Monday, May 7, 2012

It's my birthday!!!

Thirty-seven years ago, my mom crapped out her fifth kid, fourth daughter in a row, and named her Kimberly Ann Harris.  No, I'm not the youngest - there are two more crappers after me!

I thought I'd go back and talk about memorable birthdays of long LONG ago, and one that sticks out in my mind the most was when I turned twelve, in 6th grade.  That morning as I was getting ready for school, I was listening to our local radio station.  Every day they picked a birthday winner, called them on the phone, and gave them the prize of the Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 album.

Yes I said album.  As in VINYL.

Anyhoo, the Dee Jay played the birthday music and soon enough I heard him utter the words I'm now calling Kim Harris... I scrambled for a phone, nervously talked to the guy for a minute, and rode the cloud nine throughout the rest of my day, parking it above my desk at school where no one else could touch it.

I had been called by the radio.  ON AIR, BITCHEZ.

I really was happy that day - I felt fucking special.  Eventually the album did come, only it was six albums.  Six giant, black, shiny, vinyl albums to hold 40 songs.  The #1 song?  Keep me Hangin' On, by Kim Wilde.  Yesssssssssssssss.

By the time birthday #37 has rolled around, it has become less of a roll and more of an amble.  Shit just isn't the same.  Not bad mind you, just different.

I got a phone call from my dad yesterday and he got halfway through his loud, proud Happy Birthday song when he stopped abruptly and said wait, what day is today?  Oh I called a day early!  Just hang up and I'll call back tomorrow! -click-


This morning the gang at work assembled embarrassingly into the office where I was sitting and awkwardly sang to me.  I  asked when the stripper would be showing up and they all called for Ken, the old guy we work with.  That would have rocked in SO many ways.

A few days ago the kids went to the Garage-O-Rama and on their own, spent some of their money on birthday and Mother's Day gifts for me.  I eagerly opened them, along with the awesome homemade card Amanda spent a shitload of time making.

 Best gifts in the WORLD.

So at this age special birthdays aren't about all the cool parties and the loot, but they are about each and every individual's way of showing they are thinking about you on your day.  Shit, with facebook a birthday girl or boy will get dozens of well-wishers speaking their little happy birthday-ness to you.  It's all quite sweet, really.

So with that I leave you with a mouthful of German chocolate cake a coworker made, and I look forward to  nothing more than sharing my extra special old time with my kids.





 

23 comments:

Hannah Denski said...

Happy day b'day girl and many many to come!

Nat said...

Happy birthday to you! I agree birthdays deteriorate with age.... hope you still have a good one though :-)

Keith Wynn said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR KIM, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!

My Name is Jacy said...

Kim! Happy birthday lovely lady! Hope it's a MARVELOUS one! XOXOXO

Diana a.k.a Meme said...

Happy Birthday!

Stacia said...

Happy Birthday to you! Hope your day is/was fantastic, Pretty Lady!! Any gifts from my kids are the BEST...agree with you on that!

xoxo

Jayne said...

Happy Birthday, Kimberly and may all your birthday wishes come true. Sounds like you're surrounded with people who love and appreciate you as it should be. Enjoy an extra piece of German Chocolate cake for me. it's my fave! And remember, 37 ain't nothing. You're just getting to the good part.

Big birthday hugs!

Christopher Arnel said...

Happy Birthday Kim!! I'm glad it's been a great day for u! i too remember vinyl records.. back in olden times, and i made the local dj's sick with my prince requests.. lol.. anyway, enough about me, i'm incredibly blessed to have u follow my blog, my twitter and facebook page.. Thanks for being a friend!!

Steve said...

Happiest of Birthdays Sweet Kimmie from Cody!!! Great big hugs and high fives and whatever else your heart desires. I remember my 37th birthday. Spent it in the burn ward after trying to iron out the wrinkles in my Birthday suit!
Steve

The Accidental Somebody said...

Thank you Steve! My heart desires happiness - hugs and high fives are perfect!

The Accidental Somebody said...

Thank you Chris...Prince...oh geez lol. Thanks to you as well for your friendship!

The Accidental Somebody said...

That cake was DAMN good! You would have loved it. :) So far 37 is great, still cranky as ever.

The Accidental Somebody said...

Thank you Stacia! It was great!

The Accidental Somebody said...

Thank you Diana! :)

The Accidental Somebody said...

Great, now that song is stuck in my head! Thank you Keith. :)

The Accidental Somebody said...

Thank you Jacy, marvelous it was!

The Accidental Somebody said...

Thank you Nat, it was GREAT!!

The Accidental Somebody said...

Thank you Hannah!!

Roksana Podgorska said...

a little belated Happy Birthday, but I made it on time on facebook. I wish you everything you've dreamt of and more. Most importantly health, peace of mind and happiness in every shape and form. Oh and so that you and I share a glass of wine one day... screw it - two bottles! and maybe a hike around Cody or my turf :)
I wish you a wonderful life.
xx

esbboston.blogspot.com said...

Mmm, I too, must sooon have German Chocolate Cake, I haven't had any in several vveeks. Hope you have a vvonderful day!

Karie McRae said...

Happy belated birthday. Your dad makes me laugh. It's weird how the dynamics of birthdays change as you get older. Wait until the big 40; that one hurts. Regardless, it's fun to realize how many people like/love you and care that you have a wonderful day on your birthday!

The Flying Tortoise said...

A Very Happy Birthday from all of us in New Zealand...

A Daft Scots Lass said...

I'm so sorry I missed your birthday. I feel terrible. I've neglected my blog commenting...

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY