HARLEM LOVES » My Birthday http://www.harlemloves.com A blog about the many things a London girl named Harlem loves. Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:13:04 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 The Experience: The 15 -Year-Old Birthday Letter From Me To Me http://www.harlemloves.com/2011/08/the-experience-the-15-year-old-birthday-letter-from-me-to-me/ http://www.harlemloves.com/2011/08/the-experience-the-15-year-old-birthday-letter-from-me-to-me/#comments Thu, 25 Aug 2011 12:33:42 +0000 Harlem http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=5051 So when I was 15 I wrote a letter to myself, sealed it with wax (because I loved the drama) and wrote that I should not open it till my 30th birthday. Well as of Monday I turned 30 and had a great deal of anticipation about what exactly my 15-year-old self had to say…

It was quite emotional to finally be able to open it and I was a little scared to be honest. I had kept it in my old NRA folder (National Record of Achievement not National Rifles Association!) and pretty much forgot about it over the years. Then I stumbled upon it last year and realised it wasn’t long till I would be able to open it… At last, Monday August 22 2011 arrived and it was like an alarm went off in my head as I realised the day was finally here.

So I dug out the letter and carried it around with me waiting for the right moment to open it, which uneventfully turned out to be outside a Tesco’s in Piccadilly Circus (the suspense appeared to be killing both my mum and sister who couldn’t wait any longer).

I won’t post you all the details but in summary after I wish myself a very happy birthday in my best squirly and romantic handwriting I go on to:

  • congratulate myself for being an “award winning journalist”.
  • hope I got a wonderful prezzie from my boyfriend
  • ask whether I’m in touch with several school and church friends
  • remind myself to start planning on getting married and having kids “in the next decade”. I actually say “before you turn 40 eh!”
  • Warn myself that I better not still be eating chocolate

I actually laughed out loud when I read it. I know I was quite opinionated as a teenager but it’s a bit surreal to come face-to-face with your teenage self wagging a long finger at you and prodding at your life.

Much of my anxiety before opening it was that I suddenly felt accountable to my 15-year-old self. Had I achieved my goals? Would I be a disappointment having done nothing I had hoped to do at that age?

Well:

  • I may not be an award winning journalist but fortunately I was nominated for a Precious Award for my blog and am currently working quite happily as an online community manager. Ultimately that’s all I’ve ever wanted is to feel happy and successful in a career I’m confident in so haven’t done too bad in that regard.
  • No boyfriend so no special boyfriend prezzie. Sorry little Harlem
  • Thanks to Facebook I’m still connected with 8 of the 9 friends I mentioned in my letter. Even got invited to one of their weddings next year!
  • As for planning my own wedding one day… Name it and claim it sister! Can I get an amen?
  • Chocolate is the one exception where I do deserve a scalding given I’m currently staring at an empty pot of Pret’s 5000-to-infinity calorie Chocolate Moose Pot. I enjoyed every mouthful too. Big Harlem is so baaad.

Anyway, I’m really glad I took the time to do that and I think I set myself quite sensible ambitions which I haven’t gone to far off from overall. I’ll probably do another two letters this year. One for when I turn 40 and another for when I’m 60. I already have such romantic notions of what I’d like my life to be like when I’m 60 so it would be interesting to see if it matches up or goes beyond.

]]> http://www.harlemloves.com/2011/08/the-experience-the-15-year-old-birthday-letter-from-me-to-me/feed/ 2 The Announcement: *sings* Happy 30th Birthday To Meeeeeee http://www.harlemloves.com/2011/08/the-announcement-sings-happy-30th-birthday-to-meeeeeee/ http://www.harlemloves.com/2011/08/the-announcement-sings-happy-30th-birthday-to-meeeeeee/#comments Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:45:33 +0000 Harlem http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=5041 It’s my birthday today and I am bidding a satisfied farewell to my 20s and running with open arms to my 30s…

Various events this past week, including the VFestival last night, has marked my 30th year as one to be reckoned with. A new decade with new experiences, expectations and excitement… I’m genuinely looking forward to it

So, as I thank God for another year of life and look forward to the blessings ahead I hope your day is equally blessed and wonderful.

