Happy Un-Birthday!
“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
Abraham Lincoin
This afternoon I started thinking about birthdays. In many cultures and religions birthdays are not celebrated. There are many people who for a variety of reasons chose not to celebrate their birthday. I have been to wonderful birthday parties for marvelous people that I’ve known for years, lovely birthday parties for fascinating people I have just met. Due to my travels I missed birthday parties that I wished I could have attended. I’ve left the country to celebrate my birthday with travel and I’ve enjoyed tea parties with angelic four year olds to celebrate their day. Whether you celebrate a specific day with a party, a cake, a shisha pipe, a trip to the salon or a simple dinner with friends it is always nice to know that someone thinks you are special.
Happy un-birthday!
The 233rd Marine Corps Birthday Ball
When you get an invitation to attend the 233rd Marine Corps Birthday Ball I did what any good Canadian girl would do. I got a lovely new ball gown designed by my evil twin from Texas. After trip to the fabric souk to find perfect black material and four rows of shiny rhinestones we headed to the tailor, or the couture designer from Pakistan. With only a little drama he created a lovely black A line ball gown, suitable for any cruise ship dancing or Marine event!
Getting ready with my new diva stylist and friends was a hoot and a half. The silver princess shoes made me smile all night long! As we drove to the American Embassy the conversation turned to a trip down prom memory lane. Everyone remembering dancing the night away with there high school friends and although Dave the little red headed boy wouldn’t be there to dance to “I Swear” I had a feeling it would be a most memorable evening.
After clearing embassy security we were instructed to wait for a golf cart to pick us up and drive us 100 feet down the road. When exiting the golf cart the Marine said,” See that gate over there? Walk through it!”
Not being girls to disobey a direct order from a Marine we left the golf cart behind and walked past the tank and through the gate. It was at that point I saw a row of 6 Marine’s in full dress blues. Now I have seen Mounties and I have seen pictures and posters of Marines but to come face to face and be expected to shake hands with men who every day are prepared to face death to protect others is something else. The Marines don’t mess around when they throw a party. It was sweet and perfect when the last Marine in that line handed each women a rose and said, “Enjoy our Birthday Party!”
The palm trees were wrapped in white Christmas lights and the Embassy tennis court was turned into a giant ballroom. The speeches were chilling, the rich Marine tradition was beautiful and the food was fantastic!
The Dj and the band played till the early morning hours and it was lovely to be able to say Happy Birthday to the Marines!
Kuwait City, KUWAIT
Christine Oastler is a freelance travel writer, teacher and artist, currently living in Mahboula, Kuwait. Born and raised in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, Christine obtained her Bachelor of Arts at Trent University and her Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University. Currently traveling around the Middle East she finds herself riding the odd camel and embracing a new culture!