In Assumption, people would rarely forget about my birthday because we alwaysalways had Mass on the day itself, if it fell on a weekday. I think it was when they first had Mass in the school chapel, and it's also the feast of the dedication of Saint John Lateran.

BUT ANYWAY.

I've always had some sort of celebration, and this year, I was thinking of not doing anything. At the last minute, though, I couldn't help it. I decided to have a few of my closest friends over for dinner. I'm glad I did. Because other than my dinner, it would've been pretty much a normal day.

I'm just happy that I've got such a great family. My dad, even though he has such a hard time, greeted me with this big grin on his face. "Birthday" was the only word that came out, but I knew what he wanted to say. My mom still has the time and resources to prepare great food for us, even if she complains how she's so busy, or how we don't have money anymore. One day, I can only hope to be the same to my future family. I have such thoughtful brothers, who greet me the moment they see me in the morning (sneaking into their room, while they're still sleeping, to check mail haha). Manu brought home Twister fries and a strawberry float for me, because I had it the other day, and I really liked it. Kuya Mong, even though it wasn't really the reason why he called, greeted me over the phone when I answered his call. Nior willingly bought stuff we needed for the food even if I knew he wanted to go home already.

I'm happy I have found someone who's so much like me, but so different at the same time. He's the best thing that's happened to me this past year. He believes in me and never fails to always lift my spirits whenever I'm feeling down. He sacrifices his sleep for me just to be able to be with me on my birthday. And makes me feel I'm more special than I really am. Hay, I love him so much.

My friends are the best in the world. I'm lucky I found such greatgreat friends in high school. Even if a lot of them are scattered around the world, they always remember. And that means a lot to me. I seriously feel bad when people forget about my birthday. I feel neglected. I'm also lucky I found a handful of really genuine people in college. I'm just really blessed to have all these wonderful people as my friends - both in real life, and here, online. Thank you.

Even though there are a lot of things lacking in my life, like a job for instance (ha!), I'm really really happy. I don't need a grand party to realize how much I've been given. I don't need a big celebration to feel special. I already know I am. And that I'm loved. Thank God for being me, I wouldn't have it any other way.