In the meantime enjoy the theme tune for my Birthday today:

]]> http://www.harlemloves.com/2011/08/the-announcement-sings-happy-30th-birthday-to-meeeeeee/feed/ 4 The Announcement: Happy Birthday! http://www.harlemloves.com/2010/08/the-announcement-happy-birthday/ http://www.harlemloves.com/2010/08/the-announcement-happy-birthday/#comments Sun, 22 Aug 2010 21:43:57 +0000 Harlem http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=2454 It’s my birthday today!  It’s been truly lovely and as it’s also my last year as a 20-something a lot more reflective. I’ve got a lot of plans for the year ahead, some of which are close to fruition (soooo excited!) and the rest I’m working on with great determination.

So, much love to all my great friends and amazing family who have made this day so special. And here’s to the lessons learned from the past, to all the wonderful things to come and to all the other lovely August babies. Happy Birthday!

]]> http://www.harlemloves.com/2010/08/the-announcement-happy-birthday/feed/ 5 The Experience: My Birthday Festivities http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-experience-my-birthday-festivities/ http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-experience-my-birthday-festivities/#comments Mon, 24 Aug 2009 20:07:00 +0000 Harlem http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=422 I am sooooooo exhausted. Completely shattered. Hence the late blogging. It’s been 24 hours since the last person left my house yesterday and I am still tired… Tired yet still all warm and fuzzy inside from all the birthday love I received.

I always approach my birthdays the same way. There’ll be a low level of anxiety in the run up to the day about whether or not everything will go to plan but when the celebration does take place I’m always blessed by the presence of the fabbest friends and family a girl could ask for.

This year was no exception and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent…

1: Shopping with my sister.
2: Experiencing the delights of the Southbank with my boyfriend.
3: Being treated like a VIP by my dearest friends at a picnic in the park.
4: Having all the family my front room could fit round for dinner.
5: Gazing into the fridge full of food left behind by my gran and auntie (and drooling like Homer Simpson).

There’s something truly incredible about realising how many people will go out of their way to make you feel special and I really hope I do that… not only for the people who have supported me all my life but the newer friends I come to know.

Here’s to a new year of life and not missing any of the exciting opportunities it holds.

Happy Birthday August People

H x

PS I’m working on a new template for the blog… quite excited! So a slightly fresher look coming soon…

[image via Flickr]

]]> http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-experience-my-birthday-festivities/feed/ 0 The Photograph: It’s My Birthday! http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-its-my-birthday/ http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-its-my-birthday/#comments Fri, 21 Aug 2009 23:22:00 +0000 Harlem http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=421 It’s here! It’s really here! My birthday at last! Yeeeeeahhhhh!

So I’ll be going to and fro for most of today and tomorrow but I promise to update you all on how my celebratory weekend panned out.

Hugs and kisses and a big cheesy smile,

H x

[via Flickr]

Harlem Loves… You! Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing this with your friends.
xHarlemx
]]> http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-its-my-birthday/feed/ 0 The Photograph: One (Day Till My Birthday) http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-one-day-till-my-birthday/ http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-one-day-till-my-birthday/#comments Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:06:00 +0000 Harlem http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=419 Yup tomorrow is the big day! My birthday at last! Whoop Whoooop!

I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed doing this countdown in pictures and appreciate all your comments to say you liked them too.

So what are my plans for tomorrow? Strangely enough I’ll be celebrating it quite differently this year. Tomorrow there’s a march from Whitehall to Kennington Park in London organised by L.I.V.E. (Living Intentionally Versus Existing) who are working in partnership with F.A.M.E. (Families Against Murders Escalating).

I went on the march last year and the gathering of so many young people and families passionate for change was quite an experience.

The event culminates in a memorial service and concert in celebration of our commitment to a brighter future. So if you are in the area do feel free to join in.

Of course I’ll be having some birthday specific activities too a picnic with some friends and a family games afternoon on Sunday but it’s quite nice to do something more charitable this year and I’m really looking forward to it.

[via Flickr]

