I had a birthday a few weeks ago.

Usually, I love my birthday and have a giant countdown, lovingly called “The Twelve Days of Erin.”

Don’t ask me how old I am because I cannot remember.

Not because I don’t want to, but because I really can’t!

There is nothing I love more than celebrating my family and friend’s  birthdays.

I love picking out the perfect gift and celebrating them.

But I recently had a birthday change of heart.

The last several birthdays I have had, I have experienced a ... lets call it a “curse.”

The truth be told they were really very painful birthdays, that even involved a few swear words thrown my way.

In fact, I have been sworn at more times in the last five years than any other time in my life.

Wonder what that’s about?

For me, it was just too sad to celebrate, it was too hard.

So, this year I decided that the best plan of action would be to ignore my birthday.

No one was to wish me a happy birthday or throw me parties.

My plan was to sit in the bath tub with a mattress over my head until the day had passed.

Eric had other plans ...

He was determined to prove that the 12 days of Erin could live on and that there was no curse.

So, every day for 12 days he got me a small gift, leading up to a beautiful pair of earrings.

And I loved every minute of it. But, I think the curse might still be alive!

The last three days leading up to my birthday had some really big bumps.

First, my sweet friend and I went to get a mani/pedi for my birthday and our favorite nail salon was flooded.

Not just a little water, but up to your ankles flooded.  

Then, I caught a cold.

Not a massive one, but just enough to make a person grumpy.  

Then, on my actual birthday it was cold and rainy.

I spent a good part of the day in tears for multiple reasons, and bless Eric’s heart, he tried to make up for it by getting me my favorite milkshake from Chick-fil-A, but as he was getting out of the car he dropped it and it spilled all over the car.

Mattress in the bathtub was looking good.

And then the voice of reason spoke (her name is Alissa, my sister.)

Reason said “I don’t know what your problem is!”

Those who love you are trying very hard to show you they love you, and the week you’ve been having is a regular week in your life.

Your birthday just came during a regular week.

Get over yourself.

She was right. If you hung out with me for a full day you would see that any and all of those things could and do happen during a regular week in my life.

My life is sometimes a slap stick comedy without the laugh track.

So I am. I am over myself. Next year, be warned, the 12 days of Erin will be back in full force.

Eric, this is your only warning (insert evil laugh here,) so get ready.