Turning into a new leaf

I have attained a milestone! Hahaa..no I dint do the 200 mile race or got an award:) Completed a quarter century on planet earth. Now yet to scale another quarter century. Yep..I give myself 25 more years:)) [Have my own reasons];) Although, birthdays arent that special for me anymore, for reasons I am unable to understand. I see people inviting their friends home and having a huge party..but I stopped doing that since I turned 10. Main reason being that since my birthday falls during monsoon and I absolutely detest monsoon in Bombay, I myself did not like celebrating:)) But, birthdays have always been a family occassion for me. Mom would buy me brand new clothes and we used to go to temple to thank god for whatever he has given me in that year. Along with a sumptous meal made by mom. The only thing that I savored was 'Payasam'. And she made it in such a way that I tried mastering that art..only to find that I failed miserably. Most of all being, phone calls..I dont know..but I am pretty particular about my folks calling me on my birthday. In college, we were 5 friends..and they would have a competition (just like Girl from Ipanema and The girl who sold the world have one;) as to who will be the first to call:) For the umpteenth time, my sis calls me at 12 o clock midnight (India Time). Actually, it doesnt surprise me anymore, coz I wait for her call during that time and thats when I actually think its my birthday! So then she says 'WOW..dint realize you were 26!" 'Hope you grow up (mentally) now:D Thats the best compliment I have received so far:)) One of my friends R..with whom I practically lost touch with after college and whose birthday falls on 30th June..sends me an email without fail. Its been so long and we never exchange any correspondences all through the year but I know I will look for her email on 2nd July! And today, as I set out of the house to visit the temple, I had a strange feeling..Its practically the only ritual I have carried with myself from India:) as far as birthdays are concerned. Its not about family celebrating together, no payasam cooked by mom and yeay! no new clothes either:)) I have realized that the only thing that makes me look forward to birthdays are phone calls, emails and that ceremonial mid night cake! I am particularly happy that my phone was continuously ringing beginning 12..The first caller (surprises) was Navdeep! I felt sheer embarrased that I assumed her to be one of my closest pals and started talking in marathi and when she confessed it was Navdy..I assumed she was fooling me..and said no..U sound like 'Sayesha' U cant be Navdy:O But yeah..she does sound like a sweet girl:) Followed by Vikram (Idiot! openly asked one of my friends what my birthdate was:O) Then, Wolf..who actually sang a birthday song for me..That was so sweet, my dear..then Wolf's sister..another darling who remembered to call me! This morning, I was greeted by another sweet 'teenage baccha' Rohit:) I sometimes wonder, what makes people connect instantly..I kinda waited for couple of people whose calls I expected but was disappointed:) I dont mind agreeing to that! And I actually did not expect navdy and Rohit's calls coz I knew they did not have my numbers but were very sweet to fish it for me:) The whole day, I am happy that even though am working today..there are many friends who bought a smile on my face..few of my friends and Thanu being the last one:) These things make my life! And today, I start this journey hoping that I continue to get goodwill from everyone:)