Birthday Bliss

My birthday was really not a big deal. There was no special dinner. There weren't any surprises or presents I was really looking forward to. I just asked for money so that I could do a little shopping on my own.

What did make it special was that Laughs-a-lot was going to be part of the small family celebration, and that my niece was old enough to do more than drool on my this year. (We are so close. She loves to look at me and kiss me. When mama-Miss-Bethie is watching her, as soon as I walk in the room, her loyalty changes over to me.)

L-A-L had chosen a present for me well ahead of time. He called his sister to make sure it was appropriate; not cheesy, not too big. She told him it was good.

L-A-L knew there were two things I needed--a new camera and a new DVD player. I knew my present was going to be one of these.

When he came over and I saw the box, I knew.

After dinner, right before gifts were open, I leaned over and whispered, "I bet I know what you got me."
"I bet you don't."
"A DVD player."
The look on his face--crestfallen. I felt guilty. He then tried to play it cool and said, "You don't know that."
"After that look, I do."
He laughed, of course.

I got money from everyone else. There were many family stories L-A-L got to hear and many laughs and smiles were passed around.

My niece helped me blow out candles and L-A-L said, "You're awfully good at that," when seeing me interact with her and keeping her content.

When it came to blowing out the candles, I felt like my wish had already come true. I had to come up with something new.
I can't tell you what that is, though.



I got a new digital camera with my birthday fund and the rebate I received on my cell phone.