Melly's Musings: My 22nd Birthday

The 2nd of February was my 22nd birthday. I decided to do something a little different this year. I made NO PLANS...

Every year, since my 16th birthday, I've made plans. And by plans, read: I've gone out for a meal. Here's the thing, a lot of girls my age love to go out and party or even throw a huge party for their birthday. That's great - I'm partial to a party myself. Any excuse to get up and dance, I'm there. But I've realised that I really enjoyed my birthday this year because it was low key.

During the couple of weeks before my birthday, my friends asked me what I was doing for my birthday and to be honest, for the first time, I was totally comfortable with saying 'nothing'.

Don't get me wrong here, I LOVE birthdays but celebrating them is such a hassle for me. Last year, I had a meal with my friends, which was FAB. My amazing best friend organised it and I know she worked really hard to make it all happen. I went out for sushi with a friend who couldn't make it to the meal, during the day. We shopped, it was great. Then I had to rush home and get ready. Every year, I get stressed about whether everyone is going to be able to make it. Prior to that, I have to think about who to invite because I'm part of a big church and I have a lot of friends that I would want there.The stress! 

This year, that didn't occur. And it was lovely. I worked on the morning. Then headed out with my mom. We  spent some proper girly time together, ate and shopped. I loved every second. 

After that, Bek picked me up and we headed to Merry Hill. I'm over feeling like I have to go to all of the most glamorous places I know on my birthday. I opened my gifts in the car, we grabbed a Starbucks and it was great. Then I saw my lovely friend Lisa, who had been at work all day. I opened my gifts, had a cup of tea and a chat. Perfect. 

When I got home, my family had birthday cake and food waiting for me. All in all, a gorgeous day. On Sunday, we went out for a family lunch, as the second celebration. Sunday evening, a few of my friends came out for food. And guess where we headed? Pizza Hut. No glam, no fuss. No high heels or false eyelashes. No worries. I even wore a beanie that, this year. That never happens.

Stripping my birthday right back to basics made me realise that it isn't spending lots of money and going to a nice restaurant that makes your birthday special. It was spending snippets of time with the people that I love the most and making beautiful memories. Nobody forgot about me just because I didn't have a huge celebration. I felt more loved and spoilt than ever. 

So, thank you to everyone who made my birthday special. Even if it was just a text message, tweet or post on my Facebook wall. I replied to and appreciated every single one. 

And you know what? 22 feels pretty darn good. 

Here are some photos from birthdays past (and one from this year)... 

17. Nat, Bek and I.

Headed to Zizzi's

18. At Old Orleans, Broad St.

19

Food at Strada, The Mailbox

Bek and I

French Fancy Birthday Cake

Nat and I

  

20. Old Orleans, again. So sad that it closed down.

21. The family meal at ASK 

21, baby!

22. Beanie hat, latte, time with my best friend. Perfect.


What do you prefer for birthdays? All-out glamour? Or all things simple? 


Lots and lots of love,