I passed a traumatic milestone birthday in August. There were no celebrations. I didn’t mention it to anyone at work. I told my friends not to give me gifts. I accepted this new stage of life with grace, humor, and humility.
Or not. And then I ordered more skin cream from Instagram advertisements.
On the night of the bad day, Steve, Ian, and I went out to dinner at an Italian place. After some pasta and red wine, they dudes had a birthday cake for me in our kitchen. I blew out the candles.
Ian announced, “Am I the only one who bought you a gift?”
Read more at Apt. 11D, the newsletter
Apt. 11d 
What was traumatic about the birthday? Your age? I hope not!! We, people (me included), and specially women, tend to make jokes about that. But there is nothing funny about age. Every year is a +1. And if there is not… is because we did not make it. Nothing embarrassing or traumatic about it. We should be happy and proud. Maria
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Very true!
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How rude of me not to wish you a happy birthday earlier, and to thank you for your always thought-provoking posts.
I also take vitamin supplements—for my skin, for my age, and to manage stress. Strangely enough, they often cost more than the prescribed medicine I need for a chronic issue. I feel that the high prices are fueled by companies capitalizing on our perception of health! With a good dose of placebo effect. Still, health is an investment, so I continue taking them. That’s why I think the gift you received was especially thoughtful!
Maria
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