I recently had my birthday and I wanted to post something on the day itself to mark it. But I was busy–I went to work, had lunch and snacks celebration with officemates, etc. and got home around 9p.m., fell asleep due to tiredness, and woke up before 11pm to eat the sotanghon that my mom cooked for me.

Not that I’m complaining. It was my decision to come to work and not be by the beach (or mountain) on my birthday, unlike the two previous years. I initially planned to be away somewhere, but having two birthday celebrations (a KTV afternoon, then a sojourn in a campsite in Tanay, Rizal) for my mom and Abie a weekend before, I felt that it was too soon for another occasion and that I could schedule my trip another time.

In fact, I only wanted to wake up early to see the sunrise and jog for 15-30 minutes before preparing for work, go to the office and organize a simple lunch treat for my workmates, leave early to go to church, have a simple dinner with my family and that’s it. Guess what? I wasn’t able to wake up as early as I planned so I missed the sunrise view. I joined the Department zumba the night before and didn’t/couldn’t sleep until it was past 2am reading a chapter, watching a few minutes of a Kdrama, exchanging messages with some people, and thinking (not worrying) about this and that.

My staff prepared a colorful and floral-designed e-card that contains consolidated messages and photos. It was sent via an email with subject “[EXTREMELY URGENT] Communication for Review __ February 2025”. I also received two handwritten cards to add to one already given by a friend a week before.

I received tons of birthday greetings (thank you so much). Many greeted me on my FB page and Viber groups; many sent me direct messages most of which I only heart-reacted to but haven’t responded yet as of now.

I was happy to discover that the Department chapel was still open late, so I was able to have a sincere talk with God, expressing my thanks for all blessings I received and pouring my heart out about things. Then I got a free ride going home, thanks to a work colleague.

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I usually feel reflective days leading to and on my birthday. It must be the thought that the earth has completed another revolution around the sun. Or whether what I did with my life in the past 365 days was worthwhile. Or whether I made good decisions. Or whether walked nearer my life’s goals.

But this doesn’t mean that I’m sad or that I feel negative emotions. It’s a way to assess things. Sure, there are some areas which could perhaps be better. But my heart is full. My body’s healthy and I’m surrounded by my loving family and friends and I have a fulfilling career thus far. For that, I am truly grateful.