Why 21st Birthdays should be a special affair and how I can't believe I'm turning 29 soon.

I've always thought that 21st birthdays are a landmark event. It is the classic coming of age birthday that everyone should celebrate. My own 21st birthday was kinda sad and maybe its because of that, I somehow project what I wish it had been like on my friends' parties. The amount of 21st birthdays I've helped plan is amazing and I can't even remember how many of those were surprises.

All these birthdays have of course reminded me that my own birthday is swinging around soon. Many people have been coming to me and asking what I want for my birthday or what I want to do for my birthday. Honestly? I have no idea. It is my last birthday that starts with the number 2 and somehow that makes me feel like I should totally boogie it down. Yet people are saying 30s is the new 20s anyway, so maybe its no big deal?

Was discussing with my gf on what to do. I told her I didn't want some elaborate scheme like last year. A nice simple dinner with friends and maybe go to some place with drinks would be good. Initially was thinking of doing steamboat or pot luck at our place, but thinking abt the logistics so close to Chinese New Year is a nightmare in itself. So the current plan is to find a restaurant, sit down, have dinner and maybe proceed for a KTV/drinks session after. I think I simply want to let my hair down and party that night.

As for a wishlist, after my crazy wishlist last year, I find myself taking a long time to make a list this year. With the current economic slowdown, the things I am wishing for really makes me feel bad, simply because they are mega huge big ticket items that would require either a) alot of people to share or b) very generous friends. However, just to give people a general idea of what they can get me, this is my wishlist for this year:

1. Good Health - With the condition that my health has been in, I really hope that I find a cure for it. I really want to go back to enjoying life and not having my health interfere with the things I want to do.
2. A convection & grill oven - I've been thinking about getting one for a while, so that I can bake cakes, cookies, muffins and also roast chicken, beef and make baked rice, lasagne and shepherd's pie. Something that is temperature controlled, can go up to at least 250 degrees celcius and sized above 35L so it can fit a good sized cake. After doing some research, seems like this Morries brand is cheap and good for basics.
3. Time with my friends - Meetups with my wonderful friends. 1 on 1 if possible, just to catchup and spend some quality time together. It could be some activity or just a simple meal. So if you could just make a date with me, whether it is lunch, dinner, tea, supper or even breakfast, I would be happy
4. Canon Digital IXUS 80 IS in pink - Because my camera has developed a liking for inserting fine red lines in every picture I take and decided that I no longer need the video or manual photo mode. Basically, it has served me for 5 years (a lifetime in digicam terms) and wants to retire, so it needs a sucessor.
5. Photos - Ever since my camera has been acting wonky, I've not been able to do as much cam-whoring in the past year and somehow missed capturing some key moments. I am trying to get into the habit of doing a digital scrapbook for every year. If anyone has digital photos they can share with me, it would be greatly appreciated.
6. Shopping vouchers - They can be for anywhere. Isetan, Takashimaya, Tangs (I refused to shop there after finding out about their FOTF connections), Charles and Keith, Top Shop, Borders, Kinokuniya, Times etc. With the economy getting so tough, I have to save my cash for other things, so vouchers will let me continue to enjoy shopping without breaking the bank
7. Be my Pen pal - Be it via email or snail mail, I miss having a pen pal. I miss the excitement of opening an envelope and reading handwriting. I miss the excitement of seeing a "New Email" message and realising that there is something interesting that a friend is about to reveal to me. I also miss writing back to my friends in an effort to tell them what's happening in my life, however mundane and boring it is. So write me... I'll truly appreciate it.
8. 1 TB External Hard Drive - After hearing about the few HD crash disasters last year, I'm thinking that I really need to backup my data more often. Seeing as how I am already maxing out my hard drive at 160 GB and the 2 portable drives (that total over 250 GB) are also being rapidly filled up, only a 1 TB can do the job.
9. Introduce a friend to Sayoni - All it takes is bringing a friend to a gathering, official or otherwise. I am really hoping that we can help build Sayoni into a bigger and better community this year so this is one gift everyone can give.
10. Cash - As with last year, I'm still feeling broke and the recession issn't helping. So kind donations in any amount to the "Make Liv Feel Less Broke Fund" is very welcome

2 weeks more to my birthday, yet somehow this year seems less depressing than in the past. Maybe because I am so happy with my life right now that getting older doesn't get me down anymore. I'm actually looking forward to my birthday this year. Can't wait to P-A-R-T-Y!