Balloons

Growing up, I always thought that balloons were exclusively for birthday celebrations only. And if you have balloons during your party, you will gain another set of friends, LOL! Those were the days. But if I remember it right, I had balloons during my birthday celebration twice or thrice only. Other than those two, it’s all food, food and food. Ah, childhood memories. I can still recall the words stamped on the inflatable,

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY,
TOTOMAI
December 29, 1982.

Fast-forward to 2009. I just turned 32. And I don’t need these balloons anymore, as I am one living balloon. Ha ha! Each year, I am getting bigger and bigger. It seems unstoppable, like a helium-filled balloon escaping from an enclosed space to the open air. Hoping that someone can deflate me before it’s too late, for health reasons as you know. Or I’ll just pop naturally, what a scary thought.

Anyway, a few days ago, I kept on thinking of using balloons to celebrate my birthday. Since I turned 30, I decided to have a photograph of me in my birthday suit. It all started in Thailand (30th), then the Philippines (31st) and now in Japan (32nd). I wonder where will be the next location. Hmmm. Aside from the fact the balloons bring out the child in me, it reminded me of the sacrifices of my parents in giving me and my brother worth-remembering celebrations, with or without balloons.

Turning a year older is a gift and no one can take that from you. It is yours and yours alone. It means that you must continue your journey. With refreshed positivity, I am starting a new chapter of my life. I am ready to whatever my path offers me.

Happy Birthday, Totomai!

/totomai
12/29/09