the birthday, version A – the goods stuff

on wednesday afternoon, i spent a chunk of time googling what i might be able to get free on my birthday. i figured an outing to collect free swag might be an excellent activity, and i managed to find a number of places that would gift me for being born. i routed out a plan, shared it with my mom – who’d suggested we spend the day together – and readied myself for the day to come.

yesterday morning, i got up and clicked through a number of birthday messages on facebook, which was nice. then i dressed up (sort of – i was still wearing jeans) for the day, packed bernard and my camera in my bag, and headed out to meet mom in the suburbs.

we trekked from spot to spot, picking up things like a dozen free bagels (sweet!) and sephora’s birthday-beauty kit (this year: free eye shadow, eyeliner and mascara), and then went to the keg for lunch... because we knew they offer a free dessert on your birthday. i’ve also printed out a birthday coupon from cold stone creamery, which entitles me to a free creation anytime in the next week.

we made a pit stop at my parents’ place – mom had forgotten to bring along a sweater – and then made our way to the AMC for a screening of Oceans. the entire place was deserted, save (sadly) for the obnoxious mother and son who were in our theatre and who TALKED through the whole film. the movie would have been so much nicer without their running commentary. and yes, we asked them repeatedly to please keep it down, but to no avail.

one more stop for a snack – a butter tart for mom, a soft ice cream (half-half twist) for me – before she dropped me back at the subway and i headed home. my birthday dinner, with cake and with young beatrix in attendance, will happen on sunday.

so, by 8pm, i was showered and in my pyjamas, preparing to watch The Next Food Network Star.

and thus concludes my report on the good side of the day. thank you to all who sent birthday wishes. i tried all day to focus on the positive, because i knew how easily i would be sucked downwards if i dwelled on the less-than-positive but, when i was home alone last night, it did hit me and i did feel it.

that version B, other-side-of-the-day report is much better suited for feelings: the blog, anyway. i’d vowed yesterday morning that i would not cry on my birthday, and i knew that there would most certainly be tears if i began writing that blog post last night.