It is true what they say about birthdays. The older we get, the less fuss made.
And this is okay for those who have always preferred to keep their special day low-key.
I was just never one of them.
To me, birthdays have always been about rounding up a fabulous bunch of friends, dancing your buns off and drinking gallons of cocktails.
For most of my 30’s, I celebrated my birthday as if it were my last.
Mr Surfer is well aware of his wife’s past extroverted party animal tendencies. He is constantly counting the blessings that marriage and parenting have subdued her…somewhat.
In the lead up to this year’s birthday (yes, of bell bottoms and Afro wigs), Mr Surfer casually mentioned his plans to a throw a party. It was to make up for the fact I didn’t have a celebration for my milestone birthday last year.
While trying to keep the excitement at bay, I couldn’t control the teeny tiny inkling of hope that maybe, I could have a raucous birthday again.
The day prior, I was just about to head out to the gym when Mr Surfer saw the lone birthday card.
“Oh? Who’s this from?” he asked, a little bemused.
“Just the gym.” I replied.
“I guess everyone else forgot this year. Doesn’t matter…” I muttered, failing miserably to disguise my disappointment.
A storm started to rumble.
“Look, Lovey…I know you really wanted a party this year. I tried to call everybody…”
His apologetic tone was too much to bear.
“No, no…it’s okay, “ I cut him short, not wanting to face the cold hard reality.
That I had indeed transformed into Nigella No Friends.
“Don’t worry about it. I’m fine…” I was aiming for emphatic. But I think I just managed unconvincing.
“No, seriously. I tried to organise a picnic but they were all busy…”
Of course I could see that my beloved was trying his hardest to do something very sweet and loving for me. Yet, without him realizing it, he was making matters worse, reminding me that I was no longer that cool party chic.
So, he continued to rub more salt.
“I mean, *Kylie has just had her baby…and *Joanne is still overseas.”
It was becoming increasingly difficult to keep my cool.
But he persisted, listing off more of my friends who had declined.
Seriously! This man had no hand brake!
“Stop!” I finally shouted.
I even gave him the “talk to the hand” motion.
“I got it! I have no friends!” I grabbed the keys and headed for the front door.
“Look, babe. It’s just that time in our lives, you know. Everyone’s busy with children and stuff…”
Boy, oh boy. He just didn’t know when to let up.
And in a flash, I drove off to my new found friends…at the gym.
The big B day came along and was beyond my expectations. I was showered with beautiful presents and incredible love.
The greatest memory from the day was of the twinlets both handing me a gift and saying, “’py Birthday, Mama”
That night, Mr Surfer took me out to dinner to a posh Japanese/French cuisine restaurant.
And while swigging down 2 glasses of Pinot Grigio was a far cry from past festivities, I was truly happy and content.
When dinner came to an end, Mr Surfer offered the opportunity to continue the party as best as he could…with just the two of us.
“So, do you want to go to another bar and drink some more?”
“Nah, let’s just go to the movies”
Even I was surprised with my answer.
And that was the moment I came to terms with this new identity of mine.
Nigella No Friends.
But I reckon she’s not sticking around. Just until she gets this mothering gig under control.
*Names have been changed to protect identities. I promise they’re not imaginary friends. Somewhere out there, I do have some.
Joining Jess for IBOT
Zanni, Heart Mama says
Oh Grace, you are gorgeous. I am sure you have lots of friends. You at least have lots of cyber friends 😉 and I’m sure there is a cocktail party waiting for you for your next birthday.
Life does change when you have kids doesn’t it? I blame work though. If everyone didn’t have to work, we’d have more time to hang out and be merry. Glad you had a lovely day in the end. x
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mamagrace71 says
Yes, if it wasn’t for work, I think a schedule with kids wouldn’t be as demanding, would it?
And yes, I’m very grateful for my cyber friends, Zanni! 🙂 xxx
Kevin says
We were out a few weeks ago with our childless friends. It was a cool inner city bar and had never felt so out of place. It was the first time we had seen these guys in ages but we only ended up sticking around till about 10 and then going out for ice cream on the way home. For Us it’s not so much about not having friends, it’s more about not being able to keep up with them anymore. Happy birthday
Kevin recently posted..Like Fingernails down the chalk board
mamagrace71 says
Oh, I know what you mean! I would love to stick around and get jolly with my childless friends but honestly, dealing with a hangover the next day with whingy twins is no fun!
