I first started blogging in January 2003 and back then, I was very clear about one thing - that I did not want to meet anyone in person. Blogging for me was just an outlet for expression. I did not imagine it could be a way to meet like-minded people. So, for a really long time, I did not interact with anyone in person. It was always on the blog, or email and sometimes chat.

Now, seven years later, it's hard to believe that some of my closest friends are the ones I have met through blogging. Even on my birthday yesterday, these were the only people (apart from my family) that made it special for me, and made me feel special. Something I haven't felt in a very long time.

I was home alone on the eve of my birthday. I had an early dinner and decided to call it a night. I thought I would try and sleep early for a change and wake up early, sort of a birthday resolution if you will. Well, it didn't happen, and I'm so glad for it :-)

I had a lovely surprise at midnight when this amazing couple (that I met through blogging) dropped by to wish me. If that wasn't enough, they came loaded with a special goodie bag of hand-made chocolate! We chatted for a short while over Kahlua and cake before they left.

I was really touched at their gesture as they'd had a very long tiring day and still came all the way just to wish me. It's funny when I think of all the people who did not even pick up the phone to call or text or even leave a wall post on Facebook (which I think sends you birthday reminders even).

I woke up yesterday feeling special again when I read a beautiful post dedicated to me, by my oldest friend in blogosphere. This is someone who's been there like a rock over the years and is probably the only one who knows all my avatars. That was followed by a couple of wonderful emails from the same blog buddy, making me curse all the limitations we have in the real world (time, distance, thinking too much!).

Spent the day with my parents, brother and aunt. We had lunch at a Chinese restaurant that my parents used to go to when they were dating and even later when they got married and my brother was born! Although I've been to this place several times before with friends, I realised that it was the first time I was there with my family. It was nice and cosy.

Later my parents and I walked and then rode buses all around the beautiful parts of South Bombay. It was such fun! (Not without ample grumbling from Dad though, who was missing his daily afternoon siesta!).

As I was returning home, I was thinking about how good the day had been and was preparing to spend a quiet evening at home by myself. But no! Text messages were exchanged and dinner plans were made for later. It really was turning into a dream day for me.

Some delicious food, yummy desserts, hot coffee, warm and bubbly conversations later and I had ended my birthday basking in the love of the same beautiful people that had brought it in with me. Not only did they treat me to the wonderful dinner, they came loaded with another bag filled with assorted stuff that I love!

At the end of it all, I thought about how different it was when I had just that one special person in my life and thought it was all I needed. But you know what? Birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine's Day, a regular Monday - they were all the same. One birthday I didn't even get wished!

Now I may be alone at night and cry myself to sleep sometimes, but I would continue doing that for the rest of my life even if it meant it was the only way I could keep the love of all my fabulous friends. I have never had a birthday like this and I have never felt so special in my entire life. After a miserable week before, this was heaven.

Through it all, I also had something new and very, very special happening to me but I just can't talk about it now. I can tell you though, that it feels a bit like this ;-)

Don't you go, don't you go down
Take a helium taxi home to me...
Try and steal this
Can't steal happiness...

Thank you all leaving me birthday wishes on my last post, it made my day just that much more special!