Charmed
Life
Gretheline
Genciana Ramos-Bolandrina
Birthdays
"Grow old along with me! The
best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made."—Robert
Browning
I love Elizabeth Barrett Browning, so by default,
I like Robert Browning. Something about their love story, but that would
be another CL writing in the future. I’m hoping to express my thoughts
on birthdays, having very recently celebrated my “tsk, tsk, knocking
on 40 day”. Well, I can truthfully account that I am getting gray, if
it was a concern that I am, there is no hiding it, but since it doesn’t
really faze me, this aging thing, I’ll just come right out and blurt,
I turned thirty-nine! The real issue with me is, I aimed to write a book
before I turned forty, so to date, I have about less than 365 days to do
it. With four kids, a hubby, a nursing career and many charitable concerns,
it is a gigantic feat. Wish me luck and here’s my take on birthdays.
Seen the ‘80’s movie, “Sixteen
Candles”? Stars Molly Ringwald as a suburban teenager who, on the eve
of her sister's wedding, suffers silently as her family forgets her birthday.
To make matters worse, some dork keeps coming on to her when all she wanted
was attention from a high school hunk. Overnight guests, a high school dance,
nothing seems to go her way. A bittersweet movie of teen hopes, disappointments
and memorable moments. The resolution is tender and sort of magical, overcoming
rigid teenage hierarchies. A wonderful date-type movie in 1984, now a classic
:)
Well, nothing of that sort ever happened to
me. None of my immediate family members ever forgot my birthday. My memories
are all happy. Whimsical, fun and fancy free! I get to pick my birthday outfit,
(green in various shades and hues). Up until I was in sixth grade, I sort
of, kind of celebrated two birthdays. You see, being December born, I was
cut off from grade school enrollment but since Mom is a schoolteacher and
she assessed that I was ready, some fairy dust fell on my records that indicated
my birthday was June 11. Hence, from first grade to 6th, at school I get
“maligayang bati” on June 11 but at home, I get my special treats
on my real birthday, December 11. Before I went off to high school, all was
well, records were fixed and I had no residual confusion from the dual natal
days. I chuckle at the idea and sometimes, for the heck of it, in the New
England heat, on 6-11 for the past few years I tell my husband Joe, “Hey,
it’s my summer birthday!”
For this year, Cafe Tarrazzo at 2 S. Main
Street in Uxbridge (508) 278-4404 was THE fun place! It is an Asian/Italian
restaurant disguised as an eclectic bistro. Fine dining with elaborate china,
just short of sterling silverware and linen napkins. Max was entertained
all throughout the meal with the faux amber-crystal-battery-operated-stalactite
centerpiece. Thank goodness it wasn’t breakable. The food was great
and the décor outstanding! The side dish of couscous with ginger and
pineapple was a memorable first for my enticed pallet. The jasmine tea taste
and aroma filled me with such content, I would have been just as happy dropping
by for tea. The walls speak volume with holiday cheer and the table setting
refined, tranquil yet visually appealing. Lilly had just one milk spill and
it wasn’t major. Didn’t do any visible damage to the rich dark
purple and crimson velvet tablecloth. The background music was very conducive
for dining conversation and the service was exquisite. The dessert was not
sinfully delicious but was just right. Topping it all off is the presence
of my parents, Mr. & Mrs. Teddy C. Ramos. The last birthday I celebrated
with my Mom and Dad was in 1988, back when I was fresh off college. Another
first, feeling the sandwich generation, my parents’ presence made me
feel like a kid all over again but my kids’ presence made me glow with
the love I share (and my sense of adult responsibility). Making more memories
to share, happy ones at that.
So, what of growing old? It is yet to be,
for as long as I enjoy birthdays, especially my own, age is not an issue.
Like wine, growing old, finding my best self. I fondly will look back at
my summer birthdays and my true birthdays and not count the years but continue
to collect the happy moments, the wonderful memories, the last, the first.
Feel free to e-mail me reactions, comments
and or suggestions for ideas to ponder. Contact me at
Gretheline@aol.com or through Carousel
Productions. |
