Not too young, not that old

One thing I used to do on my birthdays prior to this one was to check notifications and text messages in my phone at the crack of dawn for greetings. I think everyone does that. Oh, who, I wonder, in this wonderful world, will take notice that it's my birthday today? *cringing at the thought* I guess turning a year older does things for me. Last Sunday, I was all kebs in the sense that even if you were my closest friend and you forgot, it would not bother me at all. Who am I to feel bad when I, the perennially bemused, also rely on people to remember birth dates? I still got messages on facebook (surprise, suprprise!), which I chose to ignore. I hope that doesn't make me an ingrate, I did it because of reasons (however, all those are noted, thank you). I gave smileys to those who sent me greetings through SMS, BBM and twitter, though. I am so biased. Heh. :)

Let me bore you now with things that transpired during the day.

My family had an unplanned lunch at a Chinese restaurant, whose name I can't recall, along Wilson St. I had birthday noodles. For real, that's what it's called. I'm pretty hostile when it comes to Chinese noodles but it's my birthday and you know what they say about noodles and long life so who am I to say no? I just had a teeny bit. It wasn't something I'd eat again.

I heard mass in the afternoon. Do you hear that deafening angels' chorus? Ha. The church was just 30 steps away from my aunt's house. There's no reason for me to give excuses, right? Don't get me wrong, I went there willingly and with good intentions. The feeling I had after was like undergoing a warm massage, so free and so light. Maybe a little bit holy with baby wings, too? I had an observation that left me bewildered. It may be that I haven't been practicing my Catholic duties for eons, and this may also differ in churches, I don't really know, but whatever happened to the responses to the order of mass? Why the change? In that far-out, crowded space in my heart, I still prefer "And also with you" than "And with your spirit." Amen.

Moving forward.

We went to High Street after, so that Nicole could run around and play. Incidentally, there was a Pedigree event at BHS Central and you could just imagine my smiling eyes from all the handsome dogs loitering in the area. I WANT A CHOW CHOW! The biggest, fluffiest, stuffiest one, to stare at when I'm bored. I'm not worthy to have a dog so scratch that. But maybe, in the oddest event of me having a boyfriend, he'd own one and I'll be happily content with it. And then I'll have two things to stare at. Win-win.

Earlier that day, I received an e-mail from Lucy telling me that they already have a restock of the books I inquired about a month ago. Hell to the yeah! Both books were only available on trade paperback. Although I wanted a hardbound copy of Gone Girl, I went on with the purchase because I had waited for so long to read it, and also, I get to save 700 pesos! I left without The Lover's Dictionary because, for a difference of 200 pesos, I guess I'd get a better deal with the hardcover, and that can wait.

I'd have to say that the highlight of the night was when we ate at Nolita. Pizza + Anne = a happy couple. The pizzas were a bit steep (250 per slice) but they didn't scrimp on the toppings, so it was well worth it. We tried a slice each of Chicken Parmigiana and Wild Mushroom Ricotta. I can't say so much about the experience because I was relatively full by that time, but their dough was so good, and that says a lot. I'd eat there again. So, THE highlight: C to the A to the NNOLI. Ohmylords. The cannoli shell. The ricotta filling. The chocolate chips magically hidden inside. The candied orange peel. For a few minutes, I zoned out and devoured heaven in my happy place. Happy birthday to me, indeed.

Another thing that got me giddy that day: the news that The Script is coming back to Manila next year!!! March 31st, we're ready for yaaa! Last year's concert was extremely loud and fun and all other wonderful adjectives combined so I'm expecting the same, if not more, from it next year. :)

So this is what it feels like to be 24. So normal yet so blessed.

Here's an obligatory photo of me, my sister and Nicole, taken from, obviously, see photo. Look at how happily big we all are. :)