birthday! I forgot all about picture taking, but it's the memory that counts this time. ;-) Thanks for reading.
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