It was my birthday on Thursday the 11th of November and there’s no better place I'd rather share my story than here. I went to bed the night before with zero expectations… I mean ZERO EXPECTATIONS.
I’ve never been one to get all hyped about my birthday, hence I've always admired people, especially ladies who go to great lengths to make their birthdays lit.
I mean just the thought of hiring a makeup artist to doll up my face till I look all posh and cute(lol), going to the studio for photoshoots, throwing parties, mini hangouts with friends and family stresses me to the depth of my soul.
Naturally, I have never liked parties, the crowd and noise make me cringe. I sincerely hope to change that one day. I expected the day to just pass like every other workday. Alas, I was wrong, extremely wrong. That day turned out to be one of the best days of my life.
My day started with calls from both my parents at 12:03 am. We had a lengthy conversation involving a lot of prayers and birthday wishes. This has become a birthday ritual that I'll forever be grateful for.
Following the prayers, I went back to bed and was woken up again shortly thereafter by a notification on my phone. I was giddy with excitement to learn that a good friend had sent me a cash gift with the caption "LET'S PAINT LAGOS RED". I kid you not, that was something I never expected, particularly not from him.
Broad daylight saw texts upon texts from friends and family, I had my pictures put up on countless WhatsApp statuses. Almost everyone had something positive to say, save for the occasional "stop being so bothersome this new year" and "I hope you realize how annoying you are". To tell you the truth, I can be a real pain when I choose to be that way.
My parents' call, the cash gift, and other good wishes gave me the boost to go ahead with my day as planned. It all felt surreal.
I resumed work to a calm reception. It was as though only a handful of my colleagues remembered it was my birthday, not even my boss. I thought to myself,’ either they knew and were pretending or they truly didn’t remember but in the spirit of my birthday and positivity, I chose to believe they were pretending.
I could have been wrong and sorely disappointed but they came through for me even in ways beyond what I expected. Having colleagues turned friends is a truly underrated experience.
At noon, I was seated at my desk gradually getting into my work groove when seemingly out of nowhere a colleague appeared in front of me with a beautiful cake wishing me a happy birthday. I was extremely surprised to find out that the cake came from my boss. My boss (The MD) got me my first birthday cake of the day! I use the term ‘first’ because I ended up getting a second cake from management. Just as I thought, the cold reception was all part of the surprise.
Realizing that the jig was up, then came the birthday wishes, numerous hugs, and kisses...on the cheeks please lol. After all the felicitations, we proceeded to the conference hall for a management meeting just like we do every other Thursday.
On getting into the hall, I realized that there was a simple lunch set up with subtle background music and yet another cake. I struggled to fight back tears. Then came chicken and chips, Grilled fish, Non-alcoholic wines, Maltina drink, Star Radler, canapes, etc.
On this very day I legit experienced endorphins; the natural drug flowing through our brains making us feel happy. Knowing my efforts had not gone unnoticed made me feel so good to be loved and appreciated. I was even given gifts! I ate to fill. We had a few speeches here and there and we finally called it a day.
Some of my previous posts haven’t exactly drawn so many engagements but common, it’s my birthday. Show me some love will ya?
In conclusion, If you’re my birthday mate, Happy birthday to you. I love love love you. If you are a November born, Happy birthday to you too. I love you too!
Once again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY OMOSEFE, YOU ROCK!
PS: If you read up to this point, you most certainly enjoyed my birthday story. I’d also like to say that I am open to constructive criticism, please let me know what you think I can/should do better.