Harlem Loves… You! Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing this with your friends.
xHarlemx
]]> http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-one-day-till-my-birthday/feed/ 0 The Photograph: Two (Days Till My Birthday) http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-two-days-till-my-birthday/ http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-two-days-till-my-birthday/#comments Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:00:00 +0000 Harlem http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=417
[via Flickr]
Harlem Loves… You! Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing this with your friends.
xHarlemx
]]> http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-two-days-till-my-birthday/feed/ 0 The Photograph: Three (Days Till My Birthday) http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-three-days-till-my-birthday/ http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-three-days-till-my-birthday/#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:00:00 +0000 Harlem http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=415
[via Flickr]
Harlem Loves… You! Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing this with your friends.
xHarlemx
]]> http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-three-days-till-my-birthday/feed/ 0 The Photograph: Four (Days Till My Birthday) http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-four-days-till-my-birthday/ http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-four-days-till-my-birthday/#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2009 09:00:00 +0000 Harlem http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=413
[via Flickr]
Harlem Loves… You! Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing this with your friends.
xHarlemx
]]> http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-four-days-till-my-birthday/feed/ 0 The Photograph: Five (Days Till My Birthday) http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-five-days-till-my-birthday/ http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-five-days-till-my-birthday/#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:00:00 +0000 Harlem http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=411 [via Flickr]
Harlem Loves… You! Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing this with your friends.
xHarlemx
]]> http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-five-days-till-my-birthday/feed/ 0 The Photograph: Six (Days Till My Birthday) http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-six-days-till-my-birthday/ http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-six-days-till-my-birthday/#comments Sun, 16 Aug 2009 09:00:00 +0000 Harlem http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=409
[via Flickr]
Harlem Loves… You! Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing this with your friends.
xHarlemx
]]> http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-six-days-till-my-birthday/feed/ 0 The Photograph: Seven (Days Till My Birthday) http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-seven-days-till-my-birthday/ http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-seven-days-till-my-birthday/#comments Sat, 15 Aug 2009 09:02:00 +0000 Harlem http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=408 [via Flickr]
Harlem Loves… You! Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing this with your friends.
xHarlemx
]]> http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-seven-days-till-my-birthday/feed/ 0 The Photograph: Eight (Days Till My Birthday) http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-eight-days-till-my-birthday/ http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-eight-days-till-my-birthday/#comments Fri, 14 Aug 2009 07:30:00 +0000 Harlem http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=403 [via Flickr]
Harlem Loves… You! Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing this with your friends.
xHarlemx
]]> http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-eight-days-till-my-birthday/feed/ 0 The Photograph: Nine (Days Till My Birthday) http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-nine-days-till-my-birthday/ http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-nine-days-till-my-birthday/#comments Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:54:00 +0000 Harlem http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=401 In true countdown fashion I decided each day I’ll be posting a photo to represent how many days are left till my birthday. Yay!


[via Flickr]

Harlem Loves… You! Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing this with your friends.
xHarlemx
]]> http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-photograph-nine-days-till-my-birthday/feed/ 0 The Announcement: The Birthday Countdown Begins! http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-announcement-the-birthday-countdown-begins/ http://www.harlemloves.com/2009/08/the-announcement-the-birthday-countdown-begins/#comments Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:59:00 +0000 Harlem http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=399 So my birthday is on August 22nd and as of today there are ten days until the big day arrives. It is the beginning of the official countdown and I’m so excited.

My family usually celebrate our birthdays for the entire month so I’ve already been enjoying some treats this August. The actual weekend of my birthday though looks like a whole lot of fun but I’ll share the details of that when it happens.

In the meantime, to coincide with the countdown I thought I’d share 10 random things about moi from one of those interview apps I did on Facebook.

1: If you were in a band what would you call it?
Trix and Stix – There’d be a lot of attitude and a lot of drums.

2: A sitcom about your life would be called…?
A spoonful of sugar – It’d be about finding something to smile about after all the crazy stuff life throws at us.

3: I’m allergic to…
People who spit in the street and Akon. Used to be allergic to Ne-yo to but then he sang ‘Closer’ and I was cured.

4: I’d describe my sense of humour as…
Easy to ignite

5: What would your superhero name be?
Whisper – Wielding much power with little effort. I’d wear a stealth suit invisible to the naked eye and undetectably silent.

6: Who would play you in the movie version of your life?
Sanaa Lathan – She’s already got the journo bit down from Brownsugar but she’d need to loosen up a bit for the part where I discovered karaoke.

7: What’s the most embarrassing song you’ve done karaoke to?
Under the Sea from Little Mermaid but only because I liked the ‘hotter under the water’ line.

8: When they write my obituary I hope they mention…
She loved much and loved well.

9: I love the scent of…
Dior Addict. It’s amaaaaaaazing and seriously addictive.

10: The older I get the more I don’t care about…
Singing badly and dancing wildly.

So now that you know me a little better I also wanted to take the oppportunity to say how tremendously blessed I feel having you guys who have choose to follow Harlem Loves and give me a huge dose of happy each time you have commented or emailed me.

I love doing these announcement posts just so I can thank you and also give a special welcome to new followers. Yep I see you guys and you’re truly appreciated!

Big Squeezy Hugs

H x

Harlem Loves… You! Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing this with your friends.
xHarlemx
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