Well, where to start with ma aunty. She went on about her 50th birthday so much that she sickened us all off birthdays. It went on for a whole year! The surprises she got, the party, the holiday, the cake, the weekends away, another holiday, a bigger cake, the big present and all the other presents. Everything recorded on Facebook to prove to the world she is happy.
Don't get me wrong, everyone likes a party and a present but, oh my god, it's all we've heard for the whole year. We started to close the curtains when she called and thank god for caller ID. Then she started complaining about all the things she couldn't do because of her age. Apparently, because she is 50 she is now running out of time! Is Aunty any happier? Well, she thinks she is. Everyone says she looks frazzled and can't keep on this rollercoaster of events and outdoing people.
I've been planning for years how my birthday will be the birthday of all birthdays and, oh yes, I'm going to outdo Aunty. My big birthday will be bigger, better and longer!
Planning my big birthday has taken time, effort and saving my pennies. I was worn out just thinking about it.
And then bang! Suddenly it was my big birthday.
Two things happened to change the way I celebrated.
I celebrated in a way I knew was possible, but after aunty's eternal shenanigans, thought was impossible.
The first one is the true realisation that you don't have to do all the things Aunty or "joe bloggs" does to be happy.
Life isn't about outdoing each other and having everything look perfect.
The second was COVID-19 and the fact that I couldn't go anywhere.
So how did I celebrate? Well five dozen and counting has been a fabulous birthday to remember. Friends say they can't believe my age. I've been truly spoiled and eaten cake till I'm sick, never had a spare minute, been out and about locally, had family and friends over, amazing weather, and more things still to come.
I had small gatherings and meals alfresco. But, most importantly, I celebrated life, good health, my family, the quiet, the peace, writing, reading, breathing, seeing, walking, rowing, the local countryside, my dogs and seeing my friends and family all still healthy and happy.
So did I outdo Aunty? Indeed I did. I'm still celebrating in my own special, covid-free and peaceful way!