BLOG 18: Silver Chapter: A Birthday to Remember

Birthdays are an unforgettable time to take share of the past years of life, commemorate all the amazing experiences, and anticipate new ones. Today is about me and all the wonderful things that I make, whether spending it with my loved ones, friends, or alone. Making lifelong memories is another part of a birthdays. Every moment is an opportunity to be grateful for the people who make my life so meaningful, whether it's by sharing cake and laughs, laughing with loved ones, or taking some time to contemplate. Enjoy every moment of the love and joy that this day brings. Whether you're exchanging gifts, blowing out candles, or simply taking some "me time," today is about honoring me and all the unique characteristics that I make so wonderful.

Hello everyone! For today’s blog episode, I will be sharing with you what happened during my birthday, the roller coaster of emotions I felt and what are the things I made to make it more worth remembering.

December 18 - has a particular place in my heart since it was the day I was born. It's a day filled with special memories and significant life events because every year opens a new chapter in my life. I am reminded on December 18 of the people, events, and teachings that have molded me into the person I am today. It's not just a day to commemorate my birth; it's a day to value life as a gift and the opportunity to continue developing, learning, and experiencing new things.

At 12:03 AM on December 18, I was already asleep. I knew it was my birthday, but I couldn’t stay up until midnight since I had work at 7 AM the next day and really needed to rest after a busy day at work. I was completely surprised when my boyfriend showed up at the boarding house. I was still in shock because I had no idea how he managed to pull it off. I was especially stunned because our initial plan was to visit the church to light a candle and then go out to eat. It truly turned into a birthday surprise, thanks to him.

On December 14, the OSH Team planned to celebrate my birthday in advance since we were all present that day. It was fine with me because it was nice to see the whole team together, enjoying the food and having a good time. I didn’t post anything that day because I wanted to save the celebration for my actual birthday.

This is our picture from December 14, the day we ate together and had a great time. It was also when we rehearsed our performance for the Year-End Party. I was so happy because they surprised me with a cake featuring cute toppers of my all-time favorite butterflies, and in my favorite color, purple. I’m truly grateful to be part of this amazing team.

On December 18, I quietly went to work. I knew that the morning shift employees didn’t know it was my birthday, and I didn’t announce it because I didn’t want too many people greeting me at work—I’m a bit shy about that. However, one person surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of pink roses and fresh flowers. I was so surprised because I never expected it. She told me I deserved the flowers as a way of thanking me for helping her mentally. It truly touched my heart.

As a nurse, my help is unlimited—mentally, physically, and emotionally. That’s what nurses do: we help people who are in pain. I didn’t realize that a simple gesture as a nurse in the company could mean so much to someone, but it touched me deeply that she appreciated me in such a meaningful way.

Aside from the flowers, I also received two boxes of buko pie. The OSH Team made my birthday a double celebration by buying roasted chicken and BBQ for us to enjoy together. I thought the celebration on December 14 was the only one, but it turned out there was a part 2! My heart was so full because they made my special day truly unforgettable.

Every time I stayed in the clinic, many employees noticed the flowers and buko pie, and my nurse partner would always tell them it was my birthday. Almost everyone greeted me whenever I went out or used the restroom, and every time they saw me at the company, they would say "happy birthday." I felt shy because I’m not used to being greeted by so many people, but it was heartwarming. Even the admin staff took the time to greet me.

When I went to my boyfriend’s house, I was surprised because he had a special surprise for me. He prepared my favorite foods, like fried chicken, tiramisu cake, and of course, he cooked spaghetti. It was a simple celebration, yet it was incredibly memorable. My heart was overwhelmed by everything he did for me. Everything was so unexpected and thoughtful.

Everything was perfect! I couldn’t ask for more. It was my first time celebrating my birthday on the actual date, December 18. In the past, they always celebrated my birthday in advance, either 2-3 days before. This year was especially meaningful to me because I finally got to celebrate it on the day itself.

To the amazing person who spent my birthday with me, thank you so much for all the effort you put in. You already know that we initially planned to celebrate both our birthdays together since they're only two weeks apart, but you always manage to surprise me. Thank you for treating me like a queen—there’s nothing more I could ask for. You know that I am away from my family you never failed to be with me on this day.

Cheers to my 25th birthday! 🎉 This milestone, which marks a quarter of a century full of experiences, development, and innumerable memories, is truly remarkable. I hope I continue to shine brightly in whatever I do and that this year brings me even closer to my dreams. There are a lot of opportunities in the next chapter of my life, and I hope it is full of success, love, fun, and new experiences. Keep in mind that 25 is only the start of something incredible, so I will embrace each day and make the most of this thrilling adventure. I hope I get the joy and happiness I deserve today and always!

As my birthday comes to a close, I'm thinking back on all the feelings it created, including love, excitement, surprise, and appreciation. For me, birthdays have always been a mixture of excitement and shyness, but this year, gratitude has been the overriding emotion. I became aware of how fortunate I am because of the affection and consideration I received from everyone around me. Every moment, from the small gestures to the large surprises, has moved me in ways that words cannot adequately describe. Birthdays serve as a reminder of the individuals who make life so special as well as the passage of time. And I'm incredibly grateful for that.

Happy birthday self, you absolutely deserve the best!🥂

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and connect with my thoughts today. I’m excited to continue sharing my journey with you, and I hope you found something here that resonated or sparked an idea. This blog is a space for growth, inspiration, and conversation, and I’d love to hear your thoughts, feedback, or experiences in the comments. Feel free to share if something stood out to you. Here’s to many more stories, lessons, and moments of connection ahead! See you in the next post!