I would’ve chosen ice cream too 🙂
Ames says
You have friends! We should have had an internet party – everyone dresses up, posts photos, drinks, eats yummy food and the best bit of all we all get to sleep in our own beds – no drinking and driving. Dude, seriously, let’s do it!
Ames recently posted..What I Wore: Gay Pride Skate
mamagrace71 says
Ames, you are soooo onto something! Gimme a coupla days and I’ll get working on it. I reckon we can do it via IG. Whaddaya think ? 🙂 x
Rachel from Redcliffe Style says
I love my birthday too but have been disappointed by my husbands lack of interest in them. For his 40th I threw the biggest and best party. I planned for over a year. My 40 is soon. He has done shit. I am already getting annoyed. Hmm, I should get onto that. Rachel x
#teamIBOT was here
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mamagrace71 says
Get onto it, STAT! 🙂 x
Lyndal says
im glad that you were happy and content, regardless of how different it looked from other years 🙂
x
Lyndal recently posted..my head is spinning like a whirlpool it never ends
mamagrace71 says
Life is full of different stages, I guess. All are good and bring their own uniqueness 🙂 x
Dr Bron says
At least your husband remembered. Mine does not.
Dr Bron recently posted..20 Questions With…. Jules
mamagrace71 says
Mine forgot in our first year of marriage. I didn’t speak to him for DAYS! Then, I got an iPad 🙂 x
BossyMummy says
Glad you had a wont ful time. I make a big fuss around birthdays here and I expect the same for mine:) I know that it will never be up tony level of enthusiasm though, so I book us in for stuff, usually every day for about 5 days. I definitely celebrate my birth week!
mamagrace71 says
5 days!!! Oh, make sure you invite me for your next birthday! 🙂 x
Yvette @ DTlilsquirts says
!!!!! Oh I know exactly how you feel.. my birthday was a washout this year.. it coincided with my lil man’s 1st birthday.. and throughout the day the declines of people kept coming..
billie no mates me
#teamIBOT was here to say hello!!
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mamagrace71 says
Nice to meet you Billie No Mates. We should collaborate and have a I Have No Friends Cyber Party 🙂 x
Catherine Rodie Blagg @CoTaaB says
I totally totally relate! I’m kinda banking on more big nights one day when my children are old enough to make themselves breakfast!
Catherine Rodie Blagg @CoTaaB recently posted..I am turning into my mother
mamagrace71 says
Now, that’s a goal to have! But wait…that means years away! I say we do something earlier than that 🙂 x
jess says
Oh yeah, I get this. I feel like I’m a bit of a loner. But honestly, I just love hanging out at home with Boatman.
Having kids changes you….
jess recently posted..Jess’ Countdown to Awesome
carmen says
Exactly hon! And you have heaps of friends. Look at us all! Party at your place next time. 😉 xxx
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Jodi says
I will go out drinking with you anytime! 🙂 xox.
Jodi recently posted..My love affair with Instagram
Kylez...aka...Mrs. P says
I know how you feel, there is one groupd of friends I haven’t seen fr my birthday in years, there is always something else that comes up. It would be nice too if just once I didn’t have to organise my own birthday celebrations but I know Dave too well and I’m not holding my breath. Thankfully I do have one or two close friends I can always rely on and so I did at least get to go out and have a few drinks for my 30th this year. At was nice. By as you say, nothing like the raging nights I had in my 20’s, usually at whatever rave happened to coincide with my birthday weekend! Those were the days but to be honest I don’t think I’d last beyond 1am anymore!
Rachel @ The Kids Are All Right says
Ok, time to organise a post birthday bash with your Sydney blogging friends. I’ll be there!!!
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Becci says
I’ll be in that! Have been dying for a night out of cocktails and boogie for ages – and my birthday isn’t for months. Balmain Pub Crawl anyone?
