One year older but none the wiser

My parents called.
"Have you had any seaweed soup?" my mum asked. Koreans have seaweed soup for their birthdays - it's supposed to make you live longer, your skin nicer and your hair black and shiny.
"Nope," I said.
"Well, just make sure you have something you like eating for your birthday," she said.
"We're going out to have Indian food later," I said.
"But there are tonnes of Korean restaurants in New York," my dad said. "Go out and have some barbecued meat."
"What are you talking about? Your daughter doesn't eat meat," my mum said.
"Oh," my dad said, which is what he says every time he is reminded that I am a vegetarian.
"Isn't it almost ten years now that we've wished you happy birthday over the phone?" my mum asked.
"Yeah probably. But that's all right," I said.
"Happy birthday!" Liddle Sis shouted in the background. My other sister sent me an email with her greetings.

I already received my birthday gift from M. a couple of weeks ago - a huge pile of books. It turns out that once upon a time M. used to read books (although now he lives for ESPN) so I inherited all of the novels and plays he has read. This is why I ended up reading the Belgariad until 6am one night - it is crappy writing but I just had to know how it ended. I am planning to read another book today, curled up on the sofa in my pyjamas, with the lavender incense that my friend posted me slowly burning on the coffee table. Later on, I will get ready to meet up with M. to go for dinner. And try to look more dignified.

It's a great thing to have so many reasons to be happy to have been born. I am grateful for everything I have and hope this is a year I can give not just receive. If you see someone bopping around your neighbourhood in red pyjamas and a red fleece, that's me - and you can come join my party!