My Month-Long Milestone Birthday Celebration

I love birthdays because that is the opportune time for me to examine myself, reflect on the past, and make fresh plans for the future. During my lifetime, I have had three birthday parties. They were at 40, 55, and 60. When I turned 80, I wanted to do something different. I didn't know what it would be, but the closer it got to July 23, 2025, the clearer it became.

I celebrated the entire month of July by accepting invitations from well-wishers who wanted to do something special for me. When they asked me what I wanted, I told them I wanted an experience rather than a tangible gift.

My Birthday Was Filled With Experiences

Therefore, my adult son and daughter treated me to a massage at Haven Room. It was the perfect birthday gift for me, even though it didn't come in a gift bag or wrapped in beautiful paper with bows. It was an experience I will never forget.

From the moment I walked into the establishment, I knew I was in the right place. I felt that Haven Room was living up to its name.

The ambiance was serene, featuring a lobby with just the right number of plants, soothing colors, soft music, and pleasing scents of essential oils. The reception was warm and genuine.

I received the treatment my body needed to relax, and my mind needed to reflect on life at 80 years old. After the deep tissue massage was over, I couldn't stop saying, "Wow!" My one-hour experience has left precious memories. The experience was worth it, even if I didn't get anything else from others.

However, I did get financial gifts from people on social media via PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App, as well as checks in the mail.

My Favorite Restaurants

I can truly say that this milestone birthday was unique in that it was a month-long celebration with different people at different times, rather than at a party on the day I was born with just cake and ice cream.

My family and friends know that I am a foodie, and there are plenty of restaurants in my area that I like. Therefore, I was taken out to lunch and dinner at seven of my favorite restaurants. I chose to go to different restaurants, including Italian, Chinese, Mexican, seafood, soul food, and those that specialize in delicious meals.

1. Olive Garden
2. Zheng Garden Chinese Restaurant
3. Casa del Barco
4. Latitude Seafood
5. Red Lobster
6. Cracker Barrel
7. Extra Billy's Smokehouse

I was invited to order what I wanted to eat and drink. I was also told to place an extra order to take food home to eat later for the next couple of days.

My adult son knows I like Bojangles' steak and egg biscuits. Therefore, he brought them to me one morning during the month.

My adult grandson surprised me when he brought me a red velvet bundt cake on my actual birthday on July 23 from Nothing Bundt Cakes. The chocolate chips in the cake made it even more delicious. I loved it so much that I will continue to get them even if there is no special occasion.

Now that my milestone birthday is over, I have very fond memories of it that will last a long time. I do intend to visit my favorite restaurants on other occasions, and I am sure my mind will always be on the times I celebrated my milestone birthday there.

Tidbits About My Milestone Birthday

I was born on Monday, July 23, 1945. This year, my birthday was on a Wednesday. President Harry S. Truman was in office when I was born. That means I have lived through 15 United States Presidents.

Of course, 80 years ago, prices were much lower.

• Gasoline (Gallon) $0.15
• Milk (Gallon) $0.63
• Eggs (Dozen) $0.55
• Bread (Loaf) $0.08
• Postage Stamp (First Class) $0.03

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