Why I hate my birthday

This is more of a personal whining session...

My birthday is on Tuesday. I've grown to really hate my birthday. Not because of the aging thing, but because it seems like a complete inconvenience to everyone in my life.

I am very close to my family and they all live about 30 minutes away. This is the FOURTH year in a row that they will be out of the country on a spontaneous trip on my birthday. Last year, I was 8 months pregnant and watching their stinky dog and satanic cat while they were off in Spain for a month. The year before that, Puerto Rico, and before that England. This year it's the Galapagos Islands.

They've known about my birthday all year, you'd think they could at least arrange to have a mini-party or something before they disappear for a month OR at least be IN THE COUNTRY...but no. And it's not even just my family, it's my husband too. Last month I emailed him my birthday "wishlist". Then this morning (Thursday) he asks me what I want! As if anything I want will even get here in time now. Ugh. Then he gets all stressed out and says that he doesn't know what to do and just gives up.

My birthday presents from my family last year consisted of a fake Prada purse they bought of the streets in Italy and a porcelain Lladro statue thingy. I don't even collect or like Lladro. (It's not like they're broke either.) Last year they didn't even call me on my birthday, and my husband pretty much forgot about it until the day before.

I think it hurts even more because I always make such a big celebration of their birthdays. I love them all dearly, but this really sucks.

Thanks for letting me whine...

Mariana
www.heinzandmariana.com
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003

[momma_boo]

I'm sorry that your family makes you feel crummy. Feel free to whine anytime.
Perhaps you should re-send your e-mail with the wish list to your DH. There's always FedEx if he orders it today/tomorrow!

Not to excuse your family, but perhaps they don't view birthdays to be a big celebration? I know I don't make a big deal of birthdays at all for myself or others.

[ethansmom]

You poor thing! That really sucks! My birthday was always a big deal growing up, and I still think it should be. ;-) However, my DH never had parties etc., so they aren't as big a deal to him and he doesn't understand why I care so much.

Does your DH realize how much it upsets you when he doesn't pay attention to your big day? So many husbands would be so thankful for a wish list, but men can be so oblivious. For one bday, I showed my DH the exact coach purse I wanted several weeks before the big day. The day before my bday he admitted he couldn't remember what I wanted. HELLO!?! I was so pissed I didn't even clue him in. I'm such a B!tch that our dog got me the purse and whenever anyone asked me about it, I told them my dog gave it to me. DH has greatly improved in the gift giving/memory dept!

As for the family, I hope you aren't pet sitting for them this time!

I hope you do something nice for yourself on your day!

I like the way you work! I guess I can have the baby get me a present if things don't work out!

The reason I emailed him the list a month ago is that the #1 item on my list is a pair of shoes by Camper. It's my favorite brand, and you can't buy them in GA, so the only way to get them is to call the NY store and have them shipped or order directly from Spain. (I know I'm difficult.) So I figured that would give him enough time, I even wrote this info on the list! Anyhow, he might still blow me away and I'll be on these boards next week eating my words...

Birthdays have always been a big deal for us too. I think since my birthday's in the summer though, it conflicts a lot with their vacation plans. My little brother and sister are still in college, so this is their time off. Still, it would be nice to at least be invited to join them, even though I probably wouldn't go. :)

Mariana
www.heinzandmariana.com
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003

[jk3]

Have you told them how you feel? Maybe they think you don't mind since you haven' said anything. People, especially parents, can be dense sometimes. I bet your husband will surprise you especially since he knows you are upset about your family.

In any event, I hope you enjoy your birthday and that you get some great presents-maybe a diaper bag or two? =)

Jenn
DS 6/3/03

[jbowman]

I'm sorry Mariana! My birthday is important to me, too, so I understand how you feel.

Also wanted to add that Campers are the best! I have a pair of sandals that I love! They are the *koolest* shoes!

Hope that you have a happy birthday!

Well, I've never really been a subtle person, so I've been very open about my expectations and feelings. But I often feel like I'm not taken very seriously sometimes. Even Gabriel laughs at me when I tell him "no". :) I guess since I'm just so calm about everything, they don't think it bothers me as much as it does. I've just never been one to get visibly upset, so maybe I need to start acting very ticked off? I think they would all laugh though, that's so not me!

Mariana
www.heinzandmariana.com
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003

I love Campers sandals! They really are the coolest shoes out there. My sister got me hooked when she brought me back a pair from Spain a few years ago. I'm still wearing that pair too, they last forever!

For anyone that would care to check them out... www.campers.es My favorites are the "Twins" series...

Once I get past the whole pity party about my family, I'm sure my birthday will be splendid!

Mariana
www.heinzandmariana.com
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003

[wagner36]

That sucks - I'm so sorry! My DH doesn't have a clue about birthdays either.

I also LOVE Camper Sandals - I ordered my last pair from the www.camper.es website, and they were here within 4 days! You may be able to get them here for your birthday....

FYI Mariana, we have a Camper store here in Chicago now. It's less than a mile from my house :)