Becci recently posted..George Clooney is talking to me through the TV
Jane @ Adventures of Java Jane says
Oh grace… we need to go partying!! Maybe next year at DPCON… I love celebrating my birthday.. and although its increasingly harder with kids.. I always try and do it.. all about not wasting a moment etc etc! But your birthday sounded lovely anyway.. quiet and surrounded by your closest can be the best too!!
xxxx
Jane @ Adventures of Java Jane recently posted..Flowers; my unlikely friend!
mamagrace71 says
Definitely at next year’s DPCON, Jane!! We’re going to dance our buns off ! 🙂 x
Tam says
Aw, happy birthday! People are getting worse at celebrating aren’t they? A Facebook message is NOT ENOUGH on a birthday, people!
Tam recently posted..How to be a domestic goddess {Giveaway}
mamagrace71 says
So, true! But you know, this year with the lack of birthday cards…I was settling for the FB messages. Sad, but also true.
Tat says
Could be worse. At least you didn’t have the end of the world planned for your birthday instead of a party… I’m glad it all ended well !
Tat recently posted..Change of heart: some birth planning might be a good thing after all
mamagrace71 says
LOL! I remember that conversation. Hopefully she doesn’t think that’s the case anymore 🙂 x
Lara @ This Charming Mum says
It’s really hard to maintain a big circle of friends when you have young kids I reckon. You just don’t have time to catch up with everyone (and they don’t have time either). At least you were feeling content, and aware that it is just a temporary no-friend glitch!
Lara @ This Charming Mum recently posted..On surviving the school disco
mamagrace71 says
Yes, Lara! Temporary! That’s what I’m hoping for 🙂 x
Me N my Monkeys says
Sounds like you had a wonderful time.
Pre-baby, i use to love a big birthday party. Now i’m finding the best present is a nice quite relaxing day and an early night. sad i know! (29 and partied out) 😉
I’m glad you enjoyed Your day! xx
Me N my Monkeys recently posted..Attempting to get creative!
mamagrace71 says
Oh, I hear ya! Nothing like a good sleep in! 🙂 x
Kelly @ HT and T says
Your post has great timing, my birthday is next week and one of my friends hasn’t even RESPONDED to my request that she come to a bbq. And when we were discussing what to do for my birthday, a big night out was mentioned several times but in the end all I wanted was a low key bbq with my nearest and dearest. If the bastards would respond, that is.
xx
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mamagrace71 says
Oh, man! They better reply! How could they not want to hang out with a spunkrat like you???!!!
Bridget says
1. You’re so beautiful! I can’t stand it, seriously.
2. Birthday parties are great. But is is a real nights sleep, right? And the love of a handsome surfer sure helps:)
3. I totally would have gotten sloshed and acted like a fool with you.
Bridget recently posted..One Way To Snag A Girlfriend
mamagrace71 says
This is the sucky thing about blogging…I want you to jump out of that computer screen and hang out with me and a bottle of red!!! Love you, B 🙂 x
Penny says
I would’ve taken you out had I been closer. 🙁
You, me, alcohol, dancing, singing – A match made in heaven. One day xx
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mamagrace71 says
I know, Penny-licious. Wish I was partying for yours too! One day, for sure! 🙂 x
Nami says
If your hubby could’ve thrown a Bloggy birthday bash, it would’ve been a RIOT! We would SO be there and whooping up a cocktail, wine and beer storm. Heck, I’ll even get drunk tonight in your birthday honor and it’s a school night. Love to you, Happy Belated, Foxy Lady (Hendrix riff).
Nami recently posted..What A Difference A Grade Makes
mamagrace71 says
LOL! You crack me up! Wouldn’t be hilarious if he did that. But the thing is, I know what a total technie phobe he is so it would never EVER happen. Have one for me, Nami ! 🙂 x
Salz says
I don’t do anything for my birthday. my husband in our 11 yrs together has only ever bought me one present and those were earings about 3 yrs ago. I have never wore earings as they irritate the crap out of me. You would think he would notice that I never wore earings. But I said thank you put them in and endured the pain. Rubbed moisturiser on my ears and the pain went away. I now never take them off.
You had a great time with the man you love and thats all that matters. That’s what I would want for my 30th next yr.
Salz recently posted..Birthday facts.
ava says
I know it was a “Happy Birthday” still Grace. Love you! 🙂
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