The ubiquitous birthday post.

Okay - before anyone starts jumping up and screaming 'happy birthday', please read what I'm about to say here.

My birthday is not today, March 24th. But it does fall between now and April 1st. Why am I being 'mysterious' about it, one might ask... well, I'll tell you why that is. It's because I don't acknowledge my birthday, and I don't want you to, either.

I know, I'm a 'Scrooge' type. An instant curmudgeon. "Why, everyone likes to celebrate their birthday! Think about it, a cake, presents, praise and fame, yadda yadda!"

Uh, no.

I have really good reasons as to why my birthday is not a special occasion, or even a good day, for me. Let's read on, boys and girls, and you'll learn something.

a.) My birthday isn't even my own 'special day'.

As most of you know, I have... we'll say 'a problem' with my brother and the way that I've been treated all of my life, a good deal of it because of him. Well, my brother happens to be born the day before I was - isn't that great?

What this means is that whenever parties or celebrations were held, it was on his birthday. Or that his name came first on the cake or the invitations. I was always "the afterthought" - the one that just 'happened' to be born the next day, so let's tag her along for the ride. It was never about me, not even on the day that I was born.

Yes, goddamnit, I'm bitter.

b.) I don't feel particularly happy to celebrate another year on this stinking planet.

Really, what have I accomplished other than the fact that I've lived another year to consume the world's resources? Seriously? Oh, sure, I'm going back to school and trying to get mentally healthy, those are fine things. But you see, depressed people... especially this depressed person, don't necessarily feel happy to be alive or that they're anything but a drag on other people. That's my particular issue, I know, but it still remains the truth.

So... for those of you that still think it's a good idea to say "Happy birthday!" to me this year... just don't, okay? As far as I'm concerned, I'll be happy for it to quietly pass by unnoticed. For the few of you that do know when it is, you can just say to me, "I'm glad you're here another year" - because that's really all I need to hear, you know? I don't need gifts or fancy dinners or any of that shit - just be happy that I'm alive to see another year and to keep fighting for my mental health and stability. That's the best gift you all could give me - really.

Thanks. :)