the bright blessed day, the dark secret night, and I think to myself...I had the best birthday ever. I'll have to collect all the pictures (evidence) from various people, but here are the highlights:
- 1. 10pm - Wonderful dance at the ASF ball - courtesy of Siobhan, Linda and Anna. Danced till 4am, got wished by the band performing - Miles and Kaniz Shuborna. After effects, I can't move my left leg.
- Midnight - Cross continent birthday wish - Paul C. called from Barcelona and made his workshop colleagues sing Happy birthday at midnight. So touching! Also calls from friends all over town.
- 9am - Loud knocks on my door. Could barely open my eyes after 4 hours of sleep. Promi and Ashesh, my niece and nephew banged down my door finally, and sang happy birthday. Aseer and Asef, my other nephews also came by, and together we toured all the aunts' houses.
- 10am - Candy from Paul M! Snickers, my favorite! Perfect timing, considering it came from Chicago.
- 12pm - Lunch at my aunt's place in Banani. Six course meal complete with dessert. I'm so full I can't move (left leg has announced retirement at that point). Staring contest with Aseer and Asef
- 4pm - off to Shikha apa's house, and hang out till 11:30pm. Another six course meal (heavenly chicken with pineapple and green pepper) , and Maswood and Shaila brought cake (pictured on top), we spent more time admiring it than actually eating it. But it was chocolate, my favorite (see a running theme?)
- 7pm - My colleague Dr. Helal texted all my colleagues about my birthday, so 30 minutes of greetings from all the office friends. So touching.
And finally back home, and crashed into bed.
Thanks everyone for making it so memorable. I don't remember having this elaborate a plan before. I'm really grateful for all the phone calls, e-cards and text messages.
I have now lived longer than Alexander the Great, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Tupac Shakur, Kurt Cobain and Janis Joplin.
