23rd December, 1983

I was born. And today was my 31st birthday-eek! I can't believe I'm that old! Or as my dad so eloquently put it "31 years old! And still no children!". 
Thanks Dad! He can always be relied upon to come out with something like that! I'm a tough girl, I can take it ;-)

I didn't do a whole lot in the day. I hadn't planned to as I knew I was going out in the evening. We had cups of tea, and birthday cookies rather than cake, from my sister. I knew straight away when she showed me my gift all wrapped up what it was! I did in passing mention that I needed some new knives and forks, but I hadn't found any I liked yet, and lo and behold! I laughed! Well, it's on par with last year's birthday microwave :-) I don't mind! Although I always say to her that she's banned from buying me anything for the kitchen from now on!

In the evening I took the train into London to meet a friend for a drink. I could have taken the time to arrange something, but I pretty much hate the attention that comes with birthdays, plus mine is so close to the holidays that I'm used to everyone having gone away for Christmas. I always feel really uncomfortable when the focus is on me. I don't know why. I'd be upset inside if everyone forgot, but yet more at ease when not much attention is given to it. Go figure. I'm a complex little person!

I decided to do the walk for twenty minutes into the city rather than take a taxi. I took my good camera on purpose as I wanted to stop on 'my' bridge, and take some photos. It was very windy, but I spent a lot of time there, looking, and trying to take some good pictures. The sky was pretty grey, and it was really cold, but I ended up with some reasonable ones to process.

My bridge. Until this year I never knew it existed. I've walked it with someone special, with friends, and alone, and I can't explain it, but I feel a sense of peace and calm whenever I'm there. It's funny how something so insignificant can mean so much to you. Whenever I go to London, I nearly always take the time to stop and take photos. Even though it's always the same view. It's a place that's special to me. 

And so it seemed fitting that on my special day, it should be a place I should visit, and also my birthday blip. 

Reading last year's birthday entry made me a little melancholy. In some ways, I'm exactly where I was, and yet I'm also in a different place. I've changed. 

God knows where I'll be in another year, but you know what, I''l be ok :-)