Nov 18, 2005 07:58 AM
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(Updated Nov 18, 2005 07:59 AM)
I normally limit myself to reviewing films on MS. But today I decided to break tradition, in response to another review on MS that left me all sappy and nostalgic.
Like the other writer, I'll stick to birthdays, as that is usually when I get most of my presents. But unlike the other writer, I must sheepishly confess, that I thrive on presents that are of the materialistic kind as well. I loved the books(usually get a lot of them), the jute bags, the hand-made trinkets, the jewellery, the laptop, the outfits(even those I never wore), the perfumes, the chocolates.!
But today I'll stick to some special birthday gifts that have turned to special memories.
Growing up, my parents made much of all my birthdays. I was thrown fun parties, and given fun presents. I don't remember a lot of the presents I got then, but I do remember the yearly sight of seeing my mum bake me her perfect chocolate cake. Once this delightful perfection was ready, my dad would then take over and smear it with an extra dose of icing. That sight of seeing my parents work on my birthday cake, is a sight I continue to see even today. I wake up to the sight on my birthday, and I automatically know I'm going to have a great year.
Birthdays are incomplete without the calls. The phone comes alive at 12, with friends and family calling in from everywhere. You expect most of these calls, so you answer them with complete bliss. But my most special call came last year, from a maid, who was responsible for me when I was 1. I never saw her after I turned three, and she'd gradually faded from my memory. On the phone, she was just an excited stranger, who couldn't believe I'd grown up. I didn't know anything about her, but her call and excitement felt special enough!
My first birthday away from home was a little traumatic, because I missed my family. But it was also my first birthday with a group of crazy roomies who made it perfect. A normal day then began with a fight over who'd get to use the bathroom first. But on that day, I got the bathroom first, and I also got the added privilege of not having to make my own breakfast. 4 crazy women got busy, and made me a huge omelet with an extra helping of cheese. Then I started by amusing day with my first bite of what was a rich, funny-tasting-but-special omelet! This is a gift that continues to bring a smile, every time I think about it.
When music is a part of your every day existence, a dash of music is just what you need on a birthday. Two friends went an extra mile, when they composed tunes specially for me. One composed and recorded an entire song for me. The other struggled with his mobile, and created a ring tone of the Angel track(Yeah! I watch that vampire show when I can!). It was perfect!
I'm not too fond of flowers, as I feel they doesn't require as much thought. So I did a little jig when I got hand-made presents one birthday. None of those presents were perfect, but it was personal and that left me a little teary-eyed. A friend made some weird bell thing, that remained in my room for no obvious reason. Then two of my nieces toiled over a crude card that they cut, colored, and scribbled on themselves. Another friend recorded my favorite songs for me. I've stopped listening to them since then, but I still have the tape. Anyway, the point is that the personal touch worked, and at the end, I was just very happy!
These 5 groups of gifts are just some of several special moments I've had over the years. I'm going to write most posts when I remember the others. But till then, despite my sappy, sentimental post, I should remind you again that I thrive on presents, birthday or no birthday! Hint Hint
