When I was at school, I had a friend called Snarbs.
Actually I think his real name might have been Steven, but we all called him Snarbs. Something to do with him going overseas and having a cold and the native word for cold being Snarbley or something like that. I don’t really remember.
Anyway, Snarbs and I had one very important thing in common.
Our date of birth.
Almost.
Snarbs was exactly eighteen months younger than I was, to the day.
I don’t remember exactly how we discovered this, but I think there was some birthday talk, and he made the observation that our respective days of celebration were exactly six months apart.
And with that, the idea of the half birthday was born.
I have to credit Snarbs with the idea; but once he mentioned it, a whole new world opened up to me! No longer did birthdays have to be confined to once a year; we could have two days of celebration!
No one really understood this concept, which I would later grow to realise was the general reaction. But every time it was my birthday, Snarbs would wish me a happy birthday, and I would wish him a happy ‘half birthday.’
And when his birthday rolled around, I would wish him a happy birthday, and he would bestow upon me the blessings of a happy half birthday. It was a reciprocal celebration. Neither of us felt that the other had more right to the day, or was encroaching on their moment. It was a shared camaraderie of specialness.
Sadly, Snarbs was the first, and last person, to ever wish me a happy half birthday.
Since those years have passed all that time ago, not one person has understood the significance of the 8th of September, and when I have tried to explain, they have looked at me like I am a crazy person.
Now I’m not asking for a lot. I don’t expect presents, or cake or any kind of melodic serendation. All I want is a general acceptance that I have made it through another half year of life, and the heartfelt appreciation by those nearest and dearest to me.
Scorn is certainly not on the list!
So this year, when Boatman started making noises about a bi-yearly acknowledgment of my date of birth, I was both surprised and overjoyed! After almost seven years of marriage he was going to celebrate the one day that had only ever been noticed by a guy named after an immune response.
And then, of course, came the realization.
It is not that he is planning a celebration.
Oh no.
He is starting a count down.
Because this year, the 8th of September is not just my half birthday; it’s the beginning of the end.
The last six months of my 20′s.
Seeing the dread and realization roll over my face in obvious waves, boatman leaned back on his pillow and then mentioned that perhaps, this year, he won’t stop at just my half birthday. In fact, maybe he should plan something every single month on the eighth, just so that no one in our immediate world will be able to forget the fact that come March, I’ll bid the 20′s farewell forever.
A fact I probably wouldn’t care about so much, if a certain Sea-Faring individual wouldn’t keep going on about. (I lie. I totally care. I’m just trying to play it cool so maybe he will leave me alone and we can both forget. )
So I’m getting my own back.
I’ve decided that if he wants to mark the event, the event will be marked! I’ve made an appointment and I’m getting my hair done, and going to have an iced coffee while I do!
And maybe some cake.
I may also use the time to reflect on what could possibly be a 30 before 30 lost, that I had no intention of doing, but feel the pressure to as the big three zero approaches.
Or I might just read trashy magazines which is obviously also a completely appropriate use of my time.
There is just one problem with my perfectly planned party.
A flaw that I didn’t even realise, until after I had set out to write this post which I hope will encourage you all to mark the dates of your half birthdays, and start some new worldwide trend.
A major mistake that has the ability to undermine not only the purpose for my ramblings, but also my intrinsic belief that half birthdays SHOULD be commemorated.
…..
I made the appointment for the 6th.
Still counts right?
I always had a half birthday. My birthday in 25 December, so I celebrated on 25 June as well when people weren’t so busy.
Well that makes a lot of sense! I think I would do that too!
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..My Week According to Instagram: Selfies and Yoghurt Dramas
Love the idea of the half birthday. My kids birthdays are 14 January and 18 December – celebrating on their half birthday isn’t such a bad idea.
Happy Half Birthday for the 8th – and yes, an appointment on the 6th still counts.
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A friend of mine planned a birthday party for her daughter in July, cause her birthday is in December and everyone is always so busy, or away. I think thats a great idea for kids!
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..My Week According to Instagram: Selfies and Yoghurt Dramas
Of course that’s all right. It’s a perfect plan actually. You get your hair done and relax before your half birthday so that you can go out the whole day and party! Instead of sitting in the salon waiting for time to pass!
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I like the sound of that!
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..My Week According to Instagram: Selfies and Yoghurt Dramas
Look, I have a friend who believes that birthday celebration festivities should last an entire week, and be called “insertnamehere-Dan” – so maybe the 6th is just the beginning of Half-JessDan”?
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I like the idea, but whats with the Dan bit?
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..My Week According to Instagram: Selfies and Yoghurt Dramas
I just think it is pretty cool that you are still in your 20′s! xx
Martine@themodernparent recently posted..Fathers Day Questions & a giveaway
Ha ha! I think so too!
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..My Week According to Instagram: Selfies and Yoghurt Dramas
I too celebrate half birthdays!!! Although, my twin sister is typically the only one who participates in these celebrations
I think it’s particularly important for younger ones when that half really means something! Don’t stress about 30, it is a great age to be.
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Obviously I need a twin so I can have someone else to share the joy with!
Everyone says 30 is good and I’m sure it will be. It’s more the idea than anything I think
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..My Week According to Instagram: Selfies and Yoghurt Dramas
We celebrate a half birthday for Zeb as his birthday is quite close to Chrissy- that way we split the presents over the year instead of him getting sooooo much at the end of the year, then nothing for 12 months
hope you have a fabbo relaxing day whenever you celebrate it xxx
I think that is a great idea! So much better for everyone!
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..My Week According to Instagram: Selfies and Yoghurt Dramas
oh it totally counts on the 6th. And I am a half birthday celebrater as well. In fact Miss 11 only asked the other day if it was her half birthday yet (she is too lazy to work it out and remember for herself) I wish I was going to be in town then so we could have a party.
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Oh well. It’s the thought that counts
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..My Week According to Instagram: Selfies and Yoghurt Dramas
Excellent. I’m so getting on board with this. My birthday is near Mother’s Day and is also within a week of my daughter’s birthday, so I never get it to myself. But six months later? All mine!!! Great idea!
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Yes do that! My mum’s birthday is near mothers day and I feel bad because we often just double up on presents. You should be spoiled twice!
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..My Week According to Instagram: Selfies and Yoghurt Dramas
Haha! Totally counts!
I’d go for the trashy magazine option. And a hairdresser’s appointment with an iced coffee? Perfection!
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Yes I’m fairly certain the magazines will win!
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..My Week According to Instagram: Selfies and Yoghurt Dramas
So, i half congratulate you. And thanks for your interesting story.
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Thanks
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..My Week According to Instagram: Selfies and Yoghurt Dramas