birthday presents

Today is my 18th birthday.

Last night, as i watched the clock tick closer and closer to midnight, i honestly did not feel very excited. Perhaps becuase i never enjoy the aspect of getting older each year, or the fact i am sort of celebrating my birthday by going paintballing with my nearest and dearest in November.

I did have one burst, when a family friend came to the door holding onto a balloon with 18 all over it - becasue i have never had a birthday balloon before and the little child in side of me went 'WOW!' - but then it quickly went to fear that tomorrow was my birthday!

So today, the morning, was lovely, with cards and presents from family and family friends, then it was off to college for the afternoon. I didn't tell people it was my birthday - not sure why, but i felt like it would be..sort of showing off? My plan quickly went down the drain thanks to facebook. That clever little thing had shown everyone it was my birthday so from my fellow stdents to my tutours sent me happy birthdays, and i even got them singing it to me in hairdressing at the very end.

Then once i had come in from the pouring rain home - my trousers sticking to me, my shoes literally full of water and my soaks wring-out-able - my grandparents came round so hugs and kisses were exchanged, and the general birthday stuff.

Soon after they left my Rosaio turned up. She has been hinting at my present for months now and refusing to give me even one hint! Driving me nuts! And of course she started on about my card on the phone before she came round - which she managed to save from her blood spurting finger - so i couldn't wait to see them!

She is the best. So creative, so inventive, so cleverly computer skilled! She put together the best present of my day; it beat all the money, clothes, chocolate and real diamond earings! It is something with thought, something personal and above all something which has friendship covered on every page. It sums up a large part of my childhood and teenage years which i hope will continue for a long time yet. I can not take my eyes off it. I can not say how much i love it.

But i certainly will treasure it for all my life.