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It's Just Another Day

The struggle of not being "BIG" on birthdays

Dec 12, 2016

Ah, alas, that one day a year where all the attention is focused on you, a day in which everyone celebrates you and all of your accomplishments in life thus far. While some people like to celebrate the fact that it’s their birth-month, birth-week, and go all out for their birthday, I tend to be one who wakes up and goes about my day as if nothing is different. If you’re like me, you tend to not enjoy the attention and want to go about your usual routine with maybe a small get-together with family and a few friends. Here’s why I don’t truly “celebrate” my birthday. And by celebrate I mean go all out, take a night off of work, spend time with those I love, etc.

1. I don't like being the center of attention

Getting overwhelmed with “Happy Birthday!” and hugs is not my thing. I would much rather sit at home with a warm cup of coffee, a movie or book, and just spend time by myself or with my close friends and family. Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy hearing all of my friends and others tell me happy birthday and show that they care for me, because it is such a blessing to see that. Yet, I hate breaking my routine.

2. I'm the worst person to accept gifts

When people give me gifts, I feel this odd inclination to want to give them a better gift. Let me tell you, I’m the worst when it comes to gifts, especially when it comes to what I want as a gift.

3. I never truly know what to do

I consider myself a pretty selfless person, and I absolutely hate when it’s time to celebrate me, or to have others do things for me “just because.” When we all truly know that the reason isn’t “just because.” And that horribly awkward moment when everyone sings Happy Birthday, and I just sit there staring at the cake as the candles melt. I never truly know what I should do with myself.

While all of these things are events that I dread on my birthday, I am still beyond thankful for the outpour of love that I receive on this day. It truly is a great reminder of the people that support and love you, even when they aren’t always involved in your day-to-day life.

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It's Just Another Day

The struggle of not being "BIG" on birthdays

1. I don't like being the center of attention

2. I'm the worst person to accept gifts

3. I never truly know what to do

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This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

Run Around Clanging Pots and Pans in Everyone's Face

Eat the Last Few Pigs in a Blanket

Pop Twelve White Grapes

Burn Something

Smash Things Against a Wall

Spontaneously Begin an Irish Jig

Call Your Mother

Throw a Coffee Table Out a Window

Sing "Auld Lang Syne" at the Top of Your Lungs

Do Some Squats

Swan Dive into a Nearly Freezing Body of Water

Take a Shot

Time to be merry and bright.

"First Noel" by Leslie Odom, Jr

"A Holly Jolly Christmas" by Burl Ives

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Kelly Clarkson

"All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey

"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home" by Michael Buble

"Last Christmas" by Taylor Swift

"The Christmas Song" by Josh Groban

"White Christmas" by Idina Menzel

"O Holy Night" by David Archuleta

"Believe" by Josh Groban

"Les cloches du hameau" by Celine Dion

Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

2. So you stress.

3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

5. After the pep talk, you feel determined to get everything done.

6. But, now you're tired.

7